317. Telling the retail story: Live from the Council of State Retail Associations
Retail Gets Real · with Gordon M. Gough, Rachel Michelin, Scott Shalley · September 19, 2023 · 29 min
Summary
State retail associations are crucial in shaping public policy and government relations at the local level. This episode highlights how these organizations act as a vital defense for retailers, addressing critical issues like organized retail crime and credit card swipe fees. It emphasizes the importance of member engagement in building effective relationships with policymakers to create significant impact for the retail industry.
Key takeaways
Engage with state retail associations to influence public policy and government relations impacting your business.
Understand the legislative landscape in your state regarding issues like organized retail crime and credit card swipe fees.
Leverage your membership in retail associations to collectively advocate for industry interests with policymakers.
Recognize the power of 'telling the retail story' to humanize issues and build rapport with legislators.
Support grassroots advocacy efforts led by state retail associations to drive impactful policy decisions.
If the adage “All politics are local” is true, then state retail association executives really are the first line of defense for retail public policy and government relations activity in state capitols across the nation. On today’s special episode, recorded live at the Council of State Retail Associations meeting, three state retail association executives, including Gordon M. Gough of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Rachel Michelin of the California Retailers Association and Scott Shalley of the Florida Retail Federation, talk about the important role state retail associations play in state legislatures and local government, what SRA executives are doing on the issues of organized retail crime and credit card swipe fees, and how they draw on their membership to build relationships with policymakers that create impact. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
