PAC support benefits business and community

by Larry Meyer
MRA Chairman and CEO

As we close in on November and election day, I want to remind you all how important this election is for Michigan business owners.

It is the first time in recent memory that there is no incumbent for any of the major state posts—governor, attorney general and secretary of state.

In the legislature, term limits and redistricting will ensure that 53 of 110 seats in the Michigan House and 28 of 38 Michigan Senate seats will be filled by newly elected members.

This will be a golden opportunity to fill those prominent and influential seats with officials and law makers who are sensitive to the needs of retailers across the state.

Now, more than ever, is the time to take an active role in state government and the shaping of public policy. Retailers who learn about issues related to retail and then take action to support the candidates who champion those concerns are doing more than just looking out for their bottom line, they are improving the community in which they live.

When you look at the fact that one of five people is employed in retail, you can see that when retail thrives, communities grow. It is a community matter when unemployment is up and consumer spending is down, just as it is a retail matter.

As retailers and as members of your respective communities, you have an opportunity to positively influence the political environment of this state. You shouldn’t look at becoming a greater part of the political picture as a burden, but as an honor!

These reasons, among many others, are why I am asking members to become more involved with MRA Political Action Committee.

PAC is an opportunity to be truly effective in making our voices heard on political issues by leveraging the power of collective participation. One person trying to change things on his or her own can be easily discouraged by any number of obstacles. Just on sheer odds alone, a fragmented voice of the people is inefficient and ineffective.

PAC brings together MRA members who have strong opinions on politics in this state and gives their voices power and access to our policy makers. Because public policy is created through the input of all kinds of special interest groups, it is important that your interest be represented. It is a simple matter of being heard or being ignored.

MRA PAC does more than give financial support to retail-friendly candidates, it unifies us as politically informed and active MRA members. It is a strong vehicle with which we can make our voices heard.

I have always been proud of the governmental resources that MRA has provided to members. This fall, MRA will further involve our members in governmental communications with a new program on www.retailers.com called VoterVoice.

VoterVoice will allow MRA members to read on our website about current retail issues in government, and then provide a fast and effective forum for you to communicate with legislators across the board, or just those in your district, through e-mail.

VoterVoice is one of several ways that MRA provides members a way to influence retail-related legislation. By giving to PAC, you are in turn doing your part to strengthen the political arm of MRA, as well as helping your business and community grow.