Section III of the American Supply Association by-laws states:
A Vendor Member is defined as a proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other business entity engaged, for a period of not less than one year, in the United States, its territories, and Canada, in: the master wholesale distribution of plumbing, or heating, or cooling products, and/or pipe, valves and fittings, substantially (over 90%) to entities qualifying for Active Membership under (a) above, and in providing such wholesale distribution functions as maintaining and owning a diversified inventory of industry products, breaking bulk shipments, providing delivery services, extending credit to diversified and varied customers and providing sales and technical assistance to suppliers and to diversified and varied customers.