News

Cutting your way through state government red tape

People often think only about legislation when they hear the term “government affairs,” but MRA also works with various state departments and agencies to get answers for members.

Have an issue with a liquor license or a food safety inspection?

Gov’t Affairs News: “Tame duck” ends on an electric note

Tame lame-duck session ends

The 98th Michigan Legislature wrapped up its lame-duck session at a reasonable time yesterday evening, just after 7:00 p.m., after finally pinning down an elusive energy deal.

RIC: Extending protection against tomorrow’s world

In these times, employers’ risks and exposures are constantly expanding.

That’s why, as Michigan’s preferred workers’ compensation insurance carrier, Retailers Insurance Company is always looking for ways to extend coverages and reward policyholders for being proactive in protecting their employees.

Gov’t Affairs News: Plastic bags, drones and more

Plastic bag bill heads to governor

The Michigan House of Representatives approved SB 853, the plastic bag and auxiliary container preemption bill, by a bipartisan vote of 62-46 on Thursday,

Membership Services Corner

by Ally Nemetz, Director, Customer Service and Data Administration

Quick notes on key services. Call 800.563.5981 for credit card processing assistance or 800.366.3699 for other matters.

Eager to find more good things around next corner

Mayleben

John Mayleben CPP, is MRA senior vice president technology and new product development and a national expert on electronic payment processing. He is the first person in Michigan and among the first in the nation to receive the Certified Payments Professional designation from the national Electronic Transactions Association.

How Federal Overtime Changes Will Affect Your Business

IMPORTANT UPDATE 11/23/16
Judge blocks start of new overtime rules

A federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday against enforcement of new and costly overtime regulations that were scheduled to take effect December 1.

Holiday shopping shifts into high gear; Buy Nearby shoppers help local, state economies

LANSING – Holiday shoppers in Michigan this Thanksgiving weekend will quickly get into the thick of what retailers expect to be a positive holiday season.

Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) members project their sales to increase over last year’s,

New trend across nation: ‘trickle-down legislation’

by William J. Hallan, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

A new trend is sweeping the country, what I like to call “trickle-down legislation.”

Policymaking has moved from Congress to the states,