Hallan to lead MRA into new era

James P. Hallan, long-time president and chief operating officer of Michigan Retailers Association and Retailers Mutual Insurance Company, will become president and CEO of both organizations, effective January 1, 2008. He succeeds Larry Meyer, who will retire on December 31 after a distinguished 35-year career with Michigan Retailers.

“Both Jim and I expect the transition to be seamless,” said Meyer. “We have been preparing for this day for several years. After nearly 23 years with MRA, no one is in a better position to take MRA forward than Jim.”

Hallan, a native of Holland, was named president of MRA in 1989 after serving as the Association’s general counsel since 1985. His broad responsibilities have included legal analysis, long-term financial planning and budgeting, daily operations and development of business relationships and member services. All of these responsibilities will continue to play a role in his position as CEO.

“Jim has the board’s complete support,” said Peter Sobelton, chair of the Executive Committee of the MRA Board of Directors.

“We’re looking forward to the progress MRA will be able to make with him as the new captain of our ship.”

As the Association moves forward, Hallan intends to refocus the organization to address a rapidly changing industry—without losing or changing the Association’s core philosophy.

“In this tough economic climate, it’s time to reevaluate how we operate,” said Hallan. “We will reorganize some staff and resources and take concrete steps to reenergize our sales force. But our core values and our mission—supporting retailers and small businesses and providing them with tools to be successful—will not change.”

The promotion and hiring of key executives is one part of this strategic plan. Jean Sarasin, John Mayleben, Tom Tuggle and Tom Scott will all assume new responsibilities, and a new vice president, Jon Sanford, will bring a fresh perspective and experienced leadership to member sales and partner relations.

“With experienced people dedicated to more clearly defined areas of responsibility, the Association will be in a better position to make the most of opportunities to grow both membership and services,” said Hallan.

Hallan believes many MRA members may not realize how unique the Association is. As the nation’s largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers, MRA has an entrepreneurial edge not found in most state associations. It offers a wide array of essential business services, including merchant processing, insurance, utility and shipping discounts and a host of other services that help members keep overhead under control.

“MRA is the complete package—a trade association that seeks out and provides new services and products in support of small businesses, while also serving as a unified voice for the industry with regard to the state’s decision-makers,” said Hallan.

“I would like members to consider MRA as a service provider that adds value and that they are happy to recommend.”

The transition at Retailers Mutual Insurance Company, the workers’ compensation insurance company formed in January 2006 through conversion of Retailers Fund, also will be seamless. One important change is the creation of a new position—vice president, sales and agent relations—filled by Tuggle, to strengthen relationships with the independent agents.

In addition, more classifications will continue to be added, expanding the base of businesses eligible for workers’ compensation insurance from Retailers Mutual.

Hallan was instrumental in the conversion to Retailers Mutual, a process that drew on his legal knowledge and experience with the insurance industry.

An attorney and member of the State Bar of Michigan, Hallan served as an attorney with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and as general counsel for the Michigan Food Dealers Association and the Michigan Association of Professional Insurance Agents before joining MRA in 1985.

He also serves as chair of the board of Delta Dental Plans of Michigan and Ohio, as a director of Delta Dental Plan Foundation,

Michigan YMCA, the national Council of State Retail Association Executives and the Association Advisory Council for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He and his wife, Beth, have three children and one grandchild and have been longtime supporters of local arts, music and sports programs.