News

Meauwataka General Store: the little store, atop a hill, in the forest

Cort, Pam and Ken Sandy pose in front of the Meauwataka General Store sign

Outside the Meauwataka General Store

A leisurely drive through the forest led to ownership of a rural general store.

Ken and Pam Sandy owned a cabin in Cadillac and they wanted to move up,

Striking the Right Balance of Government Input

As your voice in Lansing, our job is to raise questions and concerns about government intervention and regulation for retailers, grocers, and other small businesses. 

Our goal is a thoughtful and balanced approach to government involvement,

Move Your Facebook Page Front and Center

Facebook professional view

Advertising is an expensive part of owning a business, but there are steps you can take to put yourself in front of your customers in places they already are. One example of this is utilizing Facebook.

Overcharged and Entitled to Settlement Proceeds – But You Have to Act

In all likelihood, your business accepts payments through Visa and Mastercard. If that is the case, and you accepted these types of payments between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 25,

Making Michigan Less Competitive

In June, Gov. Whitmer announced the establishment of a council designed to grow Michigan’s population. The Executive Order states that the “Growing Michigan Together Council” will seek to accomplish its mission by focusing on four areas:

  • Jobs
  • Talent and people
  • Infrastructure
  • Education

It sounds great,

Veteran, Women, Indigenous and Black Owned Business Certifications

In an increasingly diverse and competitive business landscape, certification as a veteran, woman, Indigenous, or Black-owned business can connect a merchant with new and unique opportunities. 

Certification often opens the doors to networking opportunities and mentorship programs specifically designed for businesses who have sought out these certifications.

Michigan Retailers Awards Mackinaw City Downtown Grant

Buy Nearby 10-year logo

Downtown Mackinaw City was today named the winner of the second annual Buy Nearby Grant, a $7,500 grant sponsored by Great Lakes, Michigan Jobs. 

A competitive grant, Mackinaw City developed a program to match customers’ dollars with grant dollars and give Mackinaw City the chance to promote a “Buy One Get One”

Celebrate 10 Years of MRA’s Annual Buy Nearby Weekend, Oct. 6-8

Shop local, enter coloring contest, visit and support participating retailers

Across the state, Michigan businesses will join the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) this weekend in celebration of Buy Nearby Weekend.