October 2012 - Retail Merchants Association

October 2012
Valor-alan-rev.pdf 9/29/2011 1:41:00 PM
The 2012 Retail Marketing Expo Wrap-up
Expo Books—Reviewed
The 8th Annual Retail Marketing Expo has
concluded for another year. The show
was a hit and staged an atmosphere
buzzing with excitement for the many
engaging, interactive, and hi-tech elements at the Expo.
Two books were featured at the Expo
this year. The first, “SEO 3.0: The New
Rules of Search Engine Optimization,”
was written by Power Session speaker,
Mike Meyer. His presentation was also
based on his book, and each attendee
at the power session received a free
copy. The second book, “Cause Marketing for Dummies,” was presented at
the end of the Cause Marketing Panel
Lunch as door prizes to three attendees.
Exhibitors really stuck with the “Game
On” theme, and lined the Exhibit hall
with creative booths that worked hard to
draw Expo attendees to their business. Exhibitors set up live filming studios, a photo
booth, a foosball table, bright monitor
displays, and many other crowd pleasing
presentations.
Congratulations to the THREE
Grand Prize Winners from Expo!
Ben Margolis from West Coast Kix
Mary Mollen from The Toy Center
Andy Thornton from La DIFFÉRENCE
Both attendees and exhibitors spent the
whole day networking, gaining leads,
and building their business. Attendees
learned what the latest marketing strategies are, available to better serve their
business. Exhibitors met prospective clients and were able to engage them with
marketing services their companies offer.
The Expo was also filled with informative
programming that delivered valuable
information to attendees about advertising, search engine optimization, and
cause marketing.
Issue...
In This
1 The 2012 Retail Marketing
Expo Wrap-up
Expo Books–Reviewed
2 President’s Letter
Endorsed Vendors
4 The RMA Scene
6 Best and Worst from Richmond Magazine
7 Cause Marketing Panel: A
Recap
Think. Shop. Buy. Local®
8 Welcome New Members
9 Virginia Credit Union Goes
Mobile
Expo Books – Reviewed Continued…
10 Upcoming Events in RMA The keynote speaker, Michael Guld,
president of the Guld Resource Group,
presented a high energy talk. He engaged the audience with his topic on
advertising and increased awareness of
the importance of advertising for businesses. He focused on the realm of radio and television.
Guld stressed that an advertising campaign is a better advertising strategy
than running single ads. Campaigns allow
more ideas to be covered along with better opportunity to build a strong following
of consumer attention and recognition.
Guld used well-known, successful advertising campaigns as examples, including
the Martin Agency’s “GEICO Gecko” and
UPS, and the Motel 6 TV spots.
John Prince, a D.C. based field marketing specialist for Google, led the afternoon Power Session. Prince focused on
search engine optimization (SEO), and
spoke about building a strong online
business presence on Google+ Local,
including how small local businesses
can use the free product to generate
a customer following.
If you own a business and have
a website, then
“SEO 3.0” may
be the search
engine optimization (SEO) book
for you. Written in
a voice pointed
toward business
owners,
Meyer
does a thorough
job
explaining
what exactly SEO
is, and how it has evolved over the past
two decades. He spells out how to get
your business on the map with step by
step “tips,” including using analytics,
writing quality content, using keywords,
blogging, and creating a mobile version of your website.
The book is an easy read and is appropriate for those with little to no knowledge
of SEO. A frequently asked question
section in the back, which acts almost
like a glossary, provides a full explanation of technical words
and
ideas
used in SEO.
“Cause Marketing
for
Dummies,”
written
by
Joe
Waters
and Joanna
MacDonald,
can help to
take
away
some of the
‘Expo Books’ on page 9
From Our President
Now that the 2012
Retail
Marketing
Expo has come to
a close, it’s time for
some
reflection.
We’re
delighted
with the turnout of
attendees and exhibitors to the Expo. This year, we re-branded and modified the entire event to reflect
on suggestions we received from our prior
year’s survey.
RMA made small, yet impactful improvements this year. Just to name a few, we enhanced the registration process by offering fast and easy self-check-in stations so
attendees and exhibitors alike could get to
where they needed to be, quickly. Coffee
and networking was provided throughout
the morning. Also, the exhibit hall was redesigned to smooth crowd flow and offer
ample access to all exhibitor booths.
The seminars were another area we focused a lot of attention on. We wanted
to be cognizant of offering quality speakers and presentations that gave attendees another reason to stay at the Expo all
day. We also added a lunch option—the
Cause Marketing Panel with four of Richmond’s most prominent businesses: Sarah
Paxton from La DIFFÉRENCE, Gary Weiner
from Saxon Shoes, Mark Smith from Midas
of Central VA, and Gary Glover from Puritan Cleaners.
Because our mission is focused on retailers,
I felt strongly about the Cause Marketing
Panel Lunch. We wanted to help more retailers get involved in the community, and
to teach them how, who better than these
four top-notch Richmond retailers who do
it so well?
The thought-provoking questions asked
of the panel helped to arm the audience
with the knowledge necessary to choose
a non-profit or cause to work with that fits
their company culture and also gets their
employees invested in the process.
As an added touch to the Panel’s discussion, we invited several local non-profits to
display on the behalf of their cause. So,
once armed with knowledge, attendees
were able to speak with the non-profits after the lunch and gain more insight in getting involved.
This is what RMA’s Think. Shop. Buy. Local®
brand and campaign is all about—Encouraging the consumer to support their
local businesses who give so much back to
the community. We could not have asked
for a better example of just that; in our
distinguished group of panelists. Our TSBL
program continues to show strength in its
message to the consumer and the business community, providing you, our member, great opportunity to get involved and
take advantage of all the marketing initiatives we provide to you.
As always, I thank you for your membership and for the time you spend with us
to make your membership work better to
benefit your business. Non Profits:
FeedMore
Cause Marketing
Panel Sponsor
CrossOver
Health
Care
Ministry
Cystic
Fibrosis
Foundation
Goodwill of Central
Virginia
Leukemia &
Lymphoma
Society
Richmond
Metro
Habitat for
Humanity
UNOS
Nancy Thomas, President/CEO of Retail
Merchants Association
Virginia
Blood
Services
Take Advantage of Savings from RMA Endorsed Vendors
The Retail Merchants Association team is always looking for ways to help support our member businesses. That’s why
we researched and partnered with a group of businesses we call RMA Endorsed Vendors. Take advantage of the RMA
member-only benefits and cost savings to help grow your business and save money at the same time.
Capital Packaging & Design
(A subsidiary of S. Freedman
& Sons, Inc.)
David Bortz and Meaghan
Brown are the RMA contacts
for Capital Packaging & Design. They are both there to
make sure your company is
getting the best deal possible.
Capital Packaging & Design is a full service retail and
restaurant packaging company. It’s their mission to enhance customers’ brands through creative, cost
effective, and eco-friendly packaging.
When you sign up through David or
Meaghan, you will receive free plates
on domestic paper bag orders, free
plates on imported reusable bag orders,
and free upgrades to 100% biodegradable film for all plastic bag orders. Finally,
you will get unlimited free warehousing
usage and free
daily deliver,
ies to the enS. Freedman & Sons, Inc.
tire Richmond
area.
CAPITAL
SINCE
SINCE 1907
1907
LLC
a subsidiary of
PAPER, MAINTENANCE & RESTAURANT SUPPLIES
For more information contact David at
301.275.8908 or dbortz@cpd.sfreedman.
com. You may also contact Meagan
804.400.4449 or mbrown@sfreedman.com.
Dominion Payroll Services
Joe Labella will make sure
all RMA members are getting the best service possible with their payroll needs
when they join the Dominion
Payroll Services family.
Dominion offers RMA members a no-ob-
ligation review and a 15% discount on
payroll services when they join. They have
over 1,300 local business clients who use
their outD P S
standing
DOMINION PAYROLL SERVICES
payroll and
complete HR services. Contact Dominion
Payroll Services to find out why they have
repeatedly made the Inc. 5,000 list.
Contact Joe Labella at 804.355.3430 or
jlabella@dominionpayroll.com.
Richmond.com Listing and
Advertising
Christie C. Newman serves as
the liaison for Richmond.com
and RMA members. As an
RMA member, you automatically receive a free Silver Business listing
subscription ($420.00 annual value) with
your RMA membership and 15% off all on-
2 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | RetailMarketingX.com | October 2012
RMA Endorsed Vendors
line and print advertising for Richmond.
com and Richmond
Times-Dispatch.
Richmond.com is a local resource for what
to do and who to know, any day of the
week. If it’s happening in Richmond, you’ll
find it on Richmond.com.
Contact Christie C. Newman at 804.649.6388
or cnewman@richmond.com.
UPS: Package Delivery
Service
Allison White will make sure
you’re receiving a discount
of up to 30% for both inbound
and outbound shipping services with UPS.
Since its founding in 1907,
UPS has become a multi-billion-dollar corporation, the
world’s largest package delivery company, and a leading global
provider of specialized transportation
and logistics services. UPS delivers convenient and professional service to businesses of any size, providing customers
with both confidence and trust in their
shipping experience.
WorldPay: Credit Card
Processing
Scott Johnston has been
serving
Richmond
with
WorldPay for more than 13
years. He will be sure to provide all RMA members with savings of 1550% off of their current costs.
Current promotions for RMA members
include easy QuickBooks accounting
plug-in for accepting credit card payments, free pin pads or virtual terminals,
and free credit card processing terminals. In addition, by accepting credit
cards directly through a leading payments processor, RMA members save
and eliminate the middleman and their
extra fees.
Don’t lose a customer because your
business doesn’t accept their preferred
payment type. You can use WorldPay
for all major payment networks, gift
cards, checks, and ACH options, with
sales made in person, online or on the
go. Batches accepted as late as 4 a.m.
to initiate funding.
Merchants Services: Group
and Individual Health Insurance
Jimmy Shelton and Cameron DeBord will work to
provide the best health
insurance plans through
Merchants Services, Inc.,
an independent insurance
agency representing the
state of Virginia.
MSI is conveniently located
inside the Retail Merchants
Association offices and serves as its insurance arm by offering RMA members
a wide variety of business and individual
insurance products from Anthem, Optima Health, and other carriers, including:
Group Health Insurance, Dental, Vision,
Life, Property and Casualty (brokered),
Medicare supplement insurance, etc.
Contact Jimmy Shelton at 804.288.2913
or jshelton@retailmerchants.com. You
may also contact Cameron DeBord at
cdebord@retailmerchants.com.
Contact Scott Johnston at 804.836.6798
or scott.johnston@worldpay.us.
Contact Allison White at 804.743.8401 or
awwhite@ups.com.
The Retail Partners Newsletter is
published five times annually.
Editorial Offices
Retail Merchants Association
5101 Monument Ave
Richmond, VA 23230
804.662.5518
Fax 804.662.5507
editor@retailmerchants.com
Executive Publisher
Sally Witzky
switzky@retailmerchants.com
Publisher/Editor
Kate Fraser-Orr
kfraserorr@retailmerchants.com
Ad Sales
Julie Hill
jchill@retailmerchants.com
© 2012 Retail Merchants Association, Richmond VA. All rights reserved.
DOWNTOWN • 125 SOUTH 14TH STREET • 23219
800.648.6210 • FREE PARKING • WWW.LADIFF.COM
The RMA Scene
1. Carol Wright (Park N Go), Nancy Thomas
(RMA), Tamara Reeves (Park N Go), Peter Larsen (Cobb Technologies), Julie Hill (RMA), Ed Hughes and Martin
Driffill (Comcast Business Service), Scott
Johnston (WorldPay) cutting the grand
opening ribbon at the Expo.
1
6
2
7
2. Jeff Crook (PayTime), Mark James
(Hearth & Home Shoppe), Wayne Nystrom (Nystrom Enterprises) at the Expo
3. Donnelson Caffrey (Good Foods
Grocery), Sheri Doyle (Franklin Goose), Duncan Thomas (Intermark Group),
Warrenell Spindle (Blessed Basket Just For You)
4. Dr. Bryan Lowry and Suzie Galvez (Advanced Wellness Center), Sarah Paxton
(LaDIFFÉRENCE), Mark Smith (Midas of
Central Virginia)
5. Lori Stone and Jeff Everette (Bright Side)
at September First Friday Forum
6. Rasik Kotadia (Clarion Hotel) and Paul
Heitz (Amour Wine Bistro) at the June First Friday Forum
3
7. Attendees and Exhibitors at the Expo
8
8. Mary Mollen (The Toy Center), Andy
Thornton (La DIFFERENCE), Benjamin and Bruce Margolis (West Coast Kix) were announced as the Expo Grand Prize Winners at the September First Friday Forum
9. Attendees and Exhibitors at the Expo
10. Mark Collins (Speedpro Imaging) and
Gary Glover (Puritan Cleaners) at the
Think. Shop. Buy. Local Booth at the Expo
11.Bart and Sandra Carrique (Smiley’s
Mobile Glass Shop), Sara Legget, Cynthia Coldwell (Kelley’s Gift Shop) at the Connect@ Expo
4
9
12.Lisa Cusano and Suzie Lilly (Farm To
Family) at the June First Friday Forum
13.Attendees and Exhibitors iat the Expo
14.Metro Productions Crew filming Donnelson
Caffrey (Good Foods Grocery)
15.Nancy Thomas (RMA) and Bill Selden
(C.P. Dean) at the Connect@ Expo
16.Ricky Shannon and Peter Barton
(Keith Fabry Reprographic Solutions) at the Expo
17.Expo Attendees Visiting Booths
18.Franco and Maria Ambrogi (Franco’s
Fine Clothier) at the Expo
19. Mark Smith (Midas of Central VA) and
Susan Daniel (Good Foods Grocery) at the Think. Shop. Buy. Local® Booth.
at the Expo
20.Sarah Way (Puritan Cleaners), Tyler
Snidow (Metro Productions), and Norman
Way (Puritan Cleaners) at the Expo
21.Michael Guld (Guld Resource Group)
and Nancy Thomas (RMA) at the Expo
10
5
11
22.Registration at the Expo
23.Sarah Paxton (La DIFFÉRENCE) and Peter
Larson (Cobb Technologies) at the 2012
Retail Marketing Expo
4 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | RetailMarketingX.com | October 2012
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RMA IN RVA
Congratulations to RMA Members who were Voted as Winners in
Richmond Magazine’s 25th annual Best and Worst
The Following RMA Members Were Voted “Best” in the Stated Category
103.7 FM The River:
New Voice/Personality on Local Radio (Jack Lauterback)
Agee’s Bicycles:
Bike Shop
Balliceaux:
• Restaurant Interior
• Restaurant Using Social Media
Most Effectively (Tie)
• Cocktail You Can’t Make at Home
Buttons and Bows:
Locally Owned Shop for Kid’s
Clothes
Buz & Ned’s Real Barbecue:
Ribs
Can Can Brasserie:
• Salad Served in a Restaurant:
Beet and goat cheese salad at Can Can Brasserie
• Restaurant Bathrooms
• Restaurant for a Lunch Meeting
Goodwill:
Thrift Shop
The Jefferson Hotel:
• Highbrow Night Out in the Region
• Restaurant Service (Lemaire)
Keiter/Keiter Stephens:
Business Accounting Firm
Kings Dominion:
• Amusement or Activity Park
• Local Summer Job
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Gift Shop:
Place for Unusual Garden Ornaments
Lex’s of Carytown:
Locally Owned Place to Buy a Fancy Dress
Maymont:
• First-Date Outing
• One Stop Family Fun in the Region
Mekong:
Pho
Short Pump/Short Pump
Town Center:
• Thing Built in the Past 25 Years
in Richmond
• Teen Hangout
Sportsbackers:
Most Unusual Sporting Events
(Mud Races)
Tweed:
• Local Store for Sale of the Year
• Locally Owned Shop for Birthday
Gifts for Women
Ukrop Family:
• Person or Group Who has
Contributed the Most to the Region in the Past 25 years
• Most Desirable Last Name in
Richmond
• Corporate Citizen
Vera’s Fine Jewelers:
Jewelry Repair Service
Capital Ale House:
• Bar in Which to Wait Out the
Mayan Apocalypse
• Local Beer Selection
The Melting Pot:
Restaurant for an Intimate Dinner
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:
• Rock Sculpture Garden
• Art Class for Kids
• Nonprofit Art Gallery
Capri Jewelers:
Watch Repair Service
Millie’s Diner:
Brunch
Westhampton Pastry Shop:
Bakery Pastries
CarLotz:
New Locally Owned Business
Nutzy the Squirrel:
Team Mascot
World of Mirth:
Locally Owned Toy Store
Chris DeCapri, Capri Jewelers:
Local Entrepreneur
Pink:
• Women’s Boutique
• Style Inspiration From In-store
Mannequins
WRVA:
Local Fill-in for Jimmy Barrett on
WRVA (Juan Conde)
Clear Channel:
Lite 98 FM Best Radio Personality (Bill Bevins)
Comfort:
Restaurant With the Best Mac and Cheese
Fraiche:
Locally Owned Store With the Best
Tableware Selection
Franco’s Fine Clothier:
• Place to Buy a Suit
• Locally Owned Place to Buy Your
Boyfriend or Husband Clothes
Quirk Gallery:
Commercial Art Gallery
Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball:
Local Sporting Event or Tournament
Team Mascot (Nutzy the Squirrel)
Ruth’s Chris Steak House:
Steakhouse
Saxon Shoes:
Shoe Selection
Schwarzschild Jewelers:
Fine Jewelry Store
WTVR-6:
New Face on a Local Television Station (Jake Burns)
WWBT-12 Morning:
• Local Television Anchor Team
(Morning Team)
• Local Traffic Reporter
(Tracy Lynn)
• Local Meteorologist Who Is Most
Excited by Inclement Weather (Andrew Freiden)
• Local Newscast With the
Most Local News
Gearhart’s Fine Chocolates:
Local Chocolatier
6 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | RetailMarketingX.com | October 2012
Cause Marketing
Panel: A Recap
Retail Marketing Expo
Event Sponsors
“We’re a big believer in being corporate
citizens,” said Sarah Paxton, VP of La DIFFÉRENCE, a retail furniture store located in
the Shockoe Design District of Richmond.
Silver / Cause Marketing Panel Lunch:
The Cause Marketing Panel Lunch, sponsored by FeedMore, at the 2012 Retail Marketing Expo featured four well-established
and successful Richmond retailers. The
panelists, which held a captive audience
of almost 150 people, highlighted their experience engaging in the community and
giving back as a business. They shared
why they team up with non-profit charities
and local causes and how it helps to market their business.
Gary Weiner, President/CEO of Saxon
Shoes, believes teaming up with a cause
is a proven way to establish and build
awareness of your business within a community, while giving back to something
you believe in:
“It’s a way of having people talk about us
instead of us talking about ourselves.”
But according to Weiner, you must pick
and choose which causes your business
should involve itself with. He believes you
have a bigger impact when you’re able to
produce, say, 20 great fundraising events,
as opposed to 50 mediocre ones.
“Pick a cause and see if it means something to you,” said Weiner.
Mark Smith, owner of Midas of Central Virginia, believes that when picking a cause,
you should follow and engage with your
heart and then help build it with your
head. Smith said it can take years to build
traction with an organization but, once
you do, you’ll be amazed at how the architecture of the non-profit grows.
Paxton touched on getting employees involved with a charity, stating that La DIFFÉRENCE employees are required in their
job description to participate. Her employ-
Think.
Shop.
Buy.
Local®
The Think. Shop. Buy. Local® campaign
had a strong presence at the Retail Marketing Expo with its exhibiting booth. Heavily involved RMA members volunteered
their time at the booth to help spread the
TSBL message to Expo attendees.
These volunteers included: James Hatcher
of Pleasants Hardware, Susan Daniels of
Good Foods Grocery, Sarah Paxton of La
underwritten by
Midas of Central
Virginia Cause Marketing Panel Lunch at the
Expo with Mark Smith (Midas of Central
Virginia), Gary Glover (Puritan Cleaners), Sarah Paxton (LADIFF), Gary Weiner
(Saxon Shoes)
ees see volunteering as a benefit because
they can do it at work, when so many other people have little to no spare time to
volunteer in their private lives.
Gary Glover, President of Puritan Cleaners,
believes Richmond is an excellent location
to work together with a cause because it
has such a generous community who is
willing to give back.
“When you’re passionate about something, others are quick to follow,” said
Glover.
As far as a return on investment, Smith
believes the value of this lies with the
business owner, as you won’t necessarily
make a profit. But, you will see a return
in other areas, such as gaining new customers who share a passion for the same
cause your business supports.
“Eventually both the business and charity
work together, but you need to be sustainable before you can support a cause,”
was Smith’s advice to the audience. Sometimes, if you’ve done everything
right, the non-profit or cause you partnered with may outgrow you. Paxton
says it’s a good thing when they don’t
need you anymore. Then you’ve done
your job well and have helped the nonprofit to expand beyond what you’re
able to offer them.
DIFFÉRENCE, Mark Smith of Midas of Central Virginia, and Gary Glover of Puritan
Cleaners. Think. Shop. Buy. Local is a member-only initiative that supports putting dollars
back into our local economy. It does this
by encouraging shoppers to think before
they shop and to buy locally whenever
possible.
To become involved in the Think. Shop.
Buy. Local movement, or to find out more
information about it, visit http://www.thinkshopbuylocal.com.
For low cost Think. Shop. Buy. Local advertising opportunities, contact Whitney
Fifer at wfifer@retailmerchants.com or call
804.288.8389.
Bronze: WorldPay, Comcast Spotlight,
and Comcast Business Class
Parking Sponsor: Park N Go
Governor’s Lounge Sponsor:
Dominion Payroll Services, Fulton
Bank, and UTC Retail
Power Session Sponsor: Ball Office
Products and MetLife
Coffee & Networking Sponsor:
UPS, Virginia Business Systems, and
SUCCESSWERKS
Connect@Expo Sponsor: James River Trade Exchange, Advanced Wellness Centre, ARC,
and American Prosperity Group
Creative Partners
Addison Clark Online: Website
BES Studios: TV & Radio
Free Agents Marketing: Branding &
Media Planning
Keith Fabry Reprographic Solutions:
Signage
Metro Productions: Event and TSBL
Videos
Novus Creative: Graphic Design
Robert Thomas Photography: Event
Photos
Visual Aids Electronics: AV
Zooom Printing: Printed Materials
Media Partners
Chesterfield Observer, Clear Channel
Media & Entertainment, Cox Media
Group, CW Richmond, Henrico Citizen,
Lamar, Main Line Broadcasting, NEXTMEDIA, Radio One Richmond,
Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond.
com, RVANews, Work It Richmond,
WRIC TV 8, WTVR CBS 6, WWBT NBC 12
Bag Sponsor: Capital Packaging and
Design
Registration: Isis, Inc.
Host: Greater Richmond Convention
Center
Mailing: A Direct Connection
Connect With Us On:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Welcome new Members
Left to right Top Row: Keith Bray (Fibrenew of North Richmond), Steve Carlton (Lulu’s Creamery), Dave Emmerling (Buff and
Coat), James Kirby (Village Flooring), Scott Laymen (Southern Elevator), Andrew Wilhelm (Clarion Hotel Central), Paul Heitz
(Amour Wine Bistro), David French (Clarion Hotel Central), Rasik Kotadia (Clarion Hotel Central), Tracy Massenburg (Layers Bed
Company), Jared Stone (Energy Max Solutions), Paul Keller (Paul H. Keller Drafting & Design), Darryl Badley (AFLAC Virginia)
Left to right Bottom Row: Cheryl Jarvis (Designs by Cheryl), Anne O’Meally (Virginia Lottery), Jill Vaughan (Virginia Lottery),
Debra Nicholson (Village Flooring), Gwynne Brown (WCVE-TV Community Ideas Station), Geraldine Grady (WCVE-TV
Community Ideas Station)
This is just a sampling of all the new Members who have joined RMA. To view the full list, visit RetailMerchants.com/NewMembers
Absolute Asphalt
The Firestarter Group
R Rushton Paul Consulting, LLC
Blaes Communications Consulting, LLC
First Citizens Bank
Richmond Magazine
Greenstone Commercial, LLC
RVA Tours
Hinkle & Company, LLC
Sweet Frog Enterprises, LLC
Holiday Signs, Inc.
3Sports
Commonwealth Estate Sales, LLC
Jerry’s Restaurant
Thx Economy
Crave Frozen Yogurt Café
Legal Shield – Liliana Lara
Touched By An Angel
Danny’s Flower Market
Monarch Mortgage
Virginia Photobooths & More
Data Directions
Patricia Branch Inc.
Winning Taste Catering
Eagle Strategies, LLC
PrecisionIR
Zinga! Frozen Yogurt
Blessed Basket Just for You
Bright Side
8 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | RetailMarketingX.com | October 2012
Top Row (Left to right): Mike Sposa (Zinga Frozen Yogurt), Chris Dudley (707 Fine Clothing), Kathleen Richardson (The Urban
Farmhouse Market & Café), Dayal Baxani (707 Fine Clothing), Bill Taggart (Junk King of Central VA), Jeff Newkirk (MindFuel
Marketing Co-Op), Whitney Welsh (McDonalds), Jermaine Minor (Minor Interiors), Harvey Chambers (Seniors Helping Seniors),
Jayne Armstrong (Small Business Administration), Jennifer Mease (Accent Professional Recruiting), R. Rushton Paul (R Rushton Paul Consulting), Hallie Oxley (Information Management Solutions), Angie Furbee (Accent Professional Recruiting), Alfred
Hinkle (Hinkle & Company), Amy Hughes (Page Stationery), Dan Jones (Starbucks), Tricia Branch (Patricia Branch Inc.), Adam
Syprzak (Commonwealth Estate Sales), Taylor Johnson (Page Stationery), Jimmy Hartson (Mitchell, Wiggins & Company), Jeff
Love (Mitchell, Wiggins & Company), Rhonda Collins (Touched by An Angel), Tom Puryear (Mitchell, Wiggins & Company), Valerie Blaes (Blaes Communications Consulting), Bill Young (Mitchell, Wiggins & Company), Marshall Whaling (Little Big Business
Solutions), John Keller (Little Big Business Solutions), Joe Elias (Little Big Business Solutions)
Bottom Row (Left to right): Brennan Spoonhower (Silent Partner Media), Kathrine Gates (Brio Tuscan Grille), Melanie Clements
(Brio Tuscan Grille), Sandra Carrique (Smiley’s Mobile Glass Shop), Patty Gill (PattyGill, PLC), Warrenell Spindle (Blessed Basket
Just For You), Claire Cooper (N1 Executive Health), Renee Baldwin (Winning Taste Catering), Michelle Covington (Mitchell,
Wiggins & Company), Lori Stone (Bright Side), Kathryn Gray (N1 Executive Health), Dr. Christine Allen (N1 Executive Health)
‘Expo Books’ from cover
anxiety that may emerge when considering how to involve your business with
a non-profit or charity. This book leads
the reader through the processes, with
basic campaign concepts such as pinups (cards donators sign when donating money at the checkout counter)
and coin jars (secured to the counter,
of course), which help business owners
ease into their campaign.
Although some more daunting processes are explained, like building an online
marketing strategy and cold calling
prospects, the book is layered with humor, making it an enjoyable and painless read. You can find out even more at
Joe Waters’s blog: selfishgiving.com
Both of these books can be purchased
online at www.BN.com.
Virginia Credit Union
Goes Mobile
Last summer, the Virginia Credit Union
(VACU) began allowing members to
deposit their checks virtually—via their
smart phones. This means members
can be anywhere at any time, and all
they need to do is take a picture of
their check with their smartphone.
In Richmond, VACU is one of the first
community banks or local credit
unions to provide this service to its
patrons.
The progressive service is advantageous compared to previous requirements, which required account
holders to physically go to a branch,
use an ATM, or send mail. This is a
good model of how technology has
evolved to better serve our society.
Since VACU’s mobile banking service
was launched last summer, it has seen
almost 35,000 of its customers sign up
to utilize the service.
COMMUNITY Events
Henrico Transition Team Helps RMA
Prepare for the EXPO
Retail Merchants Association would like
to give a big “thank you” to the Henrico Transition Team for helping RMA with
many projects, such as assembling conference bags for RMA events, like the
Retail Marketing Expo and Retailers4Life.
These students have also worked together with RMA members, including
Saxon Shoes, Sports Backers, and local
Chick-Fil-A locations.
Bing Bingham Prepping a Bag for the
Retail Marketing Expo
County Public Schools Department of
Exceptional Education and aims to introduce students to job skills within the
classroom and through a variety of work
environments.
If your business is interested in assistance
with a one-time project, scheduling a
regular work crew, or if you have any
questions, contact the Transition Team
office at 804.515.1149.
The Cooperative Work Experience Program (CoWEP) is funded by the Henrico
Valor-alan-rev.pdf 9/29/2011 1:41:00 PM
PJ Randolph and Chip Cassada Preparing Bags for the Retail
Marketing Expo
Linda B. Maillet (Instructor) and PJ Randolph Preparing a
Bag for the Retail Marketing Expo
Valor Awards Sponsors
A special thank you to our 23rd Annual Valor Awards Sponsors.
Title Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
SunTrust Bank
Virginia Credit Union Puritan Cleaners
Bronze Sponsor
Vector Security
Awards Sponsor
C.P. Dean
Print Media Sponsor
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Special Gifts Sponsor
Jack Kreuter Jewelers
Graphic Design Sponsor
Fresh Start Design Studio
Table Host Sponsors
Global Spectrum
James River Transportation
Owens & Minor
EVB
Gateway Bank
Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Richmond Alarm Co.
Dominion Payroll Systems
Admiral Security
Free Agents Marketing
Richmond Flying Squirrels
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Printing Sponsor
Printersmark
Audio Visual Sponsor
Visual Aids Electronics
Sign Sponsor
Keith-Fabry Reprographics
Photography Sponsor
Robert Thomas Photography
Online Media Sponsor
Richmond.com
Mailing Sponsor
A Direct Connection
10 | Retail Partners | RetailMerchants.com | ThinkShopBuyLocal.com | RetailMarketingX.com | October 2012
2012 Event
Calendar
OCTOBER
5
23rd Annual Valor
Awards Breakfast &
Ceremony
23 Connect@ 5807
NOVEMBER
2
Economic Forecast
Panel Breakfast
6
Retail Authority
Mentoring
16 Recycle Day at RMA
20 Member Power Hour
27 Connect@ C.P. Dean
DECEMBER
7
Distinguished Retailer
of the Year and Holiday Celebration
REGISTER NOW
Scan the code below to go to the registration page
alor-alan-rev.pdf 9/29/2011 1:41:00 PM
October 23
Register Today!
Connect@ 5807
Join us at our Connect@ 5807 on October 23rd, 2012. Network
after work with other RMA members and enjoy light fare and
beverages in a buzzing retail atmosphere. This event will be
held in the vibrant Patterson establishment, The Shops at 5807,
which hosts a collection of boutiques. The idea and design behind this convenient one stop shopping destination is to give
the customer access to both creative and unique gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself.
November 2
Economic Forecast Panel Breakfast
We’ve gathered three highly regarded experts—to speak to
you honestly and directly about what our shared economic
future holds. They will offer insight to help you formulate your
strategy going forward. Hear the most up-to-date information
to help you make the most of the rest of this year along with a
hint of what you should expect for 2013. Whatever your business is; come listen, learn, and network.
November 27
Connect@ C.P. Dean
Come connect with fellow RMA-members at the signature
Connect@ networking event at C.P. Dean. Take a look at the
new location of this long-standing billiard and game room retailer. C.P. Dean will provide beverages and light fare to enjoy.
December 7
Distinguished Retailer of the Year
and Holiday Celebration
The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Awards have been presented since 1966. This award is designed to honor a member
of the Richmond retail business community who is a proven
leader in his/her firm and who is actively involved in community
endeavors without regard to personal benefit. Please join us as
we pay tribute to RMA’s 2012 Distinguished Retailer of the Year
and celebrate the holiday season.
October 5 The 23rd Annual Valor Awards
The 23rd Annual Valor Awards Breakfast & Ceremony
Since 1989, RMA has been producing the annual Valor Awards
Breakfast and Ceremony as a way for the business community to
recognize area law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency services providers who have gone above and beyond the
call of duty in serving their community. Area law enforcement and
fire chiefs will present the awards.
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
RICHMOND, VA
PERMIT #2254
Retail Merchants Association | 5101 Monument Avenue | Richmond, VA 23230
Phone (804) 662-5500 | Toll free (866) 750-2532 | www.RetailMerchants.com
Facebook.com/RetailMerchants
Facebook.com/ThinkShopBuyLocal
Facebook.com/RetailMarketingX
Twitter.com/RetailMerchants
Twitter.com/RetailMktgExpo
Mailed by:
Produced by:
Printing by:
Valor-alan-rev.pdf 9/29/2011 1:41:00 PM
“ Thanks to all of you for the help...We asked a
lot of you, and we wanted you to know how much we
appreciate your fine work! You guys are the best.“
–Susan Rowe
Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, Inc.
www.zooomprinting.com – 804.343.0009
Advertise With Us!
The Retail Partners Newsletter covers RMA news with the
latest updates on retail and service industry practices,
RMA member updates, and upcoming events.
Advertising with the Retail Partners Newsletter is an excellent opportunity for your business to reach more than 2,500 readers who receive our publication.
To advertise in future issues, contact Julie Hill at jchill@retailmerchants.com or call 804.673.5249.
October 5, 2012
Honoring the Heroism of the
Richmond Region’s Law
Enforcement, Firefighters
& EMS Personnel