The State of Credit Cards - Retail · PDF fileBank credit cards also prefer keeping ... Mary Baldoni, with RBS WorldPay (an RMA endorsed member), ... Pleasants Hardware, is Second

¾ of all credit card volume in the US) had only four different types of swipe or interchange fees about 20 years ago at the moment, together they have 300 rate categories.

When signing on to their networks, credit card companies impel merchants to accept a variety of add-ons, including expensive reward programs. Bank credit cards also prefer keeping attractive bonuses for consumers rather than keeping down costs for merchants.

Bill Gouldin, with Strange’s Florist, considered starting a company in-house charge, but discovered the quagmire of rules & regulations applied to the ‘big guys’ also apply to the small business. He commented, “The rates and fixed fees charged the retail merchant for credit card clearing are constantly rising. The new law restricts retail merchants from having their own in-house accounts, forcing them to pay the increasing credit card fees.” He adds, “The government should consider protecting retail merchants from this usurious situation.”

What can merchants do? Educate your

sales staff – do they know that when the customer swipes the card, fees are still less costly than keyed-in charges? Review agreements – find where you can watch your costs, and inform your staff. There could be better deals out there. Mary Baldoni, with RBS WorldPay (an RMA endorsed member), suggests offering discounts or specials when the customer pays in cash. It is against most credit card agreements to charge a fee for card usage, and they are quite serious and strict. April and October are the usual times when interchange rates are increased, and at the moment, there are no regulations protecting the merchant.

The future of credit cards gets interesting in technical ways.

1st Quarter 2010

RMA has been fortunate to have a very active and interested Board of

Directors. With these new elections, we expect that tradition to continue.

At the helm, John D. Whitlock, The Whitlock Group, is Chair of the

Board; Kenneth Wayland, Free Agents Marketing, is First Vice Chair

of the Board; and James Hatcher, Pleasants Hardware, is Second Vice

Chair of the Board.

First Three Year Term Ending February, 2013

Ron Carey Richmond Times-Dispatch

Page Ewell Richmond Window Corporation

Rudy Garcia Rivanna Woods Financial

Buzz Ingalls Ben Franklin Crafts & Frames

Pat Patrick Patrick Auto Group

Michael Siewers Siewers Lumber

Mark Smith Midas of Central Virginia

Second Three Year Term Ending February, 2013

Scott Aronson Ukrop’s

Stephen Story James River Bus Lines

Continued on page 4

The State of Credit Cards

Welcome New & Returning RMA Board Members

“A large merchant may pay 1.5% plus flat fee; a small merchant may pay 3%-4%” commented Shawn Miles, head of global public policy at MasterCard, in a January article in the Wall Street Journal. In the same article, the Nilson Report, a payment industry newsletter, said that in 2008, merchant-paid swipe feeds amounted to $62.7 billion, up 3% over the previous year.

The new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, took full effect in February.

For consumers, it means clearer reporting on charges, fees and payments, and less credit access by those considered most risky (such as students.) Card rates cannot be aligned with slow or non-payment of other unrelated bills (known as universal default). It makes it harder for card issuers to raise interest rates without warning, and statements must be mailed out at least 21 days before the payment is due.

Merchants, also being consumers with personal or business cards, will enjoy some of these same new regulations.

For merchants, Gift Card regulations are also embedded in this bill:

•• Includes merchant cards in addition to the larger branded cards.

•• Cards can’t expire any sooner than 5 years from the date money was put on the card.

•• Fees are banned until after 12 months of inactivity, and then a monthly fee may be assessed.

•• The Federal Reserve Board can cap monthly fees, determine when they are assessed and determine if fraud protections are needed.

There is little that can be done to cut the cost of credit card processing. Right now, swipe-fees are not subject to regulation. According to a November 2009 report by the Government Accountability Office, both Visa and MasterCard (which account for nearly

RETAIL PARTNERS

2 | Think. Shop. Buy. Local | RetailMerchants.com/local | 1st Quarter 2010

From Your PresidentDear Member,

With 2009 behind us, this is a good time to reflect on the past year to help us move forward into the next decade. My bet is that you are a better business person as a result of the challenges we all faced in 2009. As we all continue to analyze our businesses and seek opportunities to increase that bottom line, Retail Merchants Association is here to help. And here’s how:

We gain strength and support from a strong Board of Directors who give of their time to mentor you on a monthly basis. Have you signed up for our Mentoring Program?

Our First Friday Forum events are focused on providing you with the education you need to run your business more effectively and give you a resource to network with Richmond’s finest businesses. The Retail Marketing Expo has grown to be the premier event to offer you the contacts and connections you need to market your business while continuing to be FREE to attend. The Virginia Retail Federation, the advocacy arm of your association, continues to fight for the rights of the retail industry, educate you on what legislation might affect your business and give you the opportunity to be face to face with local and state officials so your voice may be heard.

Our Think. Shop. Buy. Local campaign has brought awareness to the consumer like never before. Is your TSBL cling in your store window? I hope you have signed

up to be listed on our stand alone Think. Shop. Buy. Local website so you can take advantage of numerous advertising offers and give your customers one more place to find your website.

So how can your membership work for you? By involving yourself as much as possible and letting us hear your voice. Support legislative efforts, if even by a phone call. Come to educational events and networking opportunities and bring a friend along. Use the free communication tools at your disposal to promote your business news and events. Engagement and participation is the key to making your Retail Merchants membership work for you and your business. And we at RMA are here for you to make that membership work.

I am grateful for your continuing support and membership.

Nancy C. Thomas

President/CEO

TM

ADVERTISE IN RETAIL PARTNERS QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERFor advertising information or to publish any news about your business:

Contact Pat Vitsky 804-662-5518, toll-free [email protected]

RMA ENDORSED MEMBER/VENDORSSpecial pricing, stellar service!

Advertising Concepts Inc.RMA Resource & Membership DirectoryMs Ann [email protected]

Elman Packaging & DesignBags & Gift BoxesDavid [email protected]

Landmark PublicationsTourist Hardcover BookDebbie [email protected]

Merchants’ Services RMA’s Insurance DivisionJimmy [email protected]

OfficeMaxOffice Supplies & FurnitureReg [email protected]

Paychex Inc.Payroll ProcessingAllison [email protected]

RBS WorldPayCredit Card ProcessingMary [email protected]

Richmond.comInternet MarketingChristie [email protected]

OURLAW ENFORCEMENT

PARTNERS

The Ashland Police Department

The Chesterfield Police Department

The Hanover Sheriff’s Department

The Henrico Division of Police

The City of Richmond PoliceDepartment

The Federal Bureau of Investigation

The U. S. Secret Service

The Virginia Capitol Police

The Virginia State Police

5101 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230Ph: 804-662-5500 # Fax: 662-5507

[email protected]

The Organization for

Security & Loss Prevention

Personnel

a sub-association of

The Retail Merchants Association

Think. Shop. Buy. Local | RetailMerchants.com/local | 1st Quarter 2010 | 3

Free Member Communications Tools You Can Use NowMember Service

RMA can serve as an important conduit for your communications, and at no cost to members! Get your news out and be more involved with your Association.

Use any or all:

RMA FaceBook Fan PageRMA members only can list events, company & personnel news. Well over 700 members are interested in connecting with you. Make sure you are a Fan to receive this news and a variety of informative postings & announcements.

www.retailmerchants.comShare your specials in the Member-to-Member section (and find discounts you can use). Announce job openings.

www.retailmerchants.com/localIf you have a Virginia address, you ARE local – you pay staff, pay taxes and support your community in any number of ways. Make sure you said ‘yes’ to participating in the ‘Think. Shop. Buy. Local’ for free mentions and discounted media opportunities.

Free on Richmond.com (a $420 value)

You receive a free business listing which you can enhance with up to 3 images, description, keywords and location – plus you can modify your information as often as you like!

Retail Partners Quarterly NewsletterYour company news, events, personnel announcements, etc. can be included at no cost. Have a story idea? We’d love to hear about it for future issues.

Weekly E-Mail BlastsWith almost every Wednesday blast, there is a ‘Member News & Events’ listing. Please send us your news so we can publicize it for you!

LinkedIn GroupExpand your connections – make sure you join the Retail Merchants

Association LinkedIn group, where you can post your news, events and broaden your network.

ImmediatelyMake sure you add Pat Vitsky to all of your press and event announcements!

For more information, contact Pat Vitsky, [email protected] or 804-662-5518

Published by:

Retail Merchants Association5101 Monument Avenue

Richmond, VA 23230(804) 662-5500

Toll free (866)750-2532www.RetailMerchants.com

www.RetailMerchants.com/local

For information, contact

[email protected]

Mailing Courtesy of:

Produced by:

Printing by:


Q&A This new column takes a question asked at a recent Retail Authority Mentoring session and posts couple of answers.

Gearharts Chocolates has the ability to customize chocolates & boxes with company logos for special events and corporate gifts. What ways would you suggest for us to personally market ourselves to prospective clients? In the past we have used postcards, email blasts or cold calls but there are far too many businesses in Richmond for that approach. In other words—

Q. How could we go about compiling a more qualified list of potential corporate customers?

A. Jack Kreuter from Kreuter Jewelers:

My recommendation for Gearharts Fine Chocolates is to provide sample boxes to local businesses. These chocolates need to be given to an officer, owner, or directly to the person responsible for the purchase of a corporate gift. As well as at any networking event they attend, they should provide samples of their chocolates.

A. Tom Marshall from G Marketing, Inc.:

There is a lot of competition in the corporate market. Nothing beats free. I would pass out free samples to the corporate decision makers (corporate relationship managers). An example: host chocolate tastings in corporate offices. Focus on the high end customers-- those who would come to wine tastings, and pair the chocolates with the wines. Another example, do joint ventures with other companies that may have like customers.

A. Response from RMA:

Drive people to your website to find out more about what you can do! Create an on-line sign-up list for prospective & current customers to receive information on specials, new flavors, new packaging. Hold a “Corporate Design of the Month” contest for Best Chocolate Design or Best Packaging Idea. Prize could be gift card to be used toward their next (or first!) order. Invite appropriate press on a tour to see how special chocolates are made. Partner with one of the better downtown street vendors to sell small chocolate packets that include info on your corporate services. Offer an upscale restaurant (near corporate headquarters) a special on a minty-chocolate to serve after dinner, with your card.

“Credit Card” Continued from Cover

Rivanna WoodsFinancialServicesYour Financial Solutions Provider

www.rivannawoodsfi nancial.com

850.776.9209 • [email protected] Rivanna Woods Dr., Fork Union, VA 23055

We do this by targeting:• Business Succession Planning• Retirement Plans• Living Trusts• Emergency Funding• Wealth Creation & Preservation• Eliminating Debt• Asset Protection

We work with you to create your fi nancial roadmap to real hope, real

opportunity and real freedom.

Camera phones could read an item’s bar code, and the shopper could make the purchase with one click if their credit card information is stored on a payment website. Some locations or businesses no longer accept checks – underscoring the idea of ‘digital money’ reached through a cell phone connected to a credit card.

Tags, linked to bank accounts and stuck on the back of phones, could allow customers to simply tap it on a point-of-sale terminal. Linking charge card accounts to cell phones might enable customers to merely enter their phone number at point of sale. In-store credit card terminals could go wireless, making it easier for customers to pay off-line but in-store.


The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) closed 2009 with 311 leads to the hospitality community for future meetings and conventions, representing an estimated 292,069 potential future hotel room nights for the Region.

“To date, RMCVB has confirmed nearly 60 meetings or conventions throughout the Region for 2010,” said Cleo Battle, RMCVB vice president of sales and services. “Those meetings or conventions represent 80,990 ‘trackable’ room nights at hotels located in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico as well as the City of Richmond.”

In 2010 more than 127,996 delegates are expected to attend meetings and conventions confirmed by RMCVB, generating more than $66 million in estimated economic impact to the Region. Convention attendee spending is $208 per attendee per day, based upon figures from the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). DMAI’s figure includes lodging and incidentals, hotel food and beverage, other food and beverage, tours/sightseeing, admission to museums, theaters, recreation, sporting events, retail, local transportation, auto rental, gasoline, tolls, parking and other miscellaneous items.

The following are a selection of key groups RMCVB has confirmed for events in the Richmond Region in 2010:

•• National Field Hockey Coaches Association; projected attendance of 700

•• Colonial Athletic Association; projected attendance of 10,000

•• Watchtower; projected attendance of 8,000 per event

•• North American Handmade Bicycle Show; projected attendance of 6,000

•• Richmond Volleyball Club/Monument City Classic; projected attendance of 4,000

RMA CountryRichmond Region 2010 Convention Outlook

•• East Coast Sawmill & Logging Equipment Exposition; projected attendance of 12,000

•• American Philatelic Society; projected attendance of 5,000

•• Lifeway Christian Resources; projected attendance of 12,000

For more information about RMCVB and its impact on the Richmond Region, go to VisitRichmondVa.com.

By Laura BeckRMCVB Marketing Coordinator

Think. Shop. Buy. Local has just reached its 6-month “birthday” and what a half-year it has been!

With over 335 participating members, the word about the campaign is spreading all over Central Virginia. Tom Silvestri, Publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, wrote a full-page commentary on Sept. 13, 2009 focusing on many of our local members and what they do for our community. You can read the entire article on www.retailmerchants.com/local under “In The News”-see “Shop Local: It’s Time to Support Region’s Retailers.”

Don Edwards, General Manager at NBC12, aired an editorial/Viewpoint in December to let viewers know about the program and why they should think and shop locally.

The TSBL logos are popping up all over on N Traffic Advertising trucks, on Lamar billboards, on Ukrops shopping bags and on members’ own ads and websites. A Puritan Cleaners delivery truck is wrapped in the familiar blue and green logo and Village Bank proudly supports the program on their lobby monitors.

Richmond Times-Dispatch continues to run full-page full-color ads with over 80 logos for our members. And Main Line Broadcasting has produced radio ads with many of our members speaking about the values of shopping locally. V Magazine for Women and others have run editorials about our special campaign. We even had a Think. Shop. Buy. Local float in the Ukrops Richmond Christmas Parade.

This has been and will continue to be a member-only initiative! Your Marketing and Membership Committees are developing ideas to enhance the TSBL campaign and what it can do for Retail Merchants members. So read your emails for new information and special member-only opportunities. Not signed up yet? It costs nothing - just a phone call to Len East at 804-359-1709 or email [email protected]. Remember, the program works best when you put it to work for your company.

Get in on the race! The 4th Annual Great Richmond Region Adventure is right around the corner on Saturday, April 24. Build your organization’s team of up to six people today at GreatRRAdventure.com and cheer them on as they discover clues along the streets of downtown Richmond and vie for the grand cash prize!


Welcome New MembersAbandon Films

Acme Paper & Supply Company, Inc.Advanced Hearing Specialists, Inc.

Appliance SolutionsAstra HR

Averett UniversityBarber Martin Agency

BES CreativeBon Secours Richmond Health System

Box At Cross Point BPBuckley’s Securitysmiths

C.M. Woolford and AssociatesCentral Virginia Loan Brokers

City Ice CompanyCommonwealth CleanersCrazy Greek Restaurant

Daffodil Desserts & More, Inc.DeFazio’s Catering

Discount Auto SoundDocument Termination Company

Down Under LimousineDUCTZ of Richmond Northside

E. A. Holsten, Inc.EMommie.com

Federated WarehouseFirst National Merchant SolutionsGardner Financial Solutions, LLC

Gearharts Fine ChocolatesHearth and Home Shoppe

Henrico CitizenHeritage Chem-Dry

Holiday Inn I-64 West EndIsland Oasis Frozen BeveragesJames River Air Conditioning

Konica Minolta Business SolutionsKSM Associates

Loving’s Produce CompanyMarketing Online!

Media Relations NetworkOfferetti Inc.

OmMama, LLCPartnership Staffing & Screening

Philip’s Continental LoungePolished Image Consulting

Ps & Qs Primitives and QuiltsRemember Me Specialty Promo Products

& ScreeningResource Group, Inc.

Richmond Flying SquirrelsRock Scissors Paper Institute

Rose Patch Creation Unique Gift & Quilt ShoppeSimplexGrinnellSouth University

SportsQuest, LLCStore Fixture Supercenter

The Bookkeeping DepartmentThe Choice GroupThe Hoople Group

Thompson Land CareTop Notch Richmond

Tutor DoctorVA News And Events

Vending Services Of Richmond, Inc.West Richmond Businessmen’s Association

Left to right: (Back Row) Timo Selvaraj, Offeretti; Michael Calkins, Vending Services of Richmond; John Fechino, Printegration; Mike Wilburson, Partnership Staffing & Screening; Tom McCormick, Top Notch of Richmond; Luke Thompson, Thompson Land Care; Stephen Fishel, Valderas & Fishel; Ted Randler, GRID Magazine; Mark Resnick, City Ice; Jim Hulbert, Partnership Screening & Staffing

(Front Row) Jill Harrington, Marketing Online!; Kittygayle McMoon, KSM Associates; Jamyce Vinson, Daffodil Desserts & More; Mrs. Santa (guest appearance); Gwynne Brown, Media Relations Network; Christine Walters, Document Termination Co.; Mark Matthews, Commonwealth Cleaners

Left to right: (Back Row) Steve Magat, Tutor Doctor; Richard Ali, Ductz of Richmond; Justin Rossbacher, Abandon Films; Trace Carson, West Richmond Businessmen’s Association

(Front Row) Laura Hoffman, RMA; Jamyce Vinson, Daffodil Desserts & More;Kittygayle McMoon, KSM Associates; Farah Hottle, eMommie.com; Cordell Briggs, RMA

Retail Advocate


Retail Advocate

During the 2010 session of the General Assembly the Virginia Retail Federation (VRF), the advocacy arm of the Retail Merchants Association and the Retail-Alliance of Hampton Roads, accomplished some objectives that will help shape how our industry fares this year.

VRF supported legislation that would seek to close the “Amazon Loophole.” In its efforts to level the playing field between brick & mortar and internet retailers, and to bring additional revenues to the Commonwealth, VRF supported moving the burden from the consumer to the retailer, where it currently exists for brick & mortar retailers. The remittance is done by the consumer on state income tax returns.

Dealer Discount: VRF opposed any effort to reduce the partial reimbursement to merchants collecting the state sales tax. This is a double hit to the struggling retail industry, not only are we asked to give up the dealer discount, but the industry would be required to remit an accelerated sales tax payment in June of 2011.

Felony Threshold: VRF supported efforts to strengthen both prosecution of as well as the penalties attached to shoplifting and internal theft laws. Two bills were introduced that would raise the felony threshold. Currently someone stealing under $200 is charged with petty larceny and someone who steals over $200 is charged with a felony. The Senate bill raises the felony threshold from $200 to $210 and the House bill would raise the threshold to $750.

BPOL (Business P r o f e s s i o n a l Occupation License tax, based on gross receipts): VRF supported the outright repeal of the BPOL tax. This bill places caps on the present rates localities now charge for the BPOL Tax and prohibits any locality from imposing the BPOL Tax if the locality did not impose it as

of January 1, 2010. VRF testified before the House Finance Sub Committee in support of this legislation.

Post Labor Day School Opening: VRF opposed any changes to the Post Labor Day School statute. The existing statute prohibits schools from opening prior to Labor Day unless they receive a waiver. The VRF opposed the changes due to the impact changes would have on the hospitality industry. All House bills that would cause schools to open prior to Labor Day failed in subcommittee.

Cigarette Tax: VRF opposes industry specific sales taxes. This legislation would remove the referendum requirement and enable all counties to tax cigarettes an additional 5 cents per pack.

Meals Tax: VRF opposes industry specific sales taxes. The restaurant industry has been hurt during the economic downturn and to authorize counties to tax meals could give consumers a disincentive to eating out.

Legislative Results: Attend the April 9 First Friday Forum for Full Legislative Summary. VRF will present its achievements and challenges that will affect retailers and small business.

MERCHANTS’ SERVICES

Easy-to-Find Business Insurance & Advice

In today’s economic climate, shopping for insurance coverage can be a hassle. Faced with increased costs and limited selections, insurance options for small business owners are difficult to find. With the help of Retail Merchants Association’s Merchants’ Services (MSI), small businesses can find the best medical coverage options available, while staying right in the community.

“We don’t like to present renewals, we like to present solutions that will allow the company to maintain a health insurance plan suitable for its owner and employees,” said Jimmy Shelton, Vice President of Sales for Merchant’s Services, “We offer unparalleled service.”

With a dependable, reliable and knowledgeable staff, MSI takes the ‘insurance talk’ and converts it into easy and understandable terms. Non-clients even regularly seek direction and advice. Small businesses without human resources (HR) departments may also count on MSI to answer any HR questions.

MSI offers life, dental, short and long term disability, vision care and individual and group health insurance, working with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as many other major carriers. MSI also suggests alternative plans through a company’s current carrier when renewal time comes around. In addition, MSI has contracted with another agency to produce a special discount program for businesses interested in business insurance, property and casualty, as well as long term care.

Looking for individual coverage? Get a quote, anytime, anywhere – by visiting www.retailmerchants.com, click on Insurance and on Get a Quote – to make it as easy and convenient for you as possible.

For more information on Merchants’ Services, please contact Jimmy Shelton at

[email protected] or Gene Bergh at [email protected] or

call (804) 288-2913.

Staying on Top of the Hill

Show your appreciation by sending flowers from Strange’s. It’s the perfect gift for new business or a job well done. It’s a smart business decision because, when you order online, you save with no wire services fees (up to a $13.95 value) for flowers sent anywhere in the US and Canada. A smile is just a click away online at www.stranges.com.

Northeast321-22003313 Mechanicsville Pk., near Laburnum Ave.

West End360-280012111 W. Broad St. between Rt. 288 & Short Pump Town Ctr.

Bon Air321-04608010 Midlothian at Buford Rd.

Hull Street321-04706710 Hull Street at Chippenham

www.stranges.com


Seen at RMARetail Merchants

Association Positions for Growth

Retail Merchants Association (RMA) kicked off the New Year with two full-time staff additions. Cordell Briggs and Laura Hoffman joined RMA in January to assist in membership sales as the association readies itself for growth.

Laura Hoffman, a graduate of Clemson University, joined the RMA sales team after working as a sales representative for Univar, a chemical company located

in Chester, Va. Laura is excited to now be representing RMA. “This association has a wonderful reputation in the community,” said Laura, “I am looking forward to contributing to the growth by finding new members and also keeping our current members happy.”

Cordell Briggs, a sales agent for the association since 2008, moved to full-time at the start of the New Year. Cordell has always enjoyed meeting with

prospective members to explain the benefit of becoming an RMA member. “Retail Merchants Association is here to promote business and retail relationships in the area and to support our local retailers, providing them with the resources, information and opportunities they need,” said Cordell.

“Everything we do is to support our members,” said Julie Hill, Vice President of Membership Sales, “With two additional sales agents we will be able to provide more support and services for our present and future members.” Julie will assign specific sales territories to Cordell and Laura. While the locations are finalized, Cordell can be seen in Gayton Crossing Shopping Center and Laura at Sycamore Square Shopping Center.

To contact Cordell Briggs, please e-mail [email protected] or call (804) 278-9874. To contact Laura Hoffman, please e-mail lhoffman@

retailmerchants.com or call (804) 358-1216.

Event Photography by Robert Thomas Photography


Seen at RMA


NaNCy SharigiaNOwner, Jake & Friends,

since November 2009“Do what you like, like what

you do.” – Life is good

Member Profiles

Driving down Monument Ave. before opening my store, I spotted RMA and thought “I need to be involved with this group!” I met Julie and Nancy that day and the rest is history. I attend every meeting I can to learn as much as I can from the wealth of knowledge that is available through membership. I have met really fantastic people that I can now call friends. I also am part of Think. Shop. Buy Local.

Jake & Friends is a “Genuine Neighborhood Shoppe” (GNS) that sells Life is good products including: t-shirts, hats, mugs, pet products, home goods, stationary and much more. I am surrounded by optimism everyday with the Life is good products!

The biggest milestone in my career would have to be getting my store open! It has been an incredible journey and learning experience! This job is very different from any others that I’ve had because it is my own business, I have never owned my own business. The best business decision I ever made was to locate Jake & Friends in the Trader Joe’s shopping center.

I love to spend time with my family and friends, going to the movies, reading, cooking and exchanging ideas.

I moved to Richmond 2 ½ years ago from Orlando, FL with my husband, Armen, my son Armen III and chocolate lab, Sadie. The accomplishment I am most proud of is my family: my husband for starting a new job, and my son for starting a new school. I am also proud of my store and am truly thankful to all the people that helped me realize my dream! That’s why the store is called Jake & Friends.

BriaN DilliStaNPresident, the Floor

trader, since 1999“Be passionate and never

give up.”

The Floor Trader is the outlet store consumers go to for opportunistic buys on flooring that are in-stock and ready for immediate installation, sold in the ultimate low-cost environment. The Floor Trader is the extreme value flooring store. We are a local franchisee with three Richmond locations. I’m very excited about the Think.Shop.Buy.Local campaign.

I’ve been a Virginian for the most part since 1957. Early in my career, I chose to achieve a good mix of retail/builder business. I think the best business decision I ever made was trying the flooring business in 1970 and committing to its success. Also, having interior designers in my full service stores was a good decision. I far exceeded my long term revenue goals by the late 80’s. And in the late 90’s, I’m glad I decided to move into the flooring outlet segment of the business. I believe that failure is not an option.

I think the biggest challenges/opportunities for my company would include maintaining a good staff and controlling costs to provide customers exceptional values. It is important to continue growing to compete in such a demanding environment. I wish I had recognized much sooner the importance of hiring great managers and providing them the tools to succeed.

I’m proud to have far exceeded all sales goals I ever dreamed possible. I’m also proud of our Awards including Fastest Growing Franchisee in System, Manager

Mark BartlettOwner/General Manager, Weather Crafters Heating

& Air since 1987“Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can’t be two people. Instead, you have to inspire

the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people.”

Weather Crafters is a full service indoor comfort provider. We provide clean comfortable air with a range of products to make the air in homes or businesses comfortable and safe.

I have been with the family business since I graduated from Va. Tech nearly 23 years ago. I did not have complete control over the company until 6 years ago, when I bought the business back from the company we sold it to. I am very pleased that we have tripled revenues since then and I have plans to do so again over the next 5 years. My days are very fast paced and things change rather quickly, so I would say I problem solve pretty effectively in a fast paced environment.

The biggest challenge facing our company over the next few years is finding the right team to manage our growth. Even though the economy is suffering, heating & air conditioning is essential for quality of life, and growth is possible with the right people, the right products, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. I try to keep my eyes looking forward.

We proudly support the Think. Shop. Buy. Local initiative because it’s another way to give back to the community and support our local economy. We attend First Friday Forums as well the Marketing Expo, Connect@ and Retail Authority

Continued on page 11 Continued on page 11


Upcoming RMA EventsMARCH2 Retail Authority Mentoring

(limited to 15 members, no charge)

5 First Friday Forum, “Building a Brand from the Inside Out”, with Lisa Moroni-Hall and Cathy McPherson from Brandevotion. Every business is known for something – is your brand creating the impression you want it to? Find out how distinctive brands are built both behaviorally and visually, and what the essential steps are to developing a memorable brand.

16 Goochland Chapter23 Powhatan Chapter24 Fredericksburg Chapter25 Amelia Chapter30 SLPA31 On Point Freebie – ‘Dollars

& Sense’, two free seminars for members: “5 Quick & Easy Ways to Cut Inventory Costs” from Nicole Thompson, Ripe, LLC; and “Why You Should Consider Business Continuation Planning” by Rudy Garcia,Rivanna Woods Financial Services

APRIL6 Retail Authority Mentoring


9 First Friday Forum, Government Affairs Update, with Virginia Retail Federation and guest legislators. Healthcare reform and banking credit may be among the multiple business-impacting topics discussed by our panel of elected representatives.

20 Connect@The Tobacco Company

27 SLPA

MAY4 Retail Authority Mentoring


7 First Friday Forum13 RMA Loves its Members -

Backyard Cookout 18 Goochland Chapter25 Powhatan Chapter25 SLPA26 Fredericksburg Chapter27 Amelia Chapter

REGISTER TODAY FOR THESE EVENTS!

For more information and to register for

any event, visit www.retailmerchants.com

or call 804-662-5500.

RIDE THE WINNING WAVE Love Hawaiian print shirts? Can you stick to a surfboard? Either way, you can still make a big splash by discovering budget-friendly deals at this year’s Retail Marketing Expo. No cost to attend, lots of networking opportunities, amazing prizes, mind-bending seminars, and new contacts to help you market your business.

Want to exhibit? Let us know right away – last year was sold out (in spite of the economy) and we expect this year to also be packed! Sign up by March 12 and receive a 10% discount!

Want to attend? Registration will soon be up on www.retailmarketingx.com All the details will be at this location.

Some of this year’s highlights will include special seminars and other educational & networking events – watch for our first ‘Tweet-Up’ and Connect@RME!

“Last year’s RME was the most exciting business-to-business event in Richmond. If your business is looking for a place to be seen, you won’t want to miss RME. We’ll definitely be there.”

- Christine Walters, Document Termination Co.

”Information, networking, new ideas for business…that’s what I got out of it last year as an attendee. And after seeing the traffic, we expect to participate as an exhibitor this year.”

- Pauline Singleton, Bancmarc

of the Year, Franchisee of the Year, and Highest Sales Volume.

I’m actively involved in managing the wildlife preserve and forest stewardship plan in the Northern Neck, and spend a lot of time enjoying the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Mentoring events. We sponsored the Connect@Baileys last September.

I get my inspiration from my wife and children and spend most of the year sailing my boat on the Chesapeake Bay with my friends and family.

“Brian Dillistan” Continued

“Mark Bartlett” Continued

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(804) 922-9807www.FreshStartDesignStudio.com

Robert Thomas PhotographyFor your photography needs

Our Studio or Your Location

(804) 266-5458RobertThomasPhotography.com

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAID RICHMOND, VAPERMIT #22541st Quarter 2010RETAIL PARTNERS

1 Update on Credit Cards

3 Free Communication Outlets

4 How to Find Corporate Customers

5 2010 Convention Outlook

6 Welcome New RMA Members

7 Virginia Retail Federation Objectives

9 Seen at RMA

10 Member Profiles

11 Upcoming RMA Events

Retail PartnersContents

Myneedswereveryspecific:highqualityrecycledpapers

withqualityinkthatwouldmatchmylogoprecisely.

Zooomdidanexcellentjobprintingmyproject...

Iwilldefinitelydobusinesswiththemagain.

ChrisCanavan

“

“– Chris Canavan, Better Than Chocolate Boutique

www.zooomprinting.com – 804.343.0009

Documents

The State of Credit Cards - Retail · PDF fileBank credit cards also prefer keeping ... Mary Baldoni, with RBS WorldPay (an RMA endorsed member), ... Pleasants Hardware, is Second