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Summer 2014
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We dodged the storms and faced the heat, but that didn’t stop us from saying “thank you” to Retail Merchants Association (RMA) members with our 5th Annual Member Appreciation Picnic and VRF Silent Auction!
Members and their families came out to RMA’s headquarters on Thursday, June 17 to join in the festivities.
Joey’s Hot Dogs served up--you guessed it--delicious hot dogs, an American classic! Center of the Universe Brewing Co. also generously provided refreshments for 21 and over attendees to enjoy.
On top of that, the evening offered cornhole games, music, interactive
vendors, good cheer and a silent auction benefiting the Virginia Retail Federation (VRF).
Attendees bid on some wonderful auction items, donated by fellow members. And boy, the bidding was as hot as the temperature! This year the VRF silent auction raised an all-time record of $7,000!
These funds benefit the VRF Political Action Committee (PAC) which supports pro-business and retail issues at the Virginia General Assembly.
So, here’s a special shout-out to the many members and their families who attended the picnic.
In This Issue...
1 Summer Fun and “Thank You!”
2 Letter to Members
3 In Good Company
4 The RMA Scene
6 RMA Endorsed Vendors
7 Update: The 2014 Virginia State Budget
8 Congratulations! RMA Members Recognized as the “Best”
9 Welcome New Members!
10 Nominate a Retailer
11 RMA Event Calendar
Summer 2014
Virginia Retail Federation, LLC
Partnering for Retail Advocacy
for going above and beyond...
Summer Fun and a Big “Thank You!”
Scott Aronson (Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods), RMA Board Member, playing cornhole at the 5th Annual Member Appreciation Picnic & VRF Silent Auction
Picnic attendees placing bids on various donated silent auction items
Thanks for making the event a big success!
And even more importantly, thank you for your membership.
Connect@FirstFridayForum
FF1
2 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Summer 2014
STAFF CORNER
Dear RMA members,
Here at RMA, the lazy days of summer are anything but that! We’re in the midst of several major initiatives, all aimed at helping us better serve you, our members.
• We’ve revamped our Core Values by simplifying the language while still staying true to their intent and essence. Check out the newly written values below. They define how we interact with members and ensure our actions reflect our commitment to our Mission.
• We are eagerly analyzing the results of our Members Survey, which will help direct and prioritize our efforts to improve member programs and services. Thanks to all of you who took the time to provide your feedback and valuable insights. We’re so grateful. We’ll share the results of the survey in the Fall issue of the Retail Partners newsletter, so stay tuned!
• We’re revitalizing our e-communications. Look for the first issue of RMA Happenings in August with a fresh format, more images, engaging content and direct links to the RMA website for more detailed information.
• We’re also in the midst of improving our information systems with emphasis on using technology to better engage with members. The new platform will make it easier for members to login, manage their profile, register for events and access RMA resources and materials.
As with everything we do here at RMA, all of these efforts are designed to move us toward our Vision: Creating vibrant retail communities together. Together is the operative word! Thanks for being the heart of that word.
With gratitude,
Jenna Mosman, Project [email protected] | 804.323.5739
We are committed to our members and the retail industry.
We are passionate about our community.
We are open, honest and direct communicators.
We are professional and accountable.
We are collaborators who promote connectivity, change and creativity.
We are a resource for our members.
We expect excellence in ourselves and in our work.
VisionCreating vibrant retail communities, together
MissionWe help local retailers thrive.
Core Values
The Retail Partners Newsletter is published four times annually.
Editorial OfficesRetail Merchants Association5101 Monument AveRichmond, VA 23230804.662.5518
PublisherJenna [email protected]
EditorKate [email protected]
Contributing WritersMary Huffard KegleyMegan Way
Ad SalesJulie Hill - [email protected]
© 2014 Retail Merchants Association, Richmond VA. All rights reserved.
MEMBER BENEFITS
an improved format and easier access. We did this to simplify the experience of how our members find and benefit from these offers and services.
On the new Member-to-Member Offers page you can easily browse by the service or product. Users can also
We frequently hear from RMA members who want to connect, collaborate and do business with other members. They recognize the advantage of working with people who share the same values, are equally committed to the community and are trusted partners.
This trend sparked the genesis of RMA’s Member-to-Member Offers, an exclusive RMA member-only program which enables member companies to offer special promotions, discounts and services to other RMA members. While this program has been around for years, we’ve recently revamped how we share and promote these offers.
We’ve completely overhauled the Member-to-Member webpage to offer
In Good Company What’s New with Member-to-Member Offers
search by business name.
And now there’s a spot for company logos or artwork!
So if you think your business has something great to offer other RMA members and you want to show off what you do best, then take advantage of this FREE RMA member-only benefit!
These deals change frequently, so check back regularly for new and special, limited-time offers.
To get your RMA member-only offer highlighted, submit it to Diana Kent, Member Relations Coordinator, at [email protected].
You can view all Member-to-Member Offers at www.retailmerchants.com under “Member Benefits.”
4 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Summer 2014
1 Aaron Montgomery (CarLotz), Dougie Bowman Scudder, Matt Cuff (Elliot Davis) & Jack Berry (Venture Richmond) part of the June First Friday Forum downtown Richmond community panel
2 Bob Scudder, Dougie Bowman Scudder & Pate Mears (Strategic Strategies)
3 Fun and games at the 5th Annual Member Appreciation Picnic & VRF Silent Auction
4 Kate Fraser-Orr (RMA), JT Stevens (Comcast Spotlight) & Megan Way (RMA)
5 Members enjoying themselves at the Member Appreciation Picnic
6 Sherry Minson, Mary Warren & Diana Kent (RMA) at the June First Friday Forum
7 Duncan Thomas (Auto Haus Group) testing out a silent auction item at the Member Appreciation Picnic
8 Attendees networking before a First Friday Forum
9 Richmond Raiders team players & Mary Huffard Kegley (RMA) at the Member Appreciation Picnic
10 Mary Warren (RMA), Noelynn Hill (Stony Point Fashion Park), Bill Bevins (Lite 98)) at Connect@ BedCrafters by Michelle
11 BedCrafters by Michelle makes its Connect@ even sweeter with a tasty treat!
12 Banks (Village Bank) at a First Friday Forum
13 Julie Hill (RMA) & Jack Berry (Venture Richmond) addressing attendees at the June First Friday Forum
14 Jenna Mosman & Sherry Minson (RMA) placing bananas for Madison + Main’s “Is Marketing Driving you Bananas?” campaign
15 Jeff Newkirk, Annette Lindsey & Michelle Brumfield (BedCrafters by Michelle) at Connect@ BedCrafters by Michelle
16 Ken Wayland (Free Agents Marketing), Nancy Thomas (RMA), Sara McBride (Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa) & Len East (RMA) at Connect@ BedCrafters by Michelle
2 3
5
8
7
1
4
6
2012 DISTINGUISHED RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD CEREMONYTHE RMA SCENE9
12
10
11 13
14
16
15
6 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Summer 2014
Tenant • LandlordCommercial Real Estate Representation
How Can We Work Together?i á åÇëÉó=_~êÇÉåUMQKVMVKOMMOäÄ~êÇÉå] ê~éé~éçê íÅçKÅçãï ï ï Kê~éé~éçê íÅçKÅçã
Virginia MarketRichmond I Charlottesville I Roanoke
Lynchburg I Hampton Roads
Tenant • LandlordCommercial Real Estate Representation
How Can We Work Together?
Lindsey [email protected]
Virginia MarketRichmond I Charlottesville I Roanoke
Lynchburg I Hampton Roads
Kit Kidd 804.218.4679
John Scott804.290.1122
RMA Endorsed Vedors
S. Freedman & Sons, Inc.
PAPER, MAINTENANCE & RESTAURANT SUPPLIES
SINCE 1907
CAPITAL, LLCSINCE 1907
CAPITAL, LLC
a subsidiary of
D P SDOMINION PAYROLL SERVICES
Joe LaBella804.355.3430
Doris Ann Kane804.649.6291
Allison White 804.317.3432
Scott Johnston 804.836.6798
Take advantage of this free member-only benefit. RMA’s Endorsed Vendors offer free consultations and reduced pricing.
THE VIRGINIA RETAIL FEDERATION
vetoes to specific budget items, and legislators ultimately approved six of the eight vetoes, refusing to allow the Medicaid issue to remain in the budget. It is anticipated that Governor McAuliffe will pursue alternative methods to implement the plan in Virginia.
As a result of Senator Puckett’s (D-Russell County) surprise resignation from the Virginia Senate, Republicans returned to majority representation in the Senate with 20 Republicans and 19 Democrats. Republican Senators re-established their control in the Senate by reorganizing key committees with Republican leadership.
An important state issue for retailers is the patent reform effort to allow Attorney General Mark Herring to pursue questionable actions by patent “trollers” who often use heavy-handed techniques to require businesses to pay to use their patented systems. VRF supported this legislation and it was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor.
On the federal level, VRF supports the E-Fairness efforts currently underway in Congress. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke) is chairman of the US House Judiciary Committee which is working to develop legislation to address the issue of disparity between “brick and mortar” businesses required to collect state sales tax, however, internet retailers are not required to collect the tax. RMA Vice Chair Sarah Paxton and Andy Thornton of La Difference recently visited with Congressman Goodlatte in Washington to share the retail perspective.
For more information, contact Mary Huffard Kegley at 804.662.5505 or [email protected].
The Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) tracked more than 160 pieces of legislation during the 2014 Virginia General Assembly Session. It has taken since the Session’s adjournment on March 8, 2014 for legislators to finalize the Commonwealth’s biennial budget.
Update: The 2014 Virginia State Budget
Left to right: Larry Davidson (Davidson’s men’s clothing in Roanoke), Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Tina Miller (Walkabout Outfitters & Ladles & Linens in Roanoke, Lexington, and Richmond), Sarah Paxton & Andy Thornton (La Difference) and Alison Anderson (A.Dodson’s gift & accessories store in Suffolk & Norfolk)
On June 23, 2014 legislators agreed on a two-year $96 billion state budget, which limits Governor McAuliffe’s priority to expand health coverage according the federal Affordable Care Act. There was spirited debate about the Governor’s eight
8 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Summer 2014
RMA IN VIRGINIA
We give every client the finest in design, installation and service. It’s a promise we kept
for over 50 years – from our family to yours.
6412 Horsepen RoadRichmond, VA 23226
804 288 7247
www.CustomKitchensInc.net
Distinguished Retailer of the Year
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K (SportsBackers)
HISTORIC MUSEUM Valentine History Center Virginia Historical Society
MOVIE THEATRE The Byrd Theatre CineBistro
OVERALL MUSEUM Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
SPECIAL EVENT VENUE The Jefferson Hotel
LIVING & RECREATION
“DO NOT MISS” TOURIST ATTRACTION Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
HOTEL The Jefferson Hotel
FOOD & DRINK
BAKERY Westhampton Pastry Shop
BARBEQUE RESTAURANT Buz and Ned’s Real Barbeque Q Barbeque
CATERER A Sharper Palate
CHOCOLATIER Gearhart’s Fine Chocolate
LOCAL ICE CREAM Gelati Celesti
OVERALL BAR Capital Ale House (Midlothian)
PLACE FOR BRUNCH The Jefferson Hotel Can Can Brasserie
PLACE FOR LUNCH Can Can Brasserie
STEAKHOUSE Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Buckhead’s Restaurant & Chop House
SUSHI CUISINE Sticky Rice
SHOPPING & SERVICES
ANTIQUES Alexander’s Antiques
CAR DEALER Pearson
CYCLE SHOP Agee’s Bicycles
DAY SPA Scents of Serenity
FINE JEWELRY STORE Adolf Jewelers
FLORIST Strange’s Florist Vogue Flowers
GIFT SHOP Tweed
INDEPENDENT HOME DECOR STORE La Difference
KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM Custom Kitchens, Inc.
LANDSCAPING COMPANY James River Grounds Management
LOCAL DRY CLEANER Puritan Cleaners Hand Craft Cleaners
MEN’S CLOTHING Franco’s Fine Clothier Peter-Blair
MEN’S HAIRCUT Mango Salon
PET BOARDING Holiday Barn Pet Resort
SHOE STORE Saxon Shoes
SHOPPING AREA/ MALL Short Pump Town Center Stony Point Fashion Park Carytown
SPORTING GOODS Green Top Hunting and Fishing
WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE Need Supply Co.
Art Works Studios & Galleries
Barber Martin Agency
Berkeley Hotel
Cynthia Steele
esbe Designs
Ethos Security Group
ETS Corporation
Great Big Greenhouse and Meadows Farms Nurseries
Half Way House Restaurant
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial
Haunts of Richmond
Magic Special Events
Oil & Vinegar
Pecan Jacks
Red Eye Cookie Company
Sealed With A Kiss
She Chester
Southern Season
Sustainable Technology Institute
Wolfgang Jasper Photography
Check out who’s joined since the last Retail Partners issue:
Congratulations! RMA Members Recognized as “The Best” Virginia Living Magazine has published its “Best of Virginia 2014” guide. Numerous RMA
members were listed in various categories for Central Virginia. Congratulations to the following RMA members for being recognized as the best Central Virginia has to offer!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
May First Friday Forum Back row, left to right: Bob Jameson (Center of Wellness), Mike Heppert (New Way Fitness), Erwin Padilla (Money Mailer), Chris Ray (Center of the Universe Brewing Co.) & James Wyant (LegalShield Independent Associate)
Front Row, left to right: Kelly Patterson (C&F Bank), Mederise Padilla (Money Mailer), Colleen Baybutt (HR Business Solutions), Ashley Wells (Fleet Feet Sports) & Mary Warren (RMA)
April First Friday Forum
Back row, left to right: Paul Stone (New Way Fitness), John Eccleston (OpenGate Marketing Communications), Jeff Wells (Fleet Feet Sports), A.T. Ashby (RSVP Home and Living Magazine), Tony Marbury (MSB Coach), Matt Whitlock & Sam Sweet (Stephen Gould Corporation) & Patrick Holmes (RVA Card LLP)
Front Row, left to right: Holly Raidabaugh (Acorn Sales), Erica DePomeo (University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies), Jenni Kirby (Crossroads Art Center), Madison + Main Gorilla & Margaret Benson (Virginia Eye Institute)
June First Friday Forum Back row, left to right: Hugh Cline (Chesterfield Center for the Arts), Matt Gleason (Jefferson Lakeside Country Club Pro Shop), Ken Harvey (ETS Corporation), Chuck Reyes (Heartland Payment Systems), Scott LaRochelle (Laker-Beacon Group), Scott Bergman (Haunts of Richmond) & Jay Cowan (Business Owner Exit Strategies)
Front row, left to right: Rhonda Abbell (Jefferson Lakeside Country Club Pro Shop), Amanda King (Chesterfield Center for the Arts), Jessica Sparks (Bliss Bridal Consignment Boutique), Gail Nystrom (esbe Designs), Missy Kozubal (Heartland Payment Systems), Bianca Roat & Sandy Oliver (Jefferson Lakeside Country Club Pro Shop)
New Members at Recent First Friday Forums
New Member SponsorEvent Title Sponsor
10 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com |Summer 2014
Nominate a Retailer!We are now taking nominations for the 2014 Distinguished Retailer of the Year.
This award is a longstanding tradition that has been celebrated since 1966. That’s nearly half a century of honoring exceptional retailers from throughout the greater Richmond area!
The award recognizes an outstanding member of the retail community who is a proven leader in the retail field and who actively gives back to the community through volunteering, support, and engagement.
Nominating a retailer is easy! Just tell us who you’d like to nominate and we’ll take it from there. Nominees do not have to be RMA members; they just need to be commendable retailers! Once submitted, all nominations are reviewed by a panel comprised of past award winners and RMA Board members. The panel chooses three finalists from among the nominees. This year’s finalists will be announced on October 29 at the Connect@ Franco’s Fine Clothier event.
Each of the finalists will be highlighted in a short video at the December 5th Distinguished Retailer of the
The 2013 Distinguished Retailers of the Year, David and Richard Hendrick, co-owners of Custom Kitchens Inc.
Year Award Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate their achievements and then announce this year’s winner.
So, if you know a retailer who you think should win this prestigious, time-honored award, please submit your nomination at:
http://www.retailmerchants.com/distinguished-retailer-form.php
REGISTER TODAY!
We’ll kick off the fall with an RMA signature Connect@ Happy Hour in September! Keep an eye out for the date and location. We look forward to autumn breezes and new connections in an RMA member scene.
Enjoy a little summer fun at the new Nacho Mama’s Bar & Grill on the Boulevard for RMA’s signature Connect@ networking event! Socialize with fellow members while enjoying delicious Mexican fare and refreshing beverages at this Happy Hour event.
Join us for September’s First Friday Forum. We’re thrilled to be joined by Mike Helton, President of NASCAR. Come learn why NASCAR is vital to RVA’s tourism, retail industries and economic development.
Event Title Sponsor
Series Sponsors
Series Sponsors
July 16 Connect@ Nacho Mama’s Bar & Grill
September Connect@
September 5 First Friday Forum
You’re invited to come in for coffee, snacks, new connections and an overview of RMA. This is a great opportunity to learn how your membership can help improve your business, its profitability and save money. You will also see how to take full advantage of RMA’s benefits and services. And of course, there will be door prizes.
July 15 Member Power Hour
Location Sponsor
Rev your engines... ...And Register early for the September 5 First Friday Forum where we’ll be joined by Mike Helton, President of NASCAR.
Mike will talk about the industry’s vitality to RVA tourism, retail and economic development.
Title SponsorProudly Presented by...
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAID RICHMOND, VA
PERMIT #2254
Retail Merchants Association | 5101 Monument Avenue | Richmond, VA 23230Phone (804) 662-5500 | Toll free (866) 750-2532 | www.RetailMerchants.comFacebook.com/RetailMerchantsFacebook.com/RVAShopTalkFacebook.com/ThinkShopBuyLocalFacebook.com/VirginiaRetailFederationTwitter.com/RetailMerchantsTwitter.com/RVAShopTalkTwitter.com/ShopLocalRVATwitter.com/VARetailFed
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