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events

events May 2008

Bank of Virginia Visit our sponsor

Enjoy RMA's new events blast, coming to you the third week of every month. Each month our RMA paparazzi will be covering meetings and events, in Richmond, Goochland, Powhatan, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Amelia, and beyond—wherever Retail Merchants members and guests gather to network, learn or advocate! Special thanks to our Events sponsor, Bank of Virginia.

Click here for New PR Opportunities Click here for upcoming
Member Events

Bill Baxter Goes to College

RMA President Bill Baxter is a visiting professor at Longwood University.

Click any of the photos above to visit the photo gallery.

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July 4th or 5th Fireworks Extravaganza!
Sky Box Auction Wednesday, June 4th Only

9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon

Bidding for RMA Sky Box at The Diamond, July 4 or July 5, 2008, 6:00 p.m. Richmond Braves vs. Norfolk Tides

  • The winning bidder will receive full use of the Sky Box, 20 tickets and 2 parking passes.
  • You may provide your own food and beverages subject to Skybox guidelines or use Aramark, the Diamond's on-site caterer.
  • Bidding will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will close at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, June 4th.
  • Check the Retail Merchants Association's website at www.retailmerchants.com to check the bidding status during the auction.
  • The opening bid is $400.00 and bids should be in increments of $25.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or credit card.

To place your bid, call Adrian Edmondson at (804) 662-5514. Back to top

Connect@

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Connect@ Comedy Sportz™

Click any of the photos above to visit the photo gallery.

Upcoming...

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Connect @ Cold Stone Creamery

Only a small indulgence! Treat yourself and your family to a sweeeeet event. Fellow members, prospects, and guests will gather under the Central Virginia Bank tent to enjoy each other’s company and lots more: A lively DJ will spin some tunes and high-tech games will challenge your coordination and reaction time! And of course, there’s that delicious Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. Irresistible. Of course you’ll be there, with plenty of business cards to pass around…plus one for the basket, so you can win one of the door prizes. Bring a guest or two (or three!) Plan enough time to take a stroll and see the other merchants & restaurants around Libbie & Grove – it’s a thriving area! And thank you Cold Stone Creamery for the invitation to splurge. Thank you also to music sponsor DJ Glenn Sides and entertainment sponsor Play N Trade.

5:00–6:30 p.m.

Location: Cold Stone Creamery
409 Libbie Ave (near Grove)
Richmond, VA 23226
804-915-7643
Directions >>

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

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First Friday Forum

Friday, May 2, 2008

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

Click any of the photos above to visit the photo gallery.

Click here to view video footage of Dr. Edward L. Ayers.

Upcoming...

Friday, June 6, 2008

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

Click here for more information >>
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 will energetically and informatively give you some tools and ideas to take back to your company.

7:45–9:15 a.m.

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

Cost: Members, $20; Non-members, $25

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SLPA

Upcoming...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Security & Loss Prevention Association Monthly Meeting: "Business Planning for Catastrophic Events"

Guest Speaker: Clyde R. Hoey II The Resource Group

Click here for more information >>
Winds are expected to be 75 mph to 120 mph. If that news concerns you, then you'll want to know why May is Hurricane Preparedness Month.With the hurricane season less than a month away, there is still time to prepare. Make certain NOW that you have the tools in place to respond to a natural or manmade disaster. Our region’s businesses have already felt the effects of a destructive tornado. Will you be prepared when your business is interrupted?

For over twenty-three years, Clyde R. Hoey II has enjoyed a series of business success, in both ownership and management. His experience includes firms such as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Grimsley & Grimsley, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, from where he retired in 2006.

Mr. Hoey founded The Resource Group in the fall of 2006 and now offers his experience and background as a consultant to any segment of business, industry or commerce. His focus is lending assistance in addressing/solving a problem, planning or achieving goals/objectives. He is a strong supporter of Regional growth and development while serving all business sectors, large and small alike. He is a firm believer that membership has it privileges but that all businesses should be nurtured .

Mr. Hoey will address the concerns of employers and employees regarding their responsibilities when facing catastrophic events, regardless of its nature. Information will be provided on how businesses can plan for such events.

Topics to be covered:

  • Hazards & Threats——Facts about disasters, terrorism, and crime
  • Preparing——Get your business ready for emergencies now
  • Planning——A detailed disaster plan is the key to minimizing your risk
  • Responding——.When time is of the essence
  • Recovering——Putting the pieces back together after an emergency
  • Resources——Resources to help prepare, plan, respond, and recover

Store Owners, Managers, and Loss Prevention Professionals are invited to attend this informative workshop.

8:30–8:45 a.m.: Continental Breakfast
8:45–9:45 a.m.: Program

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

Cost : SLPA Members, free; Non-SLPA members, $5

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Smart Marketing: An Executive Dialogue

Upcoming...

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

"Smart Marketing: An Executive Dialogue" Moderated monthly by Tom Blue, RMA Marketing Guru

Click here for more information >>
You don’t have to hire an ad agency to get expert marketing advice. If you’ve ever worried that you’re not getting the most from your marketing dollars, Smart Marketing is well-worth your time.

Once a month, you’ll explore your most vexing marketing challenges with a select group of 5 to 9 peer executives. These structured, 90-minute discussions moderated by marketing expert, Tom Blue are designed to deliver the marketing answers you need today while offering invaluable lessons from the real-life experiences of other executives.

12:00–1:30 p.m.

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

SPACE IS LIMITED—2 Groups . . . 20 Participants.

Cost per session : $79 member / $99 non-member*
*Non-members who join after the second session will receive a $50 discount on membership.

Upcoming Sessions: June 24, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 29, November 26

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New PR Opportunities

Ideas Wanted Re: Next Wave of Tourism

Associate John Poimiroo is researching articles for Hotel Business Review, hotelexecutive.com and Hotel Insider on what U.S. hoteliers are doing to prepare for the next wave of tourism which he says is tied to the fact that the U.S. has topped 300 million residents, while China has 1.3 billion, 230,000 of which are millionaires. The next wave of tourism will be from Asia and one of the first places they’re likely to be taken is the land to which most of their relations have emigrated, North America. How are they reaching out to Chinese partners in setting a foundation for future Chinese tourism to the U.S. and what destinations are doing to position themselves as on top of Chinese “must visit” lists. He requests ideas related to this next wave. E-mail him at: john@poimiroo.com.

Mid-Atlantic Living Looking for Stories

Mid-Atlantic Living, the magazine-within-the-magazine for Southern Living readers in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. (This section is published four times a year—March, May, September, and December.) is looking for more feature-like stories for 2009. They are particularly interested in young, female entrepreneurs, but compelling stories of any kind are welcome. Some examples include:

  • Arts organizations or initiatives
  • Revitalization programs (small towns or big cities)
  • Youth programs
  • Interesting people of all ages, races, and religions
  • Interesting places
  • A behind-the-scenes look at ….
  • Chefs
  • Artists (painters, carvers, sculptors, jewelry makers, etc.)
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Seasonal events or programs
  • Anything else you see as a topic that would interest our readers.

Editor Cassandra Vanhooser is looking more for people/place feature story ideas than traditional travel story ideas.  Her office telephone: 205-445-6345 or e-mail: Cassandra_vanhooser@timeinc.com

Virginia Living Magazine 85% discount on something-spooky ads  

Have a resident ghost or plan a special haunting promotion?  Here’s an advertising idea!

Virginia ranks amongst the top of the Haunted Places list from the National Register of Haunted Locations, and making VA a very travel worthy this Fall. So in addition to Fall Foliage, wine and harvest season, VA Tourism Corp is promoting another great reason to visit Virginia—“Dark Tourism”, a trend best described as Halloween and Haunted travel, and don’t worry, not all of it is necessarily dark, so VA won’t be scaring off the families.

Virginia Living Magazine Co-op $332.00
Issue: September/October 2008
Specs: 1/6P 4C
Space deadline is 8/1 and materials are due 8/6
Space is limited. First Come first served!
Publication Contact: Torrey Munford, 804.343.0782, TMunford@CapeFear.com

Retail Marketing Expo Exhibitors & Sponsors Only!

The July issue of Retail Partners newsletter will include a 4-page insert dedicated to an Expo Preview!  We need brief “blurbs” from you describing any new product you will be introducing, any ‘show specials’ you will be offering, or anything you want to brag about!  Photos can be used if space available.  No cost! Space is limited, so first come, first served.

There is also discounted advertising space available in this section—and selling fast! Call Pat right away if you are interested.  (804-662-5500)

All information and ads are due no later than May 26.

Send information to patricia@retailmerchants.com  Questions?  Contact Pat at the same e-mail or call 804-662-5500.

Not signed up for the Expo yet?  No time to waste!!!  Download the contract from www.retailmarketingx.com or email jprice@retailmerchants.com

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Member Events

Happy First Anniversary!

Congratulations to Ms. Deborrah Aven, owner of Aussie Retreat in Petersburg, she celebrates her one year anniversary this month!

Wine Tasting @ Shula's 2 Steak & Sports

Join Us for Complimentary Wine, Starters, Networking & Advice from a Wine Connoisseur onThursday May 22, 2008, 5:30 - 6:30pm at the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel, 6624 W. Broad Street Richmond, phone: (804) 285-2000. www.donshula.com  

Boaz & Ruth Diamond Debut Gala

You're invited to the 3rd Annual Diamond Debut, a gala of joy, hope and festivity to benefit Boaz & Ruth.  Please join us for a dinner and spectacular auction on Friday, May 16th.  Reception and silent auction begin at 6:00 followed by dinner at 7:30.  Union Theological Seminary is hosting the event at Lingle Hall, 3406 Brook Road.  Tickets are $75.00.  For reservation please contact reservations@boazandruth.com or Megan at 329-4900 x 203.  Boaz & Ruth, a faith-based, nonprofit organization in Richmond's Highland Park, addresses the issues of prisoner recidivism and re-entry through job training, community revitalization and innovative commercial enterprise. The centerpiece of Boaz & Ruth's mission is a used furniture store and training center at 3030 Meadowbridge Road.  For more information visit  www.boazandruth.com

Its Hip to be Round is Expecting

Carytown retailer, Its Hip to be Round owner Anne Kennon is planning on twins: though not identical.  Another store is being planned for the Far West End, and later this summer Hip Kids, specializing in high end clothing for newborns to 4 years old, will open its doors.  www.itshiptoberound.com

Metro Modern Showcases Kent Bryant

See a small grouping of ceramics by Richmond collector Kent Bryant.  What started as a small interest for Bryant, quickly became passionate acquisition.  In less than a decade, Bryant has accumulated so much information and provenance on each piece acquired, making him a knowledgeable and valuable expert in ceramics. Some of the ceramic pieces are by established ceramicists while others were designed by avant garde artists who pushed ceramics into new design.   Represented in the collection are Raymor, Monterey, Royal Copenhagen, Rosenthal, Hyalyn, Sohod, and Franciscan.  The collection includes spatterware, lava, metallic, sgraffutto, high glaze, matte, etched or combinations created during late 1930s through the 1970s. www.metromodern.biz

Village Marketplace Sidewalk Art Show, June 14

Plan on a fun Saturday with the Bon Air Arts Association – June 14 from 10 am to 4 pm – along the sidewalk of the Village Marketplace in Midlothian Village.  Enjoy a variety of artists, preview a drum lesson, swoon over chocolate and gelato at de Rochonnet delights Chocolatier, take a shot on the demo pool table, find lots of special sales, hear the Richmond VA Scottish Bagpipes & Drums, tap your toes to rock & roll oldies performed by a local band…and more!

Virginia Sweepstakes Promotes Live Music, Performing Arts

Do you live for live music, dance, theater? It doesn’t matter if you are standing before a living legend or discovering someone you’ve never heard of before. You want to be a part of it all—right up front. That’s right—you’re a Front Row Fanatic. That’s your “Passionality” and you can revel in it, encore after encore, in Virginia’s new Front Row Fanatic Sweepstakes.

Virginia’s vibrant music scene is front and center in Virginia Tourism Corporation’s special Front Row Fanatic Sweepstakes promotion, running now through July 1, 2008. Those who have a passion for live performance will have a chance to win a Wayne Henderson guitar or a musical trip for two to some of Virginia’s most musical destinations by entering the sweepstakes at www.Virginia.org/musicpromo. 

Six winners will be drawn at random. One grand prize winner will receive a handcrafted Crooked Road Series guitar by master luthier Wayne Henderson, of Virginia’s Crooked Road, whose clients include Eric Clapton.

Four first prize winners will receive three-day, two-night vacations and event tickets for their choice of one of the following music destinations:

  • Virginia's Makers & Players at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Galax;
  • Hampton Bay Days, Hampton (headlined by Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs);
  • Richmond Folk Festival, Richmond;
  • Les Misérables at Wolf Trap, Fairfax County

In addition, the winner of the Virginia's Makers & Players at the Blue Ridge Music Center prize will also receive a handcrafted Crooked Road Series guitar by Anderson/Strickland. One second prize winner will receive a handcrafted Crooked Road Series guitar by Anderson/Strickland. Drawings will be held July 1, 2008. www.Virginia.org/musicpromo. 

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