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RMA e-NEWS

 March 2007

Upcoming Events

Click here for all upcoming RMA Events >>

Member Chapter Meetings!

Open to all members and future members. Please refer to our online Calendar of Events for chapter meetings and locations.

2007 Title Sponsor

Print Media Sponsor

Radio Media Sponsor

Friday, April 6, 2007: First Friday Forum: "Help Wanted: Recruiting, Motivating and Retaining Today’s Multi-Generational Retail Workforce" with Matt Thornhill & John Martin

Today’s Multi-Generational Retail Workforce”
In a tight employment market like Richmond, it is no surprise that our members tell us the number one issue facing retailers is finding, motivating and keeping top talent. That’s why we’ve asked John Martin and Matt Thornhill from Richmond-based SIR Research and The Boomer Project to share findings from a new national study of Baby Boomer, Generation X and Generation Y employees. more info >>

7:30–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast and First Friday Forum Session
9:15–11:00 a.m.: Workshop Sessions

Location: Holiday Inn Central
3207 N. Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23230
Directions >>

Cost:
(Forum only)—RMA Members: $15; Non-members: $20
(Forum + Follow-up Session)—RMA Members: $50; Non-members: $75

register online >>

Tuesday, March 27, 2007: RMA & SLPA Workshop: "Best Hiring Practices: Looking for the Red Flags"

with Guest Speaker Gray Rawlings
Vice President, Administration
S&K Menswear

When interviewing a prospective employee, do you ask the right questions -- and which answers to those questions should raise a red flag?

  • Ever look at an application and wonder why there was a two year gap between the applicant's first two jobs?
  • Ever really wonder why he was released from his last job?
  • Whom should you call for references?

Our guest speaker has had responsibility for the hiring processes at S&K Menswear for over 20 years. She will provide insights into what questions should be asked, and which answers you need to listen for when you are making hiring decisions.

Store Owners, Managers and Loss Prevention Professionals are invited to attend this informative workshop.

7:45–9:00 a.m.: Workshop and Full Buffet Breakfast

Location: Holiday Inn Central
3207 N. Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23230
Directions >>

Cost: $15.00 per person

register online >>

Platinum Sponsor

Distinguished Retailer of the Year Presenting Sponsor

Thursday, April 19, 2007: Annual Celebration

Serving the Retail Industry for over 100 Years

The Retail Merchants Association will celebrate 101 years at this Gala Celebration & Auction.

Cocktail reception from 5.30pm–6.30pm—listen to the upbeat 60s, 70s and 80s sounds of Pat O’Brien (musical requests accepted).

Followed by dinner and music from the C. Redd Contemporary Jazz Trio.

Meet the finalists for the Distinguished Retailer of the Year and the announcement of this year’s honoree.

Click here for the Live Auction donation form >>

Watch for Your Invitation.

Save the Date!

5:30–8:30 p.m.

Location: Sheraton Richmond West
6624 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 285-2000
Directions >>

Cost:
Per person—$75
Corporate Reserved Table of 8—$70

register online >>

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RMA News

101st Annual Celebration

Mark your calendar for April 19th for the 101 st Gala Celebration from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Sheraton West Hotel. Live music, drinks, dinner, live auction and the announcement of the Distinguished Retailer of the Year.

Donate to the Live Auction

Members are invited to donate an item or package for the Live Auction to be held in conjunction with the 101 Annual Celebration on April 19.

Items and packages donated to the auction will gain your company high visibility with attendees, while helping support the RMA’s membership services throughout the year.

Some of the most popular donation ideas include: retail products, dinners, attraction tickets, advertising packages, spa packages, and vacation packages. Be creative! Items should have a minimum value of $100.

Click here for more information >>

Be a Part of RMA’s $5,000 Shopping Spree

The Richmond Times-Dispatch’s “Springtime in Virginia” publishes Sunday, April 15. Look for the Retail Merchants Association’s $5,000 Shopping Spree contest. All you have to do to be eligible to be chosen by the contest winners for one of the gift certificates (1- $2,000; 1 - $1,000; and 4 - $500) is advertise in the section and include the RMA logo. RMA purchases the gift certificates.

The section spotlights the homes and gardens that will be on view during Historic Garden Week (April 21- 28), sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia.

Check out all the details here >>

Crime Stoppers 2007 Golf Tournament – May 14

The Crime Stoppers Annual Fund Raising Golf Tournament will be held May 14 at The Dominion Club. Jack Kreuter, Jack Kreuter Jewelers, is the Tournament Chairman. Pearson Signature Dealerships is the Title Sponsor and Retail Merchants Association is the Major Sponsor. HHHunt is providing lunch for the golfers.

There are several other sponsorships available and all benefit the Crime Stoppers reward program. Sign up to be a sponsor or to play in the tournament. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

NEW! Seminar from the Small Business Administration

Ford Scott, Lender Relations Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Richmond District Office will present information on SBA's financing programs on May 22, 2007 from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. It’s free, but reservations are required. Visit retailmerchants.com or call 662-5500.

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Member News

Recognizing the Value of Frontline Employees with the Easy to Love Customer Service Award

Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) invites Richmond Region hospitality and tourism industry to show their appreciation for outstanding staff members with the RMCVB Easy to Love Customer Service Award. Nominations are now being accepted for this year’s award, which honors an employee who has shown exemplary performance and commitment to high-level customer service with a $500 cash prize and commemorative plaque. Nominations must be delivered to RMCVB by Friday, April 6. Check out the News Release >>

Chris Stewart has been named VP of Technology at Richmond.com

Richmond.com, the leading online resource providing comprehensive information for the Greater Richmond region, has named Chris Stewart VP of Technology. Richmond.com’s President Barry Hodge made the announcement.

Stewart comes to Richmond.com from CapTech Ventures were he served as a technology consultant. Prior to working with CapTech, Stewart was a software architect with Timmons Group and system administrator at Virginia Commonwealth University. His other achievements include placing second in the Mid-Atlantic region and 4th in the United States in the 2004 Microsoft Imagine Cup Software Design competition. Stewart received his degree in Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University.

April 5 Fashion First Event

Soak! of Carytown, 3031 W. Cary St. will present a “Loungerie” Trunk Show at the Fashion First on April 5 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Then head over to EQ3 for more fashion from stores such as—Pink, Heidi’s Story, Que Bella, Peyton Hall, A Bun in the Oven and many more. RSVP to Soak! - 353-0553 by April 4. Details here.

What to do with…LEFTOVER CHICKEN?

Go to www.leftoverchicken.com where you will find great recipes like “Dip-It-With-Attitude” and French Cassoulet. You may also add your favorite recipe using left over chicken to the site. Aunt Fossie’s Chicken Barbeque Sauce, a new item from Frances Daniels, owner of Mrs. Marshall’s Carytown Café, is for sale on the Web site. Check it out.

Celebrities Like Chicken! Herbert Evans, a player with the Harlem Globetrotters, came in to Mrs. Marshall’s Carytown Café recently for lunch and then returned two hours later for another Aunt Fossie's sandwich and a bottle of sauce.

Richmond.com Invites You to Get on “The List”

"The List," Richmond.com's weekly top 10 listing of area businesses, is one of the easiest ways to have your business recognized — completely free! Should you and your company be included in one of our lists? Visit Richmond.com to view all of the current lists, and contact Mike Kulick by e-mail at Michael.kulick@corp.richmond.com, or by phone at (804) 355-4500 ext. 363 to be considered for an upcoming list for your business now!"

WLEE Is Now All News

WLEE (990 AM) has switched to an all news format. Traffic, weather and business updates, plus features from CBS News and CNN Headline News can be heard. Weekend programming includes local and syndicated programs covering gardening, home improvement, travel, automobiles and finances.

New Talking Book Show Webcasts

Linda Pate, owner of Precious Memories Reading & Collectibles at 3229 Idlewood Ave., is host of a weekly online talk show at Talkshoe.com. It’s free, but registration is required. Hear interviews with authors and other interesting people. Log in at Talkshoe.com about15 minutes before the 7 p.m. talkcast on Thursdays. You can call or text-message with questions or comments. For more information, www.preciousmemoriesreading.com

Great Richmond Region Adventure T-shirt Design Competition

Amateur and professional designers from the Richmond Region are invited to participate in the Great Richmond Region Adventure T-shirt Design Competition. The winner of this contest will be awarded a $500 cash prize, as well as the opportunity to see hundreds of people racing through the streets of Downtown Richmond wearing his or her artwork during the Region’s exciting new community event, the Great Richmond Region Adventure. Check out all the details >>

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FYI

Upcoming Events in the River District

Thursday, April 12th Martinis for Mutts

Element Lounge, 119 N. 18th St., $10 donation, 6-9 pm

Cheap martinis all night, light buffet, a raffle and silent auction. Great music, mingling and merriment all for a good cause! $10 donation at the door benefits AARF (Animal Adoption Rescue Foundation). For more information call 804-327-9948 or see www.aarf.org.


Saturday, April 21st Earth Day Celebration, Fish Festival and 3rd Annual Mayor's Walk and Roll

South side of the Mayo Bridge (14th Street) at the James River and Flood Wall, Free admission, 10 am-4 pm

This event will celebrate the renewed health of the James River and encourage Richmonders to get out of their cars and use muscle power to bike, canoe, kayak, walk or roll to this family fun event! Enjoy music, food, art, dance, exhibits, earth-friendly goods, and plenty of activities! The health of the Earth is within everyone's mission!  For more information, call 804-786-5492 or see www.earthdayrichmond.org.

¡Hola!

The Spanish Academy & Cultural Instituteis sponsoring an 8 day Intensive Awaken the Spanish Within® Immersion program in Zacatecas, Mexico, June 23-30, 2007. You are learning and speaking Spanish every waking hour for 8 consecutive days. Spend 8 days in Mexico that you will never forget! Check out all the details >>

Visit The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail

Go to www.crookedroadvirginia.com and take a 253-mile virtual trip along U.S 58 in Southwest Virginia. The interactive Web site also lets you build your own bluegrass song, hear it played back, and send it to friends and family. Check it out!

Check Out Relish

One of River City’s newest restaurants is Relish at 101 S. 15th Street, in the Canal Crossing Building at 15th & Dock Streets. Daily dishes such as sesame teriyaki salmon, mini meatloaf, Parmesan chicken and crabcakes are offered, as well as a huge fresh salad bar, daily international foods hot bar, and fresh, made-to-order sandwiches. Eat there or grab and run! Check out the daily Relish dinner specials. 804-648-2233. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm

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Welcome New Members!

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