Note: Dues and contributions are deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses for Federal Income Tax purposes. Dues and contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions. The tax deductibility of dues paid to COSEIA as ordinary business expenses is subject to restrictions imposes as a result of lobbying activities. The portion devoted to lobbying is no longer deductible as a business expense. COSEIa estimates that the non-deductible portion of your dues for the 2008 tax year is 33%.
Membership Categories
There are several membership classifications:
Friends of Solar (Non-Voting): Participate in our advocacy, workshops, news and information. Friends of Solar receive member discounts and advertising. Individual membership only - no company listing included. Join us in supporting solar energies!
Corporate Members (Voting): Any company, corporation, or business entity participating in a commercial venture utilizing solar energy is eligible for corporate membership. Corporate members shall be accorded full rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter and Association, including the right to vote, hold office, and chair committees.
Government Agency (Voting): Governmental agencies and any government-supported research laboratory participating in a venture utilizing solar energy are eligible for this membership. Government representative members shall be accorded full rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter and Association, including the right to vote, hold office, and to chair committees.
Utility (Voting): Any utility participating in a venture utilizing solar energy is eligible for this membership. Utility representatives members shall be accorded full rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter and Association, including the right to vote, hold office, and to chair committees.
Non-Profit Educational and Other Non-Profit Members (Voting): Any non-profit educational institution or non-government non-profit organization participating in a venture utilizing solar energy is eligible for this membership. These members shall be accorded full rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter and Association, including the right to vote, hold office, and chair committees.
Manufacturer (Voting): Any company, corporation, or business entity participating in a commercial manufacturing venture of solar energy equipment is eligible for a Manufacturer membership. Manufacturer members shall be accorded full rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter and Association, including the right to vote, hold office, and to chair committees.
Distributor/Financier (Voting): Any company, corporation, or business entity whose primary business deals with the financing and/or distribution of solar energy, equipment or products. Distribution members shall be accorded full rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter and Association, including the right to vote, hold office, and to chair committees.
Vendor (Voting): Any Company or Service Provider who supports the use of Solar energy and conservation to create a sustainable future.
Annual costs of the various levels of membership are as follows:
Friends of the Solar Industry: $200 to "sun is the limit"
Corporate (Solar Business/Retailer): $350 to $5,000
Non-profit/Educational: $350
Government Agency: $1,000
Utility: $5,000
Small Manufacturer (20 or less employees): $1,500
Large Manufacturer (21+ employees): $3,000
Distributor: $1.500
Vendor: $500
New Member Application Fee:
$25 (Members who have let their membership lapse and are rejoining are considered new members and must pay the "New Member" application fee.)
Dues and contributions are deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses for Federal Income Tax purposes. Dues and contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions. The tax deductibility of dues paid to CoSEIA as ordinary business expenses is subject to restrictions imposed as a result of lobbying activities. The portion devoted to lobbying is no longer deductible as a business expense. CoSEIA estimates that the non-deductible portion of your dues for the 2008 tax year is 33%.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Power in Advocacy and Collective Strength: Together we shape the RPS, key policies, lend our strength and resources in the regulatory process. CoSEIA represents policy interests for solar companies since 2005, and we continue to work closely with policymakers, stakeholders and leadership. Keep CoSEIA's team of experienced contractors working for you.
Workshops, Training and Certification: Solar and PV, basic and advanced trainings, OSHA, and CPR/First Aid, CoSEIA is expanding its workshops to include inspectors, building departments, co-ops and building officials. We will start to implement business classes for the new business owner, and education and training to the growing company that needs a business plan. CoSEIA is also branching out into consumer classes, to educate and inform the public of incentives in Colorado and answer solar/PV questions.
Many of our workshops have continuing education credits for CoSEIA and NABCEP certifications. Soon CoSEIA will have a yearly calendar scheduling workshops and future trainings. CoSEIA certification continues as a service to the membership.
News and Information: CoSEIA's monthly newsletter and all member emails are exclusively for members. We will keep you abreast of updates and action alerts, latest solar/PV installs and solar/PV developments. CoSEIA is positioning itself to keep you abreast of RFPs around the state, and help solar/PV installers take advantage of the incentives from the GEO grant program. We will provide breaking news to our membership to give you the edge.
CoSEIA Guidance through Recommendations from our Subcommittees: Our subcommittees have been crucial to the guidance of our organization. Input and recommendations from the Solar subcommittee, PV policy, permitting, licensure and member revenue, has and will continue to play a major role in shaping policies, procedures and priorities. Become a part of your organization - help guide CoSEIA's work and strengthen the organization's capabilities.
Annual Meeting and Conference: CoSEIA's annual meeting and conference has been a wealth of information, networking, and a time for the solar industry to come together in solidarity. This year's meeting and conference will be in Denver in February. CoSEIA will continue to attend Fairs and Events, to promote the solar industry, and distribute our directory.
Member Discounts and Sponsorships: Did you know that CoSEIA members receive a 15% discount at Solar 2008? Keep abreast of CoSEIA all member emails. Member discounts will be included when we sponsor an event. All members have member rates, whether it be advertising, workshops, or trainings, your discount is quite significant. In addition, members may have a classified add on the website for free.
Advertising and Networking: The new web site has been launched! What an advertisement for you to the consumer. CoSEIA will be building an advertising plan, and building awareness of our members - neighborhood by neighborhood.
CoSEIA will continue to build ways to keep all entities of the organization in contact with each other. Our conference and workshops continue to bring members together, build relationships and network with your peers.
Settlement of Issues: CoSEIA has in place, a mechanism to receive complaints from either a solar/PV contractor or the consumer, and mediate the issue until its resolution. If you find that you are in a situation that would benefit having a mediator, do not hesitate to contact the CoSEIA office.
CoSEIA also has an attorney and consultant who are available to help with more in-depth issues. Payment for these services need to be worked out between the member and the attorney/consultant.
Insurance & Benefits: CoSEIA is working to offer a group health insurance, workers compensation, vehicle insurance, etc. We are working with three different companies to find a package that is the best for the organization. This will be offered to all members once the Board has approved of the provider. This is a member service that you have been asking for, and we hope will benefit many of you.
