Larger AAA building improves headquarters
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

The AAA Travel and Insurance Center located at 100 International Drive recently completed an expansion project.

One year after the groundbreaking at 100 International Drive in Amherst, the AAA Travel and Insurance Center has opened and will serve as the organization's headquarters for Western and Central New York.

"Amherst is a good place for our associates to work," said AAA Vice President Wallace D. Smith.

The 22,000-square-foot building is part of an expansion project of the headquarter's campus and a state-of-the art retail travel center for its members.

The facility ushers in a new look and method of taking care of the organization's 870,000 members in Upstate New York, as well as the travelers that use the company's services.

The facility offers flat-screen plasma television sets, an Internet cafe and travel viewing room. Floor to ceiling windows surround the entire building, a distinct design meant to convey a more futuristic look.

The club offers a driving academy for novice drivers and driver education programs in high schools around WNY.

The driving improvement program allows AAA customers to brush up on defensive driving skills and receive a 10 percent insurance discount plus a point reduction on their New York State driving record. Members also receive a 15 percent discount on class tuition.

Also, beginning Dec. 15, AAA will offer traditional property and casualty personal insurance products, including, automobile, homeowners and umbrella liability.

AAA is located in all 50 states, and many of them offer insurance options, but until now New York had regulations restricting its offices from supplying such benefits. The restrictions have recently been lifted, allowing for members to have the insurance option.

The travel facility allows customers to work directly with the travel agent. People can also seek assistance by visiting www.AAA.com or calling the travel center at 1-800-836-2582. The agents will provide TripTik routings, which are personalized trip maps showing the best routes and construction information.

Members save 10 to 50 percent through exclusive discounts and offers including hotel reservations. The travel agent will make airplane, hotel and cruise ship arrangements for the customer, making planning a trip less stressful.

The grand opening celebration will continue through November with two special events.

The center will hold an appreciation day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 11 and 18 with the themes family vacations and winter getaways.

Since its inception in 1900, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited at www.AAA.com.

The company also offers roadside assistance to help stranded motorists.

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com