From CEO Bill Hallan: Disaster hit, but we recovered
![MRA President and CEO William J.Hallan](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/bill-hallan_0819-1024x682-300x200.jpg)
By BILL HALLAN
Of course it happened on a day when I was out of the office. I was in Detroit for a meeting alongside Meegan Holland, our vice president of communications and marketing,
Year end legislative wrap up, bill signing, notices
![](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DSC_0073E-e1470871505480-258x300.jpg)
In this issue:
- Legislature on break until Jan. 8
- Whitmer signs marketplace facilitator bills
- Treasury opines that kombucha subject to deposit law as of May 1
- Michigan Supreme Court declines to issue an advisory opinion on min.
MEDC grants offer new way to help small businesses
![](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/retailer_dec19-jan20_match-on-main_check-300x225.png)
Charlevoix’s popular new restaurant, My Grandmother’s Table, started out as a stand at the Charlevoix and Boyne City farmers markets.
“People wanted to know where they could buy things during the week,
Legally Speaking column: Sale or no sale, it makes a difference
![Thomas Clement MRA General Counsel](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blog-pic-clement_1219-300x200.jpg)
By THOMAS P. CLEMENT, MRA General Counsel
Here we are, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. During the busiest revenue generating season for retailers,
Michigan retailers report growing sales as holidays approach
![](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/current_0919-300x282.png)
Retailers reported higher sales in November and the outlook looks strong for this winter, according to the Michigan Retail Index.
The November Retail Index survey came in at 52.2,
Settlement in Visa/ MasterCard class action suit announced; have you signed up?
![Mayleben](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/blog-pic-jmayleben_11-16-300x200.jpg)
Update: Since this article appeared the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York granted final approval on Dec. 13 to the settlement reached by the parties in class action lawsuit,
Government Affairs: Policy changes retailers should be grateful for
![](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/blog-pic-drumm_12-16-300x200.jpg)
By AMY DRUMM, MRA Vice President, Government Affairs
In this season of gratitude, I started thinking about policy changes retailers could be thankful for. As you deal with the holiday rush,
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs sales tax fairness bill
![](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-13-at-9.49.13-AM-246x300.png)
Today, Michigan retailers applaud Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature for the early Christmas present of sales tax fairness for most retail sales. Gov. Whitmer signed the bills into law on Thursday,
Kositchek’s of Lansing: How a 154-year-old business stays relevant
![](https://www.retailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/retailer_dec19-jan20_kositchek_main-300x219.png)
By MEEGAN HOLLAND
Photos DAVID TRUMPIE
LANSING – Walk into Kositchek’s men’s clothing store, and you’ll see racks of men’s suits and sportcoats, hangers with colorful shirts,