One of the main reasons to belong to a trade association is to connect with other members, make your voice heard, and share information while supporting the industry as a whole. Through the events MRA hosts, we connect members not only to each other but also with policymakers and potential business partners/vendors. There are often sponsorship opportunities available for vendors and business partners to get their name and information in front of a diverse group of retailers and policymakers.
Events
Annual Legislative Reception
As part of our core mission to advocate on behalf of the retail industry we host an annual reception to connect retailers and legislators. This reception happens annually in late April and is catered by MRA members. The excellent food and conversation make it a can’t-miss event around the Capitol. MRA members are invited to attend and mix and mingle with legislators, legislative staff, regulators and others. It’s a great opportunity to help policymakers understand retail’s impact on the economy as well as the challenges retailers face and how policymakers can help.
The event is made possible by our generous sponsors. For more information please contact MRA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Amy Drumm at adrumm@retailers.com.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting is held in August each year. At the meeting, new directors are elected to the board, ensuring that leadership remains strong and effective. Additionally, various items presented to the board are voted on, which can include policy changes, strategic initiatives, and other significant decisions impacting the association.
If you would like to join the Annual Meeting, email MRA’s Amy Jolley at ajolley@retailers.com to save your spot.
Buy Nearby and Buy Nearby Weekend
While we celebrate the first weekend in October as the official Buy Nearby Weekend, every day is a great day to Buy Nearby. Buy Nearby Weekend is when we encourage Michigan residents to support their communities by shopping at their local stores rather than sending dollars to out-of-state, online retailers.
We also encourage communities to adopt their own Buy Nearby events on a schedule that works best for them. MRA offers support to communities and retailers looking to spread the word, find fun promotions, and get customers to take part in our shopping contest by posting photos on social media.
Join us!
We hope you’re able to join us at one or several of the events listed above!
