Pictured with MRA’s Senior VP, Gov. Affairs Amy Drumm, Congressman John James (MI-10), and NRF’s David French.
Board members Kendra Patterson, co-owner of Michigan Barn Wood and Salvage, and Andrew Gemmen, co-owner of Gemmen’s Ace Hardware, traveled to Washington D.C. in late July to attend the biannual National Retail Federation’s Retail Advocates Summit. Both were nominated by Michigan Retailers Association and named Retail Champions for their work in advocating for the retail industry.
Kendra and Andrew are actively involved within their communities and have regularly participated in MRA’s Capitol Day.
The Summit consists of sessions with keynote speakers, discussions with federal lawmakers and legislative staff, and an awards dinner. NRF hosts The Retail Experience for federal lawmakers in the same room as retailers. Each retail champion’s business is highlighted in a town square style format alongside booths with larger retailers and technology companies. Small business owners were invited to meet one-on-one with select lawmakers and staff who were unable to attend The Retail Experience.
The event closes with an Awards Dinner and the naming of one retailer as America’s Retail Champion. This year, Neil Abramson, owner of ECi Stores, a consignment store in Leominster, Mass., was named champion.
What moment from the Summit impacted you the most?
KP: It was a great experience to be able to meet so many industry leaders and advocates for retail and engage with policymakers that have real impact. The event was ideal for networking and learning more about legislative priorities, so we can be a voice for retailers.
AG: The Summit allows both large and small retailers, like ourselves, to be in the same room. While having very different realities, ultimately we’re still operating in the same space. We still have the same concerns as the larger retailers, but the Summit allows legislators to come in and look at what our businesses sell and to speak to them from our business perspective, rather than going and sitting in their office.
How did attending the Summit enhance your understanding of the retail industry?
KP: It was memorable to speak to other retail owners on their experiences and concerns about the economy. Many had a unique perspective on how to best pivot their businesses to adapt. We have all had to learn to pivot to keep thriving in retail, but it’s inspiring to know we are in this together and many positive people are out there making differences every day to keep retail moving forward.
AG: It’s always interesting to hear what other people are doing and how they’re doing it. I tend to operate in the sphere of hardware store owners and we know what our troubles and issues are, but when you go into different retail outlets, you get to see the product or service changing, and a lot of similar issues are still in play. I definitely connected to those individuals.
How can other business owners get involved in advocacy?
KP: By learning more about regulatory changes and how they can impact retail. It gave me more knowledge to be able to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving retail industry. I’m honored to have been recognized as a Retail Champion. I’m grateful for the platform to voice the needs of Michigan small businesses and to advocate and address challenges that face us.
AG: Obviously it’s hard for any of us to step away from our businesses, but in order to benefit the greater community of retailers, it’s important to make those journeys and have those discussions.
The first thing I would invite any retailer to do is to know who your state and federal lawmakers are and how to connect with them. It’s helped me put a face to the name and then when we do have issues, you’re not making a worry or complaint your first contact. You’re able to have established yourself already as someone that may contact them in the future and then when something does come up, you’re able to have that communication with them.
They’re people just like we are. Simply take a moment to send them an email or make a phone call. If you know where their office is, don’t hesitate to stop in. We’re all busy, but it’s important to take the time to initiate a conversation and build that rapport.
Kendra Patterson, Director, Michigan Retailers Association Board
Kendra Patterson co-owns Michigan Barn Wood and Salvage with her husband, Trevor. The business began in 2015 and relocated to a historic lumberyard in Mason in 2017. Patterson was first elected to the Michigan Retailers Services Board in 2022.
Andrew Gemmen, Vice Chair, Retailers Insurance Company Board
Andrew Gemmen is president and co-owner of Gemmen’s Ace Hardware in Hudsonville. The business was founded by his grandfather, Al Gemmen, in 1955 and is part of Ace Hardware Corp., the world’s largest hardware retail cooperative, based in Oak Brook, Ill. He officially joined the family business in 2000 after gaining experience outside retail hardware by working in concrete construction and for Art Van Furniture and Target Corporation. He holds a business degree from Central Michigan University. He was elected to the RIC board in 2016. Gemmen was elected Vice Chair of the Retailers Insurance Company Board in August 2024.
