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Congratulations to Rosalie Drake of CW Richmond. She was the winner of the $250 gift certificate drawing in which all
survey respondents were entered.
In This Issue...
1 Member Survey Results
2 Letter to Members
3 RMA Members Who Made the Inc. 5000 List
4 The RMA Scene
6 RMA Endorsed Vendors
7 VRF Advocacy Update
8 Nominations are in for the 2014 Distinguished Retailer
Valor Award’s Silver Anniversary
9 New RMA Member List
Welcome New Members!
10 Think. Shop. Buy. Local® Saturday
11 RMA Event Calendar
Fall 2014
Virginia Retail Federation, LLC
Partnering for Retail Advocacy
25th Honoring Our First Responders
Just in! The RMA Member Survey Results
Connect@FirstFridayForum
FF1
The results are in! The Retail Merchants Association (RMA) Member Survey proved to be tremendously informative. It served as a useful tool for understanding our members’ demographics, needs and priorities.
We received 324 survey responses from individuals belonging to 230 RMA member companies. In fact, over 40% of RMA member companies were represented in the survey results. Additionally the responses were proportionate to the overall composition of RMA memberships: 40% of all RMA Retailers and 43% of all RMA Retail Partners.
We would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who took the time to complete the survey. Below are some of the highlights from the results:
Who’s in your Network?
Networking was the number one reason people join RMA (43%), followed by RMA’s programs/offerings and being associated with a great organization, which tied at 10% each.
We’ll go to the mat for you!
Members appreciate the legislative advocacy efforts made on their behalf. 64% think RMA effectively represents retailers to local, State and Federal levels.
A wise investment:
66% of survey respondents agree: An RMA membership is a valuable investment in their business. Even more (78%) would recommend RMA membership to another business.
Back to school:
Members are interested in RMA’s training and education programs. Here are the most requested topics:
1. Human Resource issues and Employee Training (20%)
2. Social Media (16%)
3. Marketing (13%)
Getting the word out:
RMA will work to improve its communication of member benefits.
A significant percentage of members is unaware of many of RMA’s membership benefits. We want to help our members take advantage of these offerings!
A case for more traffic:
69% of the members feel the Think. Shop. Buy. Local® campaign effectively promotes shopping locally. However, the number one business need with which members would like help is in increasing customer traffic and business visibility.
RMA staff and Board members will continue to study the survey responses and find ways to meet member needs and priorities. Look for new initiatives and programs in the coming months!
In the meantime, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the survey results on the RMA website.
2 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Fall 2014
STAFF CORNER
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
On your mark. Get set. Go! We’re heading into the busiest season of the retail year! And here at RMA, we are ready to help you make the most of it. See page 10 for news on this year’s Think. Shop. Buy. Local® Saturday. And don’t forget to take advantage of the RMA social media platforms and the RVA ShopTalk website to promote your holiday events and news.
We have successfully transitioned to a new software platform utilizing technology that helps us better engage with you. This platform gives us real time information which in turn gives you, our member, easy access to event registration, RMA information and resources.
As we move from the holiday season to the New Year, our RMA staff will be busy developing strategies to help meet member needs identified through the Member Survey. Over 200 Retail Merchants member companies participated in the survey. Thanks to all of you who completed the survey; we appreciate the time you took to provide us feedback. As we take in all the valuable feedback you provided us, we are committed to using this information to better serve you.
After all, that’s why we are here.
In 2015, you’ll see the RMA team putting into action what we learned from the survey. We are committed to our Mission: We help local retailers thrive. And there is no doubt that this team is here to serve our members. Thank you for your membership, your commitment to Retail Merchants Association and to our local RVA community.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Nancy C. Thomas
President/CEO
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 KegleyNancy Thomas
Ad SalesJulie Hill - [email protected]
© 2014 Retail Merchants Association, Richmond VA. All rights reserved.
MEMBER BENEFITS
We’re thrilled that three RMA member businesses made Inc. Magazine’s 2014 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing, privately-owned companies in the U.S.!
Congratulations to our three members, the Barber Martin Agency, Dominion Payroll Services and NetSearch Direct, for receiving this recognition!
Here are the numbers:
Barber Martin Agency made the “Honor Roll” as a five-time Inc. 5000 Honoree. For 2014, they ranked #4086 with a three year growth of 72%, adding 9 new jobs.
Barber Martin Agency was founded in 1989 and is a full-service retail advertising agency specializing in assisting retail chains with marketing and brand development.
Kudos to Our Members Who Made the 2014 Inc. 5000 list!
Dominion Payroll Services (DPS) also made the “Honor Roll” as a five-time Inc. 5000 Honoree. This year they ranked #3686 and showed a 3-year growth of 87%, adding 23 new jobs.
DPS was founded in 2002 and is an RMA Endorsed Vendor. It provides complete outsourcing services such as payroll processing, complete HR services, credit card processing and more.
NetSearch Direct ranked #4687 and added eight new jobs within the past three years.
NetSearch Direct is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, pay-per-click advertising and web design services.
RMA hopes these honorees, along with all RMA member companies, continue to prosper and excel in their fields!
4 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Fall 2014
1 Ricky Dennis (Arena Racing), DanaBuerkley (Bizport) & Craig Ellwanger (Genesis Electrical Services) at the September First Friday Forum
2 Dennis Bickmeir (RichmondInternational Raceway) & Mike Helton (NASCAR) at the September First Friday Forum
3 Toni Pinto, Nicole Boughan, CamJohnson & Jack Stinnett (Doubletree By Hilton - Richmond Downtown) at Connect@ Nacho Mama’s Bar & Grill
4 Guests at Connect@ DeFazio’sCatering
5 Attendees connecting at theSeptember First Friday Forum
6 Nancy Thomas (RMA) addressingthe audience at the September First Friday Forum
7 Kim Brundage (Kim BrundagePhotography) & Nhat Pham (SUCCESSWERKS) at the September First Friday Forum
8 RMA visiting Southern Season for itsGrand Opening
9 RMA visiting Pecan Jack’s GrandOpening in the Omni Store in Schockoe Slip
10 Anne-Stuart Teter & Megan Way(RMA) at the September First Friday Forum
11 Todd Janssen (The PaxtonCompanies), John Pratt & Anthony Villano (Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches) at the September First Friday Forum
12 Daphne Walker (Junior Achievementof Central Virginia) & Joe Winston (TechnoMarketing) at the September First Friday Forum
13 Members engaging at Connect@Nacho Mama’s Bar & Grill
14 Mary Jo Elliott (Nacho Mama’s) & Len East (RMA)
15 Ann Butler & Justin Thomas (SourceKitchen Studios & Market)
16 RMA celebrates Janet Brown Interiors 20th Anniversary
17 Tracy Pendleton (C&F Bank) &Carolyn Clements (Ball Office Products) at the September First Friday Forum
18 Hope Gillespie (The RichmondRaiders), Raul Cantu (Nacho Mama’s), Julie Hill (RMA) & Elaine Peele (EVB) at Connect@ Nacho Mama’s Bar & Grill
19 Guests enjoying tasty bites atConnect@ DeFazio’s Catering
20 Scott Bergman (Haunts of Richmond), Sherry Minson & Mary Warren (RMA)
21 Guests making new connections atConnect@ Nacho Mama’s Bar & Grill
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2012 DISTINGUISHED RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD CEREMONYTHE RMA SCENE10
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20 21
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6 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Fall 2014
Tenant • LandlordCommercial Real Estate Representation
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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 Vendors
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 Cherry 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
reports from the 2015 General Assembly Session.
VRF anticipates many of the issues will return from the 2014 General Assembly Session, with an emphasis on health care and ethics reform.
Save the date for VRF’s Annual Legislative Reception, Monday, January 19, 2015, 5:30-7:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Richmond. It provides an excellent opportunity to visit with legislators and share the VRF retail message.
Questions? Contact Mary Huffard Kegley at .804.662.5505 or [email protected].
Summer 2014 was a very busy time for the Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) sharing the retail message with decision-makers at the local, state, and federal levels.
Several issues tracked during the 2014 Virginia General Assembly Session were finalized over this past summer. The Senate bill which allows bakeries to provide champagne and wine for special events at their bakeries was signed by Governor McAuliffe at Carytown Cupcakes (see photo to the right).
The Senate and House bills addressing the issue of questionable actions by patent “trollers” was signed by the Governor. It allows the Attorney General to pursue such trollers who threaten retailers with litigation if they refuse to pay for use of the alleged patent.
On the Federal level, several VRF, RMA and Retail Alliance (RA) members made the trip to Washington, D.C. to encourage action on the E-Fairness/Marketplace Fairness issue. E-Fairness remains an important focus for VRF, in an effort to level the playing field between brick and mortar retailers and online/internet retailers regarding the collection and remittance of state sales tax. Members met with most of Virginia’s Congressional delegation to
share this message and let them know just how the online retailers have the advantage since most do not collect sales tax.
The 2015 Virginia General Assembly Session is right around the corner. Important dates for retailers to remember include:
January 14, 2015 – General Assembly convenes
February 10, 2015 – “Crossover” when each house must complete action on its own legislation and send it to the opposite chamber for consideration
February 28, 2015 – Adjournment
April 8, 2015 – “Reconvened” Session when the legislature acts upon the Governor’s proposed amendments and vetoes
Be sure to visit the VRF website, www.virginiaretailfederation.com and register to receive weekly email
E-Fairness/Internet Sales Tax remains a critical issue for VRF. RMA and RA members have provided valuable and effective messages through the media, as well as during visits with Congressional representatives. E-Fairness/Internet Sales Tax legislation provides the opportunity for states to implement sales tax collection for internet sales. The tax reporting requirement is already in place. It is NOT a new tax, although, the majority of consumers do not report it.
Detailed information about E-Fairness/Internet Sales Tax legislation is available on the Stand With Main Street website: www.standwithmainstreet.com
You can also read what RMA and RA members have published about E-Fairness. These links are available on the VRF website: www.virginiaretailfederation.com
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, visits RMA member, Carytown Cupcakes, after signing a bill allowing bakeries to serve wine and champagne for special events.
Advocacy Update:
Members Support E-Fairness/Internet Sales Tax
E-Fairness, the 2015 Virginia General Assembly & Other News Items
8 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | Fall 2014
RMA received 16 nominations for the 2014 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award! The three finalists will be announced at Connect@ Franco’s Fine Clothier on October 29. We’ll reveal the winner at the December 5 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award and Holiday Celebration!
Nominations for 2014 Distinguished Retailer
Retail Merchants Association (RMA) is ramping up for the Silver Anniversary of the Annual Valor Awards and Ceremony! This RMA signature event celebrates the courageous acts of our region’s First Responders.
November 7, 2014 will mark the 25th Annual Valor Awards where area First Responders are recognized and honored for their personal sacrifice and dedication to protecting our community.
Recipients of this award include Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Services Personnel who have performed outstanding acts of courage, putting themselves at personal risk and injury. Area Law Enforcement and Fire Chiefs will present the awards.
So, will you be at the 25th Annual Valor Awards on November 7?
For more information or to register online, visit www.retailmerchants.com.
If you have questions about this event, contact Len East at [email protected].
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Hill at [email protected].
25th Honoring Our First Responders
The Valor Award’s Silver Anniversary
Ronnie Adolf, Adolf Jewelers
Bill Agee, Agee’s Bicycles
Greg Bulkley, Bass Pro Shops
Annette Lindsay and Michelle Brumfield, BedCrafters by Michelle
Jennifer Kirby, Crossroads Art Center
Jeff Wells, Fleet Feet Sports
Kevin Reardon, Franco’s Fine Clothier
Charles Layman, Goodwill Industries
Barry Moore, Haley Buick GMC
David Taylor, Libbie Market
Freddy Siewers III, Siewers Lumber & Millwork
Scott Zeigler, Spoonfed
Tom Leonard, Tom Leonard’s Farmers Market
Gillian Field and Hunter Robinson, Union Market
Mac McClanahan, Walgreen’s
Meredith and Bruce Bass, Wild Birds Unlimited
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Back row, left to right: Viola Baskerville (Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia), Tim & Ronni Wyatt (Pecan Jacks), Justin Thomas (Source Kitchen Studios & Market), Ernest Bataille (Ethos Security), Ann Butler (Source Kitchen Studios & Market, James Lee (Ethos Security), Janice Kaplan (Town of Ashland), Craig Ellwanger (Genesis Electrical Services, Inc.), Steve Smith (Dominion Voice & Data), Todd Janssen (The Paxton Companies), Grace Festa (Greater Richmond Partnership), Edin Cuskovic (Actuarial Consulting Group), John Pratt (Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches), Chad Tester (Dominion Voice & Data), Tom Kent (Kent Communications), Glenn Childress (Bizport), Anthony Villano (Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches), Chantelle Bradley (Summit Media), Cordell Briggs (Smart Fixit)
Front Row, left to right: Kristin Melton (Web Strategies, Inc.), Collen Quinn (Locke & Quinn), Cyncthia Steele (Cynthia Steele), Mary Paston Livergood (The Paxton Companies), Helena Richardson (HRichNetworks), Sarah Whiting (St. John’s Church Foundation), Daphne Walker & Whitney Cherry (Junior Achievement of Central VA), Dana Buerkley (Bizport), Sue Young (Half Way House Restaurant) & Laura Hoffman (Rodan + Fields)
New Members at the SeptemberFirst Friday Forum
Event Title Sponsor New Member Sponsor
3Degrees
Actuarial Consulting Group
Bizport
Bremo Pharmacies
C.L. Stells Painting
Christian’s Pizza
Coalfield Station Antiques
Dominion Voice and Data
Doubletree By Hilton Richmond Airport
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Football Heaven
Genesis Electrical Services, Inc.
Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Good Feet
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
HRichNetworks
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Junior Achievement of Central Virginia
Kent Communications
Kim Brundage Photography
Lakeside Business Association
Rodan + Fields
RVA Trolley
Sara Campbell, LTD
Science Museum Of Virginia
Segway Of Richmond
Silky Paws Mobile Grooming
Smart-Fixit
SONA Bank
Source Kitchen Studios & Market
Southpark Mall
Stemmle Plumbing Repair Inc
Summit Media
Taylor Made for You, Inc.
UVest Energy Services
VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education
W. Hirsch Oriental Rugs
WebStrategies Inc.
Check out who’s joined since the last Retail Partners issue:
8906 W. Broad St. in Gold’s Gym Plaza
30 YEARSWORLDWIDE18 YEARS RVAWIDE
cszworldwide.com
The improv experts who have been bringing ComedySportz® to Richmond since 1996 are also your leaders in training, entertainment and creative services for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Our CSz Richmond Theatre is a great space for up to 100 people to gather for entertainment andprogramming in a fun and inspirational environment. And our CSz Richmond Training Center provides an offsite location for your team to connect and learn listening, teamwork and comunication skills.
We’re part of an international network of Applied Improvisation training centers 25 cities strong. CSz has been hired by at least 65 of this year's Fortune 500 companies. Give us a call and discover the many fun and insightful ways CSz Richmond can help inspire your team to excel!
10 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com |Fall 2014
Big News for Think. Shop. Buy. Local® Saturday: November 29, 2014!Think. Shop. Buy. Local® (TSBL) Saturday is back for its fourth year. Retail Merchants Association began TSBL Saturday in 2011 to encourage shoppers to buy from local retailers during the holiday season, the retail industry’s busiest time of the year.
This year, the big news is that RMA will move TSBL Saturday to the same day as American Express Small Business Saturday (SBS) - November 29, 2014.
What prompted this change? Quite simply… You did!
Suggestions and feedback from participating RMA members advocated for having these shopping events on the same day. By doing so, we eliminate any potential confusion for the consumers AND we maximize the
impact of both initiatives while driving home the message to get out and shop locally!
On Saturday, November 29 shoppers are encouraged to visit participating retail stores to enter for a chance to win gift cards provided by Retail Merchants Association. We’ll be promoting TSBL Saturday, the benefits
of shopping locally and the chance to win through various media outlets spanning the holiday season.
You won’t want to miss out, so sign up to participate today!
For questions or to sign up for Think. Shop. Buy. Local Saturday, contact Diana Kent at 804.726.5043 or [email protected].
ThinkShopBuyLocal.com
RMA EVENTS CALENDAR
REGISTER TODAY!
To register for events online, visit:
www.retailmerchants.com
OR
Contact Len East at [email protected]
or 804.359.1709
OCTOBERDECEMBER
JANUARYNOVEMBER
21 Member Power Hour
29 Connect@ Franco’s Fine Clothier
7 25th Annual Valor Awards & Ceremony 14 RMA Recycles Day
29 Think. Shop. Buy. Local® Saturday
5 2014 Distinguished Retailer of the Year & Holiday Celebration
9 First Friday Forum Luncheon 19 VRF Legislative Reception
Title Sponsors ®
Series Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Title Sponsor
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
Mailed by:
Printed by:
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804.740.1555 www.HaveSiteWillTravel.com
SEE THE MAN WITH 40 MILLION OF THEM
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Consullng, Selling & LeasingRetail Office, Warehouses, Industrial Space & Land
Sherry Minson804.358.1216
Mary Warren804.272.3915
Do you know a great potential RMA member? Refer them to our Member Relations team!
Member Referrals -
Cassie OmohundroSassy Bee, Midlothian
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Carol Consalvi, Carol Consalvi Massage Therapy, White Stone | Connie Ditto, Hair Studio 21, Richmond | Pam Diehl, Pedestal, Kilmarnock | Dr. Margaret Metry, Colonial Heights Veterinary Hospital, Colonial Heights | Cathy Waldrop, Cross Brothers Grocery, Ashland | Marlene Smith, Matthews Construction
Company, Inc., Richmond | Lisa Nash, Bract Retaining Walls & Excavating, LLC, Richmond | Jill White, Dairy Barn, Burgess | Sun Hong, Sun's Cafe, Quinton
Hair Studio 21Carol ConsalviMassage Therapy
Pedestal Sun's CafeCross BrothersGrocery
Colonial HeightsVeterinary
Hospital
Dairy BarnBract Retaining Walls &
Excavating, LLC
Matthews Construction
Company, Inc.
