All dogs need new tricks

by Larry Meyer
MRA Chairman and CEO

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. How did such an absurd idea take hold?

Learning the latest “tricks”—innovative strategies, emerging trends and new information—is essential to retailers, whatever their age. So we read what we can about our industry or niche, talk with other retailers and, every so often, attend a seminar or conference.

The retailer who stops learning will find it hard to survive in the competitive marketplace of the 21st century. Education—whether formal or informal—lays the foundation for future success.

I chose the word “foundation” for a reason: to remind you of the mission of the Michigan Retailers Foundation. Established in 1968, the foundation provides college scholarships each year to retailers’ employees and families.

Last month’s Michigan Retailer gave an update on “Links to a Legacy,” Michigan Retailers Foundation’s three-year campaign to double the assets of the foundation. We’re approaching our goal of $1 million in assets, but we have only a few months until that 18th hole, by which time we hope to hit our mark. Consider making a pledge to the Foundation before July 1, 2005.

Interest earned on those assets is used to fund the scholarship program. In the past six years, the Foundation’s scholarship program has helped nearly 70 young people from MRA member businesses and families afford their college education.

The scholarship program has grown substantially in recent years—but, of course, so has the need, as tuition continues to rise and more and more young people see a college degree as essential to competing in today’s job market.

A few education-oriented reflections and reminders:

First, let your employees know about the scholarship program and encourage them or their children to apply for an MRA scholarship. The article below gives details about applying. Materials were being mailed to all MRA members by the end of January.

Second, consider a contribution or pledge to the Michigan Retailers Foundation—build a lasting legacy by contributing funds that will make college more affordable for fellow Michigan retailers’ families.

At this time of year, I don’t need to remind you that donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. And the campaign has structured other benefits for contributing, culminating in a named scholarship for those who give (or pledge to give) $10,000. The other levels of recognition are great for public relations as well.

For information, or to contribute, please contact MRA’s Retha Lachance at 800.366.3699 or rlachance@retailers.com.

Finally, mark your calendars for June 6. That’s the date of our third annual Retail Education Conference, to be held this year at the Embassy Suites in Livonia. Past conferences have received rave reviews, and this one promises to be every bit as lively and informative.

Whether you’re an old dog or a puppy, you’re ready to learn a few new tricks.