What does it take to be a contributing member now? I contributed like 4 years ago. Retired now and looking for good forums and I remember this one being excellent. Also who are the best vendors now? 
Welcome back John...
Go to the home page and your questions will be answered there:
Lower left is contribution info.
The list of vendors is in the top middle.
This is just my opinion and not that of NLGs but the bad vendors that abuse the members here get run off.
So if you see a vendor on the Home Page they would be among the best...