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RMA e-NEWS

 April 2007

Upcoming Events

Click here for all upcoming RMA Events >>

Member Chapter Meetings!

Open to all members and future members. Please refer to our online Calendar of Events for chapter meetings and locations.

2007 Title Sponsor

Print Media Sponsor

Radio Media Sponsor

Audio Visual Sponsor

Friday, May 4: First Friday Forum: "The Economic Impact of Fort Lee’s Expansion" with Esther T. Lee

Are you preparing to benefit from and capitalize on the expansion of Fort Lee? We’re talking about 11,728 individuals (customers) being added to the work force on base; 20,669 family members (customers) being added to the area population; and a daily average of 9,925 trainees (customers) being served by the base! And don’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on trailing spouses and family members as employees for your employee strapped stores. more info >>

7:30–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast and Forum

Location: Holiday Inn Central
3207 N. Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23230
Directions >>

Cost:
RMA Members: $15; Non-members: $20

register online >>

Platinum Sponsor

Distinguished Retailer of the Year Presenting Sponsor

Thursday, April 19: Annual Celebration

Serving the Retail Industry for over 100 Years

The Retail Merchants Association will celebrate 101 years at this Gala Celebration & Auction.

Cocktail reception from 5.30pm–6.30pm—listen to the upbeat 60s, 70s and 80s sounds of Pat O’Brien (musical requests accepted).

Followed by dinner and music from the C. Redd Contemporary Jazz Trio.

Meet the finalists for the Distinguished Retailer of the Year and the announcement of this year’s honoree.

• Click here for the Live Auction donation form >>

• Click here for a current list of donated auction items >>

• Click for the Dinner Menu >>

5:30–8:30 p.m.

Location: Sheraton Richmond West
6624 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 285-2000
Directions >>

Cost:
Per person—$75
Corporate Reserved Table of 8—$70

register online >>

Wednesday, April 25: A Powerful New Way to Get Full Restitution on Bad Checks!: "Working With the Commonwealth's Attorney to Recover Money Lost to Bad Checks!"

with Guest Speaker, GALE KRIEG, Vice President, BounceBack, Inc.

From now on, bad check writers are going to have a tougher time in Metro Richmond. The Commonwealth Attorneys in Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and The City of Richmond are turning up the heat in their fight against bad checks with a multi-part program designed to benefit businesses throughout the Metro Richmond area.

The new program will give retailers and other check victims an effective, no-cost way to recover funds lost to bad checks.

To learn more, please attend one of the meetings listed below. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required.

8:00–9:00 a.m.
or
11:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. (please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch to the 11:30 am meeting)
or
3:00–4:00 p.m.

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

Cost: Free

register online >>

Monday, May 14: 2007 Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers Annual Golf Tournament

The Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers needs your help! By supporting the Annual Golf Tournament, you will be helping fund our reward program. It is a great way for your company to help the community become a safer place, while reinforcing the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers’ programs.

12:30 p.m.: Shotgun start

Location: The Dominion Club
6000 Dominion Club Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 360-1200
Directions >>

Click here for full details >>

Tuesday, May 15: 2007 Business Development Seminar Series Featuring Michael Guld
"Unleash The Power of Social Marketing"

Most every business of any size can make a contribution that can have a profound effect on a cause, in the lives of others and in their community. The side benefit of doing these good deeds is that it will enhance a company’s reputation and the social marketing can actually help grow their business if promoted right.

8:00–8:30 a.m.: Coffee and danish
8:30–10:00 a.m.: Seminar

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

Cost: $50 per person per session. Or register for all 5 seminars and the last seminar will be free!

register online >>

Tuesday, May 15: Connect@ Genworth: Tim Lucas, Sr. Long Term Care Specialist

6:00–7:30 p.m.

Location: 2348 Manakin Rd
Manakin Sabot, Va 23103
Directions >>

Tuesday, May 22: SBA's Financing Programs

Ford Scott, Lender Relations Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Richmond District Office will present information on SBA's financing programs on May 22, 2007 from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Last year, the highest percentage of loans made by SBA's Richmond district office were in the retail sector, accounting for 236 loans totaling over $41.5 million.

SBA loan programs can be used to finance most small business needs including seasonal inventory purchases and labor costs, equipment purchases such as cash registers, signage, leasehold improvements, purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate, operating capital, and much more.

Loan amounts can range from as little as $5,000 up to $2 million. SBA programs have also been streamlined in recent years to reduce the paperwork and speed up the turnaround time on loan requests so that the funds quickly reach the small business owner.

8:30 a.m.: Coffee & Pastries
8:45–9:45 a.m.: Program

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

Cost: Free, but reservations are required

register online >>

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RMA News

Richard Sharp is Retail Media Expo Luncheon Speaker

Small Business or Fortune 500 – Keys to Success

Having founded, grown and sold his own small business, and led Fortune 500 companies, Rick Sharp, Chairman of CARMAX, has identified a few fundamental elements that can help businesses of any size succeed. He’ll share what he’s learned over the years leading both small and large companies.

The American Marketing Association is sponsoring the Luncheon at the Retail Marketing Expo on August 7 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

101st Annual Celebration Auction

If you haven’t made your reservations for the April 19th for the 101 st Gala Celebration, do it today. It’s from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Sheraton West Hotel. Live music, drinks, dinner, live auction, the announcement of the Distinguished Retailer of the Year and a lot of fun are on the agenda!

Thanks to all of our members and friends who have donated some fantastic items for the live auction. Read through the list now and decide what you will bid on.


Matt Thornhill of The Boomer Project and John Martin of SIR were the speakers for the April First Friday Forum. (See other photos from the April First Friday Forum)


RediClinics Open in Three Area Wal-Marts. The Midlothian store ribbon cutting is shown above. RediClinics joined RMA when they opened in Richmond.

Crime Stoppers 2007 Golf Tournament – May 14

The Crime Stoppers Annual Fund Raising Golf Tournament will be held May 14 at The Dominion Club. Jack Kreuter, Jack Kreuter Jewelers, is the Tournament Chairman. Pearson Signature Dealerships is the Title Sponsor and Retail Merchants Association is the Major Sponsor. HHHunt is providing lunch for the golfers.

There are several other sponsorships available and all benefit the Crime Stoppers reward program. Sign up to be a sponsor or to play in the tournament. For more information go to calendar of events at retailmerchants.com.

NEW! Seminar from the Small Business Administration

Ford Scott, Lender Relations Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Richmond District Office will present information on SBA's financing programs on May 22, 2007 from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. It’s free, but reservations are required. Visit retailmerchants.com or call 662-5500.<< Back to top

Member News

Stewart Kasen to Retire

Stewart Kasen will retire as the president and chief executive of S&K Famous Brands Inc. at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting on May 31. Joseph A. Oliver III, currently S&K’s Executive Vice President, will replace Kasen and get a seat on the board.

Kasen’s long retail career includes leading Best Products, Thalhimers and Schwarzschild Jewelers.

James River Bus Lines and Carey VIP Chauffeured Services Receives “Outstanding Ratings

James River Bus Lines and Carey VIP Chauffeured Services underwent a rigorous inspection by the United States Department of Defense. The inspection covered all of the company’s facilities, terminals, and equipment, as well as safety and passenger comfort items. Both earned the coveted #1 “Outstanding” rating.

Crossroads Art Center Gallery Opening & Artists Reception is April 20

The April Gallery show is an All Media Show featuring various local artists. It will run through May 10th. The Side Car Gallery will feature live orchids paired with the juried painted orchid show. Orchids will be available for purchase for the duration of the exhibit. View some of the paintings in the April show, visit www.crossroadsartcenter.com

Richmond.com Invites You to Get on “The List”

"The List," Richmond.com's weekly top 10 listing of area businesses, is one of the easiest ways to have your business recognized — completely free! Should you and your company be included in one of our lists? Visit Richmond.com to view all of the current lists, and contact Mike Kulick by e-mail at Michael.kulick@corp.richmond.com, or by phone at (804) 355-4500 ext. 363 to be considered for an upcoming list for your business now!"

What to do with…LEFTOVER CHICKEN?

Go to www.leftoverchicken.com where you will find great recipes for left over chicken. You may also add your favorite recipe using left over chicken to the site. Aunt Fossie’s Chicken Barbeque Sauce, a new item from Frances Daniels, owner of Mrs. Marshall’s Carytown Café, is for sale on the Web site. Check it out. << Back to top

FYI

JetBlue Goes After the Meetings Market

JetBlue Airways has launched a corporate meetings program. The program, CompanyBlue Meetings, is geared to planners who are booking flights for at least 15 travelers to the same destination. JetBlue has set up a dedicated meetings desk and will offer planners a complimentary travel certificate for every 40 meeting attendees booked. In addition, meeting planners also get a credit for future travel on JetBlue that is equal to the dollar value of the average fare (minus taxes and fees) for every 40 seats booked. Check it out at jetblue.com.

226th Anniversary Event—Revolutionary War Reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg at Historic Battersea

This free event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21-22 and is sponsored by the City of Petersburg and the Department of Tourism. For more information visit www.petersburg-va.org.

62nd Annual Book & Author Dinner – May 1

The Junior League of Richmond will present the 62 nd Annual Book & Author Dinner Tuesday, May 1 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center beginning at 7 p.m. Featured authors are Lisa Lutz with The Spellman Files, Bob Deans with The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James, James L. Swanson with Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, Davar Ardalan with My Name is Iran: A Memoir, Carrie Brown with The Rope Walk and Patricia Wells with Vegetable Harvest. Tickets are $60 each and include dinner, parking, & a champagne autographing reception. For more information call 643-4886 ext.32 or www.jlrichmond.org.

The Great Richmond Region Adventure – May 5

Join the Great Richmond Region Adventure in downtown Richmond on May 5. Build a team of 2 to 5 people and decipher puzzles and discover clues along the streets of downtown Richmond. In addition to the cash prize of $2,500, the winning team also selects a non-profit Richmond Region attraction to receive a $2,500 donation in celebration of Discover American Week. Go to www.greatrradventure.com.

Friday Cheers Kicks Off May 11

Venture Richmond’s FREE signature summer concert series, Friday Cheers, is back on Brown’s Island for its 23rd season and features some of the nation’s hottest touring acts, along with some regional favorites.

The series kicks off Friday, May 11 with Carbon Leaf and continues Fridays through June 29, 6:00-9:30 p.m. All events are on Brown’s Island with the exception of the May 25 event, which will be a combined Friday Cheers and Fridays at Sunset, held at the City’s Intermediate Terminal location as part of the Richmond Region 2007 “Rock the Boat” Godspeed event. The artist for that event will be announced at a later date. Check out all the bands here.

Godspeed Sail, Rock the Boat Set for May 19-26

Watch history come alive with the Godspeed sail, Rock the Boat - May 19-26. Commemorate the first English arrival at Henricus Historical Park and Richmond's Intermediate Terminal with exciting events, exhibits and speakers as well as enjoy the Richmond Symphony followed by a spectacular "400 candle blow out" fireworks display on Saturday May 26. The Godspeed will be available to the public for tours and viewing at both Henricus and Richmond’s Intermediate Terminal. A tentative schedule of events surrounding the Godspeed visit is listed below:

  • Saturday, May 19 - The Godspeed opens to the public at Henricus at 11:30.
  • Sunday, May 20 – Unity on the James: A multi-cultural service of remembrance, recognition and reconciliation at 10:00 am. A reenactment of the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe will be held at 11:00 am.
  • Monday, Tuesday, May 21 & May 22 - The Godspeed will be available for school groups and to the public at Henricus from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm.
  • Wednesday, May 23 - Arrival of the Godspeed at Richmond Intermediate Terminal mid-day, along with famous tall ships Kalmar Nyckel and Lady Maryland.
  • Thursday, May 24 – A public ceremony at Intermediate Terminal will be held at 11:00 am, featuring local and state political leaders and representatives from Virginia Indians and England, to mark the 400-year anniversary. The Godspeed and tall ships will open to the public at 12:30 pm. Tall ship schooner Virginia arrives.
  • Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26 - The Rock the Boat festival area at Intermediate Terminal will be open to the public from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Friday evening Richmond Region 2007 will sponsor musical entertainment featuring “The Roots.”
  • Saturday, May 26 - The Rock the Boat festival will be open to visitors from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Saturday evening there will be a special performance by the Richmond Symphony and a 400-Candle Blow-out fireworks salute at Intermediate Terminal.

If you or your organization would like to get involved with any of the above events and activities contact Richmond Region 2007 at 804-648-2007 or visit our website at 2007.richmond.com for more information. A 400th anniversary doesn’t come along very often. Don’t miss the boat!

¡Hola!

The Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute is sponsoring an 8 day Intensive Awaken the Spanish Within® Immersion program in Zacatecas, Mexico, June 23-30, 2007. You are learning and speaking Spanish every waking hour for 8 consecutive days. Spend 8 days in Mexico that you will never forget! Check out all the details.

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Welcome New Members!

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