News

How to Incorporate a Cause Into Your Brand & Marketing

Many of today’s most well-known and successful brands incorporate a cause or element of charity into their marketing. Supporting a cause or charity with your business is a great way to build deeper connections with your customers,

Upcoming Holidays, Themes, and Events to Spruce Up Your Next Campaign

April

General Themes: Spring, gardening, eco-friendly 🌿

  • Autism Awareness Month
    Create an end-cap or special rack of items that cater to sensory needs, or provide DEI training for employees.

MRA Attends Retail’s Big Show with Lawmakers

MRA’s Bill Hallan and Amy Drumm joined Michigan State Senator Joe Bellino (R) and State Representative Kristian Grant (D) at the National Retail Federation’s State Legislative Experience and Retail’s Big Show in New York City in January.

Embracing Sustainability as a Competitive Edge

For small business owners in Michigan, adopting a sustainable approach is not only environmentally responsible but also a strategic way to meet growing consumer and regulatory expectations. Getting started with Environmental,

2025 Legislative Priorities

Fixing the Earned Sick Time Act
Lawmakers were unable or unwilling to reach an agreement on making the much-needed changes to the Earned Sick Time Act (paid leave) and tipped wage changes during lame duck.

From the CEO: The Spirit of a Michigan Retailer

Recently, our new VP of Communications, Victoria Veda, had several members of the MRA team participate in an exercise to identify the “Spirit of a Michigan Retailer.” Victoria joined MRA in September and her energy and creativity have helped us think differently and she’s pushed many of us outside our comfort zones (in a good way!).

Regulatory Rundown: February/March 2025

Capitol dome image

Law Changes Coming in February and March 2025
Earned Sick Time Act

As the clock ticks down to the Feb. 21, 2025 effective date of sweeping changes to sick time leave requirements which dramatically impact businesses of all sizes,