Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/755919
H oliday shopping and gift-giving season is the perfect time to start using CTA Member Benefits' Access to Savings program. Since it launched in September, almost 8,000 members have registered to receive discounts and have already saved over $270,000. In addition to the savings, you currently have a chance to win fabulous prizes. For the month of December, any first-time or returning member who logs in to the website will be entered to win two one-day passes to Knott's Berry Farm. And be sure to check out the CTA Access to Savings website in January for a chance to win two one-day passes to SeaWorld. Go to CTAMemberBenefits.org/Access, log in, and click "Enter" (or log in to the mobile app), and you will automatically be entered to win. There are over 350,000 merchants of fering high-value, exclusive deals t o C TA m e m b e r s . An d i f y o u c a n' t find the discount you are looking for, contact Access to Savings with your request at 888-818-5217, and they will try to acquire. Make sure to download the My Deals mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. With My Deals, you can save on the go — wherever you may be. It's an easy and convenient way to save money. Simply check the app, find discounts, and redeem by showing your phone at the point of sale. See what CTA Member Benefits can do for you and how much you can save by using the CTA Access to Savings program. And when you do, tell us about it! We'd love to hear from you and how much you've saved. Email customerservice@memberweb.com. As always, CTA Member Benefits is here for you, for your family, and for your career, so check out CTAMemberBenefits.org or download the CTA Member Benefits smartphone app to find all the CTA Member Benefits programs and the value they can bring to your CTA membership. Be a Winner! Get CTA Member Benefits' Access to Savings Member Roundup Event helps create chapter value T W O Y E A R S A G O , leaders of the Yucaipa-Calimesa Educators Association (YCEA) looked carefully at their chapter's changing demographics and dwindling member involvement in chapter events, and determined to make recruitment and member engagement a top priority. After the second annual YCEA Ranch Roundup at Fascination Ranch in Calimesa in September, as well as other efforts, they're seeing positive results. e family- friendly event draws millennial, new and veteran edu- cators alike, and helps build collegial relationships and foster strong connections to YCEA that are critical throughout the year. YCEA President Christopher Brunette explains that the Great Recession and an early retirement program resulted in Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School Dis- trict's need to replace about 80 educators in the last two years alone — about 20 percent of chapter membership. YCEA listened to what its members said they wanted from their local. "Our team saw an opportunity to build a new and different relationship with our members, and we took advantage of it," Brunette says. Th e c h a p t e r 's Me m b e r sh i p E n ga ge m e n t Te a m , including chair Melody Flores and lead event plan- ner Brittany Davis, was tasked with planning what b e cam e th e R an ch R o un dup . Th e d ay 's a c tiv iti e s included "rope a metal steer," horseshoes, a petting zoo, games and bounce houses. Hundreds of hot dogs, snacks and drinks were provided at no cost. Relevant, authentic outreach that creates opportu- nities for new and existing members to find value in their chapter is helping build the next generation of YCEA leadership. — Ed Sibby Tell us about your chapter's member engagement efforts at editor@cta.org. Where have members saved money so far? Here are the top-redeemed merchants in the CTA Access to Savings program to date: • Budget Rent A Car • IHOP • Radisson Hotels • Redbox • Del Taco • Universal Studios • New York & Company • Target • Six Flags Also popular are Arby 's, Days Inn, Endless Vacation Rentals, Papa John's, Pre- mium Seats USA (Golden State Warriors), and the Aquarium of the Pacific. 54 cta.org CTA & You membership YCEA member Chad Spencer, left, and David Aten (spouse of a member) enjoy the Roundup with their kids.