First Friday Forum

Upcoming Forums

September 10, 2010

TBD

Upcoming Sessions

2010 Sponsors

Print Media Sponsor

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Audio Visual Sponsor

VAE

Bag Sponsor

Elman

Title Sponsor

Village Bank

Online Sponsor

Richmond.com

Photography Sponsor

Robert Thomas Photography

Past Forums

June 4, 2010

Food Retail Just Got Better

The Retail Merchants Association brought together the local community to extend a warm welcome to Martin's and to learn about the reinvention of Ukrop's Homestyle Foods. Click here to see the event flier.

Downloads

May 7, 2010

Partners for Progress

Tourism & Your Business

We heard the most recent information on the state of the tourism industry in Virginia, learned about the power of the Virginia Is For Lovers brand, and gathered tips on how both can improve your bottom line—by complementing your own brand and bringing home the ‘Local” message.

Jobs & Your Business

52% of Americans now search for jobs online. Are your online recruiting efforts seeing optimal returns: high applicant quality, low cost per hire and better employees? SnagAJob.com CEO Shawn Boyer outlined the four elements of a successful hourly recruitment strategy and examined case studies that illustrate how top companies attract the right hourly candidates using email, social media, search engine optimization and other online elements.

April 9, 2010

Think You Are Internet Secure? THINK AGAIN

Your employees are the weakest link:

Online banking fraud:

Website security:

Steve Werby, Information Security Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), shared some examples of current security breaches and some of his expertise and perspective that will help keep your information safe. Small business managers, owners, and anyone who participates on e-mail, in social media, or who oversees websites or other internet activity, heard useful security information to implement NOW. 

For more information:

March 5, 2010

Building a Brand from the Inside Out

Every business is known for something—is your brand creating the impression you want it to? Every day, as consumers, we make buying decisions based on the reputation of a company’s brand. We consider whether we trust a brand, believe in a brand, and agree with a brand. Brands make us want things, spend money, and even think a certain way. A brand generates feelings, builds emotional connections and becomes the shorthand that influences our buying behavior. And the logo is only the beginning. Lisa Moroni-Hall and Cathy McPherson from Brandevotion discussed how distinctive brands are built both behaviorally and visually, and provided essential steps to developing a memorable brand.

For more information:

February 5, 2010

Using Web Tools to Increase Your Business Presence

Our panel of experts (Mary Fender, Dana Matheny, Laura Posey, and Andrew Rountree) discussed how small businesses can take advantage of the "new media" and other web tools. Moderated by Ken Wayland.

January 8, 2010

PR for Small Business: A panel of professionals offers tips on getting the word out about your business

Our panel of experts (Aaron Kremer, Phaedra Hise, Robert Powell, Sean Ryan, and Greg Gilligan) discussed advice, hints and tactics on promoting your business with free publicity in a variety of media. Moderated by Lisa Schaffner.

December 4, 2009

Distinguished Retailer of the Year 2009—Mark Smith, Midas of Richmond

Selected from several well-respected RMA retailer nominees by a committee composed of past recipients, Mark was chosen for a variety of outstanding beliefs and deeds.  Among them:

November 6, 2009

The 20th Annual Valor Awards Breakfast & Ceremony, with Guest Speaker John Hager, Former Lt. Governor, Virginia

The 20th annual Valor Awards is a way for the business community to recognize area law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency services providers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving their community.  First responders in the City of Richmond and the counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield, and the Town of Ashland are presented awards for selfless acts involving personal risk beyond which should be expected while performing their duties.

October 2, 2009

Economic Forecast Breakfast 2009: "Is There an Economic Reality?"
Where You Stand and What You Need to Know for Your Business

Our panel (panel moderator Ken Gassman and panelists Alan Gayle and Ann Battle Macheras) delivered the most up-to-date information to help attendees make the most of their 4th quarter, with a hint of what to expect for the 1st quarter of 2010.  In this especially crucial time, these leading economic and retail experts tackled some of the hard questions, and offered knowledge that will help attendees formulate their strategy going forward.

September 11, 2009

"TSBL—Who’s Making It Work and How"

Maybe you have, and maybe you haven’t, signed on to the Think. Shop. Buy. Local campaign, literally and figuratively!  But you CAN make the movement work for your business—attracting new customers & bringing back old ones, seeing your name in news stories and on the internet, being interviewed by the media, and gaining fresh appreciation for your place and contributions to your community.

June 5, 2009

"Initiating and Sustaining Change"
Gayle Turner, Managing Partner, Catch Your Limit Consulting

Leadership is defined as initiating and sustaining change, while growing new leaders.  Initiating change is no big deal.  Everybody changes something every day.  The difficulty is sustaining change.  Change unfolds in a somewhat predictable series of events.  We learned a tried and true process for: identifying desirable changes; getting buy-in from your associates; managing the operational and the behavioral aspects of change; andembracing the new behaviors.

May 1, 2009

"Beware of What Lies Down the Track!!" with Ann Estes, President, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions—Atlantic

Previously, credit counseling was considered an option for the low to moderate income client. But as we have seen the continued increases in foreclosures, bankruptcy filings, unemployment and underemployment, today credit counseling is where most people are turning for help. This includes your employees and your customers. While the housing issues are our focus today, where does the train take us in the future and how will that impact your ability to continue growing your company? Be prepared for what lies down the track!

April 3, 2009

"Provide World-Class Service at the Local Level" with Michael Guld, Guld Resource Group

What is “world-class service?”  It is the talk of many in service industries but the reality of few. World-class service will greatly exceed service expectations on a consistent basis.  When a client is provided with world-class service, it often becomes a legendary experience that is retold to others in a form of free publicity that cannot be bought.  Michael Guld broke down the attributes of world-class service and showed by example how in most situations, it’s the customer’s buying experience that will determine your reputation more than the products or services you sell. 

March 6, 2009

"Richmond Marketplace 2009" With Brian Glass, Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates, Inc.

Where does retail stand in light of the dramatic economic downturn that has taken place? Mr. Glass discussed how the amount of retail space that has been delivered in the past year will affect the Richmond region in 2009, as well as soon to be available space. More specifics were unveiled, including comments on rental rates, vacancy rates, and Landlord/Tenant relationships.

February 6, 2009

"COST–SAVING . . . TODAY"

We heard from a panel of experts on how one can save money now and budget effectively going forward. We learned tips & strategies applicable to all types of businesses (with retail at the top of the list), including contacts, discounts, referrals, ideas, techniques, and actionable advice. Moderated by Rudy Garcia, Rivanna Woods Associates. Panel members included: David Stoyanoff, Wilson Stoyanoff; Lycia Rettig, Expense Reduction Analyst; Michael McDermott, Enterprise Tune-Up LLC, and Richmond S.C.O.R.E; and Linda Heath, Financial Holographix, Inc.

January 9, 2009

"Marketing Smarter in Tough Economic Times"
Tom Blue, RMA Marketing Guru

No one said it would be easy…but leave it to Tom Blue to come up with “5 Steps Every Retailer Should Take to Succeed in 2009”. His insightful (and entertaining) perspective on making the most of your marketing dollar is a theme that applies to all small to medium retail businesses—as well as the services and suppliers to those businesses.

Get your year going in the right direction! Put savvy marketing advice and networking with business leaders at the top of your 2009 “to do” list!

December 5, 2008

Distinguished Retailer of the Year and Retail Industry Achievement Awards

In December we honored...

2008 Distinguished Retailer of the Year

An outstanding member of the retail community—a proven leader in her firm and actively involved in community endeavors: LISA MCSHERRY, LEX’S OF CARYTOWN

2008 Retail Industry Achievement

A significant contributor to the retail community—a proven leader who has made significant contributions to the retail industry: WILLIAM H. BAXTER, CAE

November 14, 2008

The 19th Annual Valor Awards: Guest Speaker Paul E. Galanti Commander, US Navy (Retired)

The 19th annual Valor Awards breakfast is a way for the business community to recognize area law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency services providers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving their community. First responders in the City of Richmond and the counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield, and the Town of Ashland were presented awards for selfless acts involving personal risk beyond which should be expected while performing their duties. Area police and fire chiefs presented the awards.

October 3, 2008

Economic Forecast Breakfast 2008: "Focus on the 4th Quarter" What You Need to Know for Your Business

With Alan M. Gayle, Senior Investment Strategist, Trusco; Scott Krugman, VP, Industry Public Relations, National Retail Federation; and moderated by Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor.

Should you be belt-tightening or can you take a long, deep breath?

We heard from our panel of leading economic and retail experts the most up-to-date information regarding the 4th quarter, with a hint of what to expect for the 1st quarter of 2009. Tackling some of the hard questions, they offered knowledge that will help attendees formulate strategies going forward.

September 5, 2008

"Bring Home the Green" with John Martin, Southeastern Institute of Research, and Matt Thornhill, Boomer Project

The emerging green economy is forcing rapid and unprecedented change on business. Some retailers have committed to sustainability as an important business strategy while others are hoping it’s a passing fad. Mr. Martin and Mr. Thornhill shared insights from their brand new national research study.

June 6, 2008

"Understanding Hispanic Culture, Managing Your Hispanic Workforce, and Marketing to Hispanic Clients" with Lisa Zajur, Director & Owner, Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute

Does your organization need a Cultural Diversity workout? Do your employees relate well to Hispanic customers and co-workers? Do they connect with the growing Hispanic community? Do you have an educational system or resources in place to assist them and streamline understanding and communications? Lisa energetically and informatively gave us tools and ideas to take back to our companies.

May 2, 2008

"Higher Education and the World Outside" with Dr. Edward L. Ayers, President, University of Richmond

Don’t we remember when, as college-aged “practical idealists,” we wanted to change the world—but in concrete and immediate ways? That is how students arrive, to a higher education environment that is changing quickly, and becoming more important than ever to the United States. In responding to the changing educational landscape, it has been an interesting challenge to figure out how to connect the various parts of the university to one another, to the city of Richmond and to the world beyond.

April 4, 2008

"Strategic Planning for Change: Delivering and Managing Change in the Workplace" with Jennifer Scott, president of Touch Points Public Relations, and Joel Ratekin, president of Ratekin Consulting

New phone system. New computer system. New branding program. New website. New insurance provider. New management. Whatever the change, it affects your workplace and therefore your interaction with customers and clients. Generally, change does not come easily. Your staff and associates have opinions, ideas, and your changes should encourage creativity and collaboration. Forward-thinking managers are realizing that the best workers don¹t need 24/7 physical supervision but do need the sense of being part of the process. If handled correctly, change can energize and motivate your employees, and increase production. Customers and clients entering your establishment can also be affected by the climate of your space and mood of your workers.

March 7, 2008

"The Richmond Marketplace: March 2008 to March 2009" with Brian Glass, Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates, Inc.

Where does Richmond stand in retail growth compared to U.S. retail growth? Mr. Glass discussed how the amount of retail space now and soon-to-be available space, will impact the marketplace over the next year. More specifics were unveiled, including comments on rental rates in some of the more dynamic parts of the market.

February 1, 2008

"Employment Law in 2008"

Attorney David E. Nagle, Jackson Lewis LLP, returned to give us a rundown on some of the hot issues in labor and employment law as we begin2008, including: anticipated legislative actions, revision ofthe Family and Medical Leave Act, efforts to radically amendlaws regarding union organizing, and new rulings fromadministrative agencies on such diverse topics ascoordination of retiree medical plans with Medicare, Social Security "no-match" letters,the new I-9 forms, and the EEOC's new guidance on employee tests and selection procedures.

January 4, 2008

"How to Market in a Time When People Ignore Marketing"

Tom Blue, a marketing innovator and frequent speaker on the subjects of online and traditional marketing, presented 3 powerful yet little-known marketing principles that will help your marketing message to be heard by the people you most need to reach.

December 7, 2007

Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award and
Retail Industry Achievement Award

A very unique First Friday Forum was held at the Byrd Theatre, with special guests and entertainment, networking, a Carytown-flavored breakfast buffet—and recognition of our 2007 Award winners.

September 7, 2007

"Risk Taking for Entrepreneurs"

Libby Brown, co-founder of This End Up Furniture Co. and Fowl Cay Resort, takes a fearless look back at the risks and rewards of jumping into the deep end. Her recently published book, MAKING WAVES, is the frank and funny recollections of a seriously successful serial entrepreneur.

June 1, 2007

"Ten Ways to Protect Your Business"

Whether you missed it or are interested in seeing it again, you can click below to check out Rick Wildes's presentation at the June 1, 2007 First Friday Forum.

May 4, 2007

"The Economic Impact of Fort Lee's Expansion: BRAC—Base Realignment & Closure"

Whether you missed it or are interested in seeing it again, you can click below to check out Colonel Gwen Bingham's presentation at the May 4, 2007 First Friday Forum.

Premium Redskins Tickets

If you are interested in premium Redskins tickets as a result of the May 4th, 2007 First Friday Forum, call 301-276-6800 or click here for more information—and be sure to mention that you heard about it from the Retail Merchants Association!

March 2, 2007

"Marketing to Hispanics: A Nuts and Bolts Approach"

Whether you missed it or are interested in seeing it again, you can click below to check out Daniel Durazo's presentation at the March 2nd, 2007 First Friday Forum.

February 2, 2007

"Retail Market Year End Review and 2007 Retail Real Estate Outlook"

The GVA Advantis presenters of the February 2007 First Friday Forum "Retail Market Year End Review and 2007 Retail Real Estate Outlook" offer their presentation for your review.

January 5, 2007

"Business Continuity and Crisis Management"

Whether you missed it or are interested in seeing it again, you can click below to check out Continuity First's presentation at the January 5th, 2007 First Friday Forum.

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