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Invest in youth - shape the future by Larry Meyer
The scholarship program is just one of the ways MRA is
investing in the future by supporting positive programs that benefit youth. For 30 years MRA has been sponsoring the annual FFA Legislative
Breakfast, which gives student leaders in FFA (formerly known as Future
Farmers of America) a chance to meet their state legislators. FFA focuses on agricultural education, with a mission
of helping students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth
and career success. Students participate in community service and learn
about a broad range of careers, from agribusiness to computers. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Michigan FFA
Foundation, which seeks funding for FFA’s worthwhile programs. It’s
a great way to assist an organization that is giving students life skills
that often can’t be learned in the classroom.
More than 1,000 high school students attend each of these
conferences. They take over the legislative chambers, elect a governor
and pass mock legislation. They also argue mock court cases before a panel
of lawyers and judges. The event gives young people a chance to see the democratic
process in action by participating in it themselves. What a way to learn
about how government works! MRA is looking to expand our contributions to youth. The
Board of Directors has set a goal of growing the scholarship program by
increasing foundation assets to $1 million over the next several years. I’m personally proud of the growth in the scholarship
program over the past few years. MRA scholarships are an important benefit
for you and your employees. We encourage you to promote the program as
widely as possible to the students and parents of young people in your
workforce. Why does your Association invest in youth? We’re
simply trying to reflect the philosophy of community involvement that
inspires our members. We know local retailers are always the first to
buy high school yearbook ads, sponsor sports teams, help out a Scout troop
or donate to a children’s hospital. That’s why MRA started the Michigan Retailer of the Year Awards five years ago - to highlight how much good retailers do in their communities. You’ll find a nomination form inside this issue. Take a moment today to nominate a retailer - maybe even your own business - that has made extraordinary contributions to the community. |
On the front page of this issue of the Michigan Retailer,
you’ll see the faces of 15 students who will receive college scholarships
from Michigan Retailers Foundation this year. All these young people are
part of the retail community, through either their own or their parents’
employment.
MRA
has also been a sponsor of the Youth in Government program for two decades.
MRA President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Hallan serves on the board
of the state YMCA, which coordinates two Youth in Government conferences
in Lansing each year.