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 independent sales representation of manufacturers of plumbing, or heating or cooling products, and/or pipes, valves and fittings (PHCPI); provided that the independent sales representative represents at least two PHCPI manufacturers and maintains an office separate and apart from, and independent of, any such manufacturers or wholesaler firms.