The phrase "a friendly associate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is both amicable and connected to you in a professional or social context.
Example: "During the meeting, I was pleased to see a friendly associate who I hadn't spoken to in a while."
Alternatives: "a cordial colleague" or "a pleasant acquaintance".
Kohl's shoppers cite friendly associates willing to help them score the best deals and a liberal return policy, perhaps necessary for those regretful purchases made during a discount feeding frenzy.
Even in a formally democratic polity, political action occurs in a context of conflict and inequality; thus, the shared speech of citizenship differs significantly from the conversations of friendly associates.
It is not just the joy of having friendly associates and cooperative companies, it is the way toward increased profits and reduced costs.
The city has been able to expand its hiring pool and can now seek friendly associates with strong team-building and communication skills rather than searching exclusively for highly technical associates.
It seems churlish to cavil at a director who has such a patient, brooding eye for urban loveliness; just look at the scene where Bobby beats up Jumbo (Danny Hoch), a friendly, loose-tongued associate at the club.
To outsiders, he gives the impression of being a friendly, relaxed sort, but associates know, and occasionally fear, his intensity.
In a friendly room packed with longtime associates, he earned two standing ovations, more than other attendees.
In addition, the Swiss investigation is also probing payments associated with a friendly match played between Argentina and Brazil in Qatar two weeks before the FIFA World Cup vote in 2010.
Mr. Kennedy, of Massachusetts, has worked closely with Mrs. Clinton, of New York, on health care and other legislation and has had a friendly relationship with both Clintons, but associates said he was intrigued by Mr. Obama's seeming ability to inspire political interest in a new generation.
Sales Associate: I'm not talking about a friendly ride around the block.
