By JAMES P. HALLAN,
MRA President and Chief Executive Officer
Spring means new beginnings and that applies to The Retailer as well. By now, you’ve noticed the publication you hold in your hands looks very different from what you’ve seen in the past. The Retailer hasn’t had a redesign in 22 years, so it’s time to freshen up the look. And since we’re always looking for ways to save money, we also brought the printing in-house. I’d love to hear your feedback.
LOTTERY
Aric Nesbitt, former Michigan Lottery Commissioner, gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the lottery building recently. While the building is our neighbor, security concerns limit regular access. He presented some fascinating facts. The voters approved Michigan’s lottery in 1972, and the first ticket was a 50-cent green one. Legend has it that Governor Milliken, who opposed the lottery, purchased the first ticket when it became law. Of course, he didn’t win, but arguably Michigan, and Michigan schools, have benefited. In 2017, the lottery contributed $924.1 million to the School Aid Fund while retailers received $242.9 million in retail commissions. Forty-four states have lotteries (excluding Utah, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Alabama and Mississippi). Side note: Nesbitt resigned March 22 to explore new opportunities.
POTHOLES
While I’m used to potholes, I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. Freezing weather, coupled with sunny days and then more freezing temps has made the road situation untenable. New road funds approved by the legislature and Governor can’t flow quickly enough. Once the envy of the country, the Michigan highway system is gasping for help. We have a long way to go before we return to a normal condition. Expect the orange cones to be popping up and construction crews to be working overtime.
BOTTLE DEPOSIT
Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, has introduced an ill- intentioned bill that proposes to expand the bottle bill to include deposits on water and juice bottles. It’s a crazy idea, and one that we will fight with all our might. Michigan needs a comprehensive recycling program that includes curbside pick-up and sophisticated recycling centers, rather than a piece-meal approach that burdens both retailers and consumers. We are heavily weighing in on the issue.
MGA DIVISIONAL BOARD
The first meeting of the MGA divisional board occurred on Feb. 27. Everyone seemed energized with our new organizational structure. As you recall, the Michigan Grocers became a division of MRA effective Jan. 1. For many years, the Grocers have had a fall convention and one of our early tasks is to reinvigorate the format. The new Food Retailer Summit will focus on enhancing relationships between grocers and suppliers.
FOUNDATION
As part of the transition, the Michigan Grocers Foundation merged into the Michigan Retailers Foundation. The combined Foundation now has assets of about $1.7 million.
The 2018 application deadline has passed for our 19 educational awards, including the Paul W. Felice scholarships that came over with the Grocers Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are dependent children of MRA/MGA businesses or employees. An independent committee of educators chooses the winners, which will be announced in late spring.
