Featured Events

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Connect@

Connect@ Flying Squirrels

Join us for an evening of fun and Nutzy stuff!

You and your family are welcome!

Whatta’ treat!

The Richmond Flying Squirrels invite the Retail Merchants Association out to The Diamond for an enjoyable evening of networking and FUNN (so much FUNN they added an extra N!)  Get down!  Celebrate with the Squirrel!  With less than a month until the Squirrels take flight, you are invited to bring your family to play in the All-New Kids Area.  The familiar aroma of baseball will be in the air, with beverages, hot dogs and chips!  The Flying Squirrels’ front office staff will be hosting tours throughout the evening, allowing you a behind the scenes look at what is taking shape here in Richmond.  The Flying Squirrels will also be showcasing a variety of unique opportunities for your business to get involved from marketing to hospitality.  Come see how the Squirrels are putting the FUNN back in baseball!

Remember to stock up on business cards…to exchange while you are networking and to drop in the bowl for some terrific door prizes!

Have FUNN, Go Nuts!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
5:00–6:30 p.m.

Location: The Diamond
The Boulevard
Richmond, VA
www.squirrelsbaseball.com
Directions >>

Cost: Members, $10; Non-members, $15

Register Online


SLPA Christopher Benjamin

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Security & Loss Prevention Association

Brand Liability & Protections

Your Reputation is at Stake

A logo or trademark is the foundation of a brand.  Unfortunately, a lot of small and medium-sized business owners do not know that a trademark can become their greatest asset or their greatest liability.  Christopher Benjamin, Brandwise Law Firm, P.C, will share some strategies for avoiding legal liabilities and other pitfalls while protecting your investment in your brand.

Topics include:

Christopher Benjamin is an attorney with the Brandwise Law Firm, P.C. which focuses its practice on creating, leveraging and protecting brands through trademark clearance, intellectual property registrations, licensing, franchising, and commercial litigation.  Christopher is a 2002 graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law.  After years of working for other law firms, Christopher formed the Brandwise Law Firm, P.C. upon deciding there were better ways to serve the needs of his trademark clients while combining his own talents in law, business, graphic design and public relations.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
8:15–9:30 a.m.

Location: Retail Merchants Association
5101 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 662-5500
Directions >>

Cost: RMA Members $5; non-members $7; SLPA members, no cost.

Contact: For more information contact Len East at 804-662-5500 or len@retailmerchants.com.

Register Online

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

On Point Freebie: "Dollars and Sense…"
A double whammy seminar morning for RMA members

On Point Freebie

In a couple of hours, you’ll find out:

5 Quick & Easy Ways to Cut Inventory Costs

and

Why You Should Consider Business Continuation Planning

No cost to attend—Come to one or both

Session A—Business Continuation Options

Rudy Garcia, Rivanna Woods Financial Services
Without advance planning, your business may be forced to liquidate or sell at a reduced value.  In planning to preserve the value of your business at your death or disability, learn about three options to evaluate:

Designing a business continuation plan is a crucial step to help ensure your business remains intact at your retirement, death or other triggering event.  Create a business continuation plan that suits all of your business planning needs.

Session B—Inventory Cost Cutting Secrets

Nicole Thompson, Purchasing Agent/Owner, Ripe, LLC
The ultimate goal = zero owned inventory.  Getting creative with your suppliers could mean greatly reduced inventory costs for you.  Hear about how to negotiate terms, slotting fees, and how to concentrate on the commodities.  Find out how the economy has turned some things in your favor for lowering your costs.  See how ‘shopping local’ can make you more special and more fluid.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
7:30–7:45 a.m.
: Coffee and Danish
7:45–8:45 a.m.:  Both seminars simultaneously
8:45–9:00 a.m.:  Break
9:00–10:00 a.m.:  Both seminars simultaneously

Location: Retail Merchants Association
5101 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 662-5500
Directions >>

Cost: Members, free (registration required); Non-members, $20

Contact: If you have questions, please contact Len East at (804) 662-5500 or len@retailmerchants.com.

Register Online


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Retail Authority: Mentoring Roundtable Series—Session Thirteen

The Retail Authority

What They Said

“I can’t believe how much I learned in an hour and a half!  I’ll be back for more.”
Kirsten Lloyd, Chez Lloyd

“Informative, well put together, professional and most importantly, helpful…impressed with the panel, and plan to look at this as an on-going educational program.”
Thomas Bembry/Daphne Proctor, AFLAC

“Very valuable and insightful, well worth the time.  It was great to be in the room with a whole bunch of positive retail faces saying that we’ll get through all this together.” Carolyn Steffen,
Richmond Piano Co.

One of RMA’s Most Popular Benefits—Face to face, question to answer, with RMA Board members—and there is no charge!

RMA Members only! Limited to first 15 participants!!

Based on the success of roundtable after roundtable…The Retail Authority Mentoring Series continues!  The Retail Authority meets 8:00–10:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Retail Merchants Association office.  Please join us.

April 6th Board members in attendance will be announced at a later date…check our website for updates.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

8:00–10:00 a.m.

Location: Retail Merchants Association
5101 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 662-5500
Directions >>

Contact: If you have questions, please contact Julie Hill (804) 662-5500 or jchill@retailmerchants.com 

Register Online

Upcoming Sessions


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Connect@

Connect@ The Tobacco Company

The Tobacco Company Restaurant is excited to host the Retail Merchants Association in our Victorian Lounge.  This plush space on our first floor accommodates 50 people for catered events.  With its roaring fire and animal print Victorian couches, the room’s ambiance alone encourages a fun and festive atmosphere.  Indulge in the unique creations of our new Executive Chef Grady Wilder before they’re even unveiled to the public!

Remember to stock up on business cards…to exchange while you are networking and to drop in the bowl for some terrific door prizes!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
5:00–6:30 p.m.

Location: The Tobacco Company Restaurant
1201 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219-4115
(804) 782-9555
www.thetobaccocompany.com
Directions >>

Cost: Members, $10; Non-members, $15

Register Online


Monday, May 17, 2010

Save The Date: 2010 Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament

Location: Willow Oaks Country Club
6228 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond, VA 23225
Directions >>

Contact: To reserve your space now, contact Joe Fahed at joe.fahed@suntrust.com.


To register for any Association programs or for more information, please register online or contact us at 804-662-5500 or send an email to: registration@retailmerchants.com

Crime Stoppers