Washington

Washington

401 N. Union, Suite 105
Kennewick, WA 99336-3819
(509) 783-0892

4800 South 188th Street, Suite 105
P.O. Box 68926 (98168-0926)
Seatac, WA 98188
(206) 431-2222
(206) 448-6222 (24 hours)

East 123 Indiana, Suite 106
Spokane, WA 99207-2356
(509) 328-2100

222 Washington Mutual Bldg.
P.O. Box 1584 (98907-1584)
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 248-1326

Wisconsin

740 North Plankinton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203-2478
(414) 273-1600 (inquiries)
(414) 273-0123 (complaints)


Trade Association and Other Resolution Programs

Companies that manufacture similar products or offer similar
services often belong to industry associations. These
associations help resolve problems between their member companies
and consumers.
Depending on the industry, you might have to contact an
association, service council or consumer action program.

If you have a problem with a company and cannot get it resolved
with the company, ask if the company is a member of an
association. Then, check this list to see if the association is
listed. If the name of the association is not included on this
list, check with a local library.

This list includes the names and addresses of the associations and
other dispute resolution programs that handle consumer
complaints for their members. In some cases, the national
organizations listed here can refer you to dispute resolution
programs near you.

These programs are usually called alternative dispute resolution
programs. Generally, there are three types of programs:
arbitration, conciliation and mediation. All three methods of
dispute resolution vary. Ask for a copy of the rules of the
program before you file your case. Generally, the decisions of the
arbitrators are binding and must be accepted by both the customer
and the business. However, in other forms of dispute resolution,
only the business is required to accept the decision. In some
programs, decisions are not binding on either party. Remember,
before contacting one of these programs, try to resolve the
complaint by contacting the company.


Ms. Joan McNeel, Director
Public Relations
American Apparel Manufacturers Association
2500 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 301
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 524-1864

Ms. Karen Holt
Public Relations Coordinator
American Arbitration Association
140 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10020-1203
(212) 484-4006

American Bar Association
Section on Dispute Resolution
1800 M Street, N.W., Suite 790
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 331-2258

Mr. John W. Johnson
Executive Vice President
American Collectors Association
P.O. Box 39106
Minneapolis, MN 55439-0106
(612) 926-6547

Communications Department
American Council of Life Insurance
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20004-2599
1 (800) 942-4242 (toll free-8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST, M-F )

Ms. Jane Marden, Director,
Consumer and Community Affairs
American Gas Association
1515 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 841-8583

American Health Care Association
1201 L Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005-4014
(202) 842-4444
1 (800) 321-0343 (toll free--publications only)

American Hotel and Motel Association
1201 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005-3931
(written inquiries only)

Mr. Herbert A. Finkston, Director
Professional Ethics Division
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Harborside Financial Center
201 Plaza III
Jersey City, NJ 07311-3881
(201) 938-3175

American Orthotic and
Prosthetic Association
1650 King Street, Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314-1885
(703) 836-7116

Mr. Ray Greenly, Vice President
Consumer Affairs
American Society of Travel Agents, Inc.
1101 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-2782

Mr. James A. Morrissey, Director
Communications Division
American Textile Manufacturers Institute
1801 K Street, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 862-0552

Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP)
8400 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 821-7144

BBB AUTO LINE
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
1 (800) 955-5100 (toll free)

Better Hearing Institute
P.O. Box 1840
Washington, DC 20013
(703) 642-0580
1 (800) EAR-WELL (toll free)

Consumer Affairs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
1310 G Street, N.W., 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 626-4780

Ms. Caroline C. Ajootian
Director, Consumer Protection Bureau
Boat Owners Association of The United States
Boat/U.S.
880 South Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304-0730
(703) 823-9550

Career College Association Accrediting Commission for Trade and
Technical Schools
Accrediting Commission for Independent Colleges and Schools 750
First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-6700
(written inquiries only)

Ms. Sarah Hicks
Director of Public Relations
Carpet and Rug Institute
Box 2048
Dalton, GA 30722
(written inquiries only)

Mr. Robert M. Fells, Assistant Secretary
Cemetery Consumer Service Council
P.O. Box 3574
Washington, DC 20007
(703) 379-6426