Boxoffice Pro - April 2020

INDUSTRY ICA
INDEPENDENT
SCALE
The Cinema Buying Alliance
Finds Strength in Numbers
BY ROB DEL MORO
Managing Director, ICA
– Cinema Buying Alliance
The Independent Cinema Alliance
(ICA), the trade organization representing
independent theater, recently
celebrated its first anniversary with full
membership. In a short period of time, our
organization has gained more than 145
members representing over 2,500 screens
throughout the United States and Canada.
The ICA is a vibrant alliance, formed and
governed by independent cinema owners.
Our organization focuses solely on
issues that are pertinent to independent
cinema owners, tackling important challenges
and adding value for our members
through initiatives such as distributor
relations and education. We also work
closely with the National Association of
Theatre Owners (NATO) and regional
NATO organizations. In fact, many ICA
members are also members of these
organizations.
One significant member benefit is
the Cinema Buying Alliance (CBA), formerly
known as the Cinema Buying Group
(CBG). With membership in the ICA, our
members get free access to the CBA and
the value-added programs it brings to
their theaters. We take the buying power of
our 2,500 screens (and growing) and negotiate
with potential partners in the trade
industry to bring discounts on various
products and services. Some of the programs
that are currently up and running
include: RCM promotional concession
containers, Irwin Seating Company (electric
recliners), and LTI xenon bulb supply.
Don’t just take my word for it, however.
Here is what a few of our members have
said about our programs:
Image courtesy ICA
“The CBA programs can often save independents
enough money to significantly
cut expenses and help us be more profitable.
I recommend the CBA program to all
independents.” —Jeff Logan, President,
Logan Luxury Theatre Corporation.
“The Irwin ZG4 recliner is a fantastic
chair, and we have experienced excellent
customer service from Irwin. Cinergy
believes that it is the most comfortable
recliner in the market. It is a well-built
chair with many options to choose from.
Best of all, our guests love it. By joining
the ICA, and signing up for the CBA’s Irwin
program, it will save Cinergy a tremendous
amount of money. With the rebate I’m
receiving on my next project, it will pay
for our ICA dues for approximately 14
years. Join the ICA or lose out!” —Jeffrey
P. Benson, Founder & CEO, Cinergy Entertainment
Group Inc.
“I am so glad I joined the ICA and CBA.
The LTI Lighting purchasing program is
great. LTI’s pricing and service is incredible.
Ordering is simple and shipping is fast.
Their xenon bulbs are also top-notch. In
the time since I switched to LTI, I haven’t
had any issues with bulbs or lighting, nor
have I had to make use of their extensive
warranty coverage. I only wish I could
have switched to LTI sooner. Being a
member of the CBA makes this happen,
and the savings on bulbs more than covers
the cost of joining the ICA.” —Tom Arnold,
Managing Director, Fabian 8.
The savings are there for all independent
cinema owners to take. With
our growing membership, it will further
increase our ability to reduce your costs
and therefore increase your profits. So,
what are you waiting for? For much of the
country it’s been a long, cold winter, but
it’s time to come out of hibernation and
join the ICA. Go to our website at
www.cinemaalliance.org to learn more
about the ICA and the CBA. I look forward
to seeing your membership soon.
“Our organization focuses
solely on issues that are
pertinent to independent
cinema owners, tackling
important challenges and
adding value for our members
through initiatives such as
distributor relations and
education.”
44 April 2020