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State Issues
Isle of Wight Plastic Bag Recycling Pilot Program Kickoff
The Virginia Retail Federation (the lobbying arm of the Retail Merchants Association and the Retail Alliance of Hampton Roads) obtained funding during the 2009 General Assembly for two plastic bag recycling pilot programs in Isle of Wight County and the City of Alexandria. The County of Isle of Wight held their kick-off on August 5th, attended by representatives from the Virginia Retail Federation, county officials, State Senator Fred Quayle and Delegate Bill Barlow. Senator Quayle and Delegate Barlow carried the budget amendments for funding the pilot programs.
The event kicks off a year-long pilot program that will enhance public awareness of how recycling plastic bags benefits the environment and the community.
Sales Tax Holiday
George Peyton and Margaret Ballard, lobbyists for the Virginia Retail Federation, participate in Governor Kaine’s Sales Tax Holiday Press Conference.
In his remarks at the press conference, George Peyton thanked Governor Kaine and the General Assembly for keeping the Sales Tax Holiday in place during the economic downturn.
The Virginia Retail Federation lobbied successfully to enable all retailers to participate in the sales tax holiday.
Federal Issues
Card Check (Employee Freedom of Choice Act)
On August 4, the Virginia Retail Federation furnished information to the Retail Marketing Expo attendees on how they could get involved in opposing Card Check legislation before Congress. While the Health Care issue is getting more press, the Card Check issue is far from dead. To receive a fact sheet, please email George Peyton. If you have not contacted Senators Webb and Warner to express your opposition, contact information is below. Please do not delay.
| Senator Mark Warner 507 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: 804-771-2221 Fax: 804-771-8313 | Senator Jim Webb 5309 Commonwealth Ctr. Pkwy. Suite 401 Midlothian, VA 23112 Phone: 804-739-0247 Fax: 804-739-3478 |
Health Care—Important Survey—Click Here
The debate continues. Please fill this survey to let us know how you feel about the Health Care legislation that is being debated in Congress.
The Virginia Retail Federation provided the online survey at the Retail Marketing Expo and many attendees took time to complete the survey. The combined survey results will be shared with our Congressional delegation to let them to know how our membership feels about the different components of the legislation.
Retailers, Learn How to Achieve and Sustain PCI Compliance
Many retailers treat Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance as a project focused on passing the audit -- a single-point-in-time event that relies on checklists to get them into that compliant state. Join STORES on Thursday, Aug. 13 to learn how mechanically following the PCI checklist and passing your audit can lull you into a false sense of security. The webinar also will highlight how retailers can achieve and sustain PCI compliance, pass audits and give customers the confidence they need. Learn more.
NRF Asks Congress to Scrap Healthcare Bill and Start Over
NRF asked the House to scrap its controversial $1 trillion health care reform bill and start over, calling the measure "the biggest anti-stimulus legislation imaginable" and saying it would be a "sure recipe" for further job losses during the national recession. The comments came in a letter written by NRF's Steve Pfister to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, copying all members of the House. Read the news release.Back to top
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The Retail Advocate is published the second week each month and whenever important issues affecting RMA members arise. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Contact:
George Peyton
(804) 662-5500
Fax: (804) 662-5507
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