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events

events June 2008

Bank of Virginia Visit our sponsor

Enjoy RMA's new events blast, coming to you the third week of every month. Each month our RMA paparazzi will be covering meetings and events, in Richmond, Goochland, Powhatan, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Amelia, and beyond—wherever Retail Merchants members and guests gather to network, learn or advocate! Special thanks to our Events sponsor, Bank of Virginia.

Click here for New PR Opportunities Click here for upcoming
Member Events
Member Events

Connect @

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Connect @ Cold Stone Creamery™

Click any of the photos above to visit the photo gallery.

Thanks to our sponsors:  Central Virginia Bank, Glen Sides Disc Jockey, and Play N Trade.

Upcoming...

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Connect @ Grand Opening of the Charlottesville Chapter

If you know anything about the Retail Merchants Association (RMA), you’ll know what we can do with coffee and camaraderie time. If you don’t know, this is the perfect opportunity to find out. Please join us for the opening of the Charlottesville Chapter, and enjoy breakfast, networking and information on how RMA can help you achieve your business goals. Bring an appetite, plenty of business cards, flyers on your business (if you wish), and colleagues or other business acquaintances. RMA is well aware of the value of your time and energy. You will find this event well worth a small investment of both.

8:00–9:30 a.m.

Location: Millmont Grille
1035 Millmont St
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-245-8646
Directions >>

Cost : There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP by registering online.

Additional Information: Rebecca Hettig, 434-989-1257, Rebecca@CreativExposure.net

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First Friday Forum

Friday, June 6, 2008

"Understanding Hispanic Culture, Managing Your Hispanic Workforce, and Marketing to Hispanic Clients" with Lisa Zajur, Director & Owner, Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute

Click any of the photos above to visit the photo gallery.

Click hereClick here to view video footage of Lisa Zajur.

Upcoming...

Friday, September 5, 2008

"Bring Home the Green" with John Martin, Southeastern Institute of Research, and Matt Thornhill, Boomer Project

Click here for more information >>

New Study Will Be Released That Introduces New Rules for Retailers on Marketing Green Across Generations

The emerging green economy is forcing rapid and unprecedented change on business. Some retailers have committed to sustainability as an important business strategy while others are hoping it’s a passing fad. Mr. Martin and Mr. Thornhill will share insights from their brand new national research study. Thanks to our sponsors:  Village Bank, T/S Hospitality Consultants, Visual Aids Electronics, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Robert Thomas Photography.

7:45–9:15 a.m.

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

Cost: Members, $20; Non-members, $25

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Smart Marketing: An Executive Dialogue

Upcoming...

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

"Smart Marketing: An Executive Dialogue" Moderated monthly by Tom Blue, RMA Marketing Guru

Click here for more information >>
You don’t have to hire an ad agency to get expert marketing advice. If you’ve ever worried that you’re not getting the most from your marketing dollars, Smart Marketing is well-worth your time.

Once a month, you’ll explore your most vexing marketing challenges with a select group of 5 to 9 peer executives. These structured, 90-minute discussions moderated by marketing expert, Tom Blue are designed to deliver the marketing answers you need today while offering invaluable lessons from the real-life experiences of other executives.

12:00–1:30 p.m.

Location: The Retail Merchants Association
5101 Monument Ave.
Richmond,VA 23230
(804) 662-5500
Directions >>

SPACE IS LIMITED—2 Groups . . . 20 Participants.

Cost per session : $79 member / $99 non-member*
*Non-members who join after the second session will receive a $50 discount on membership.

Upcoming Sessions: July 23, August 27, September 24, October 29, November 26

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Retail Marketing Expo

Power Sessions & Networking Highlights

10:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Start your networking early over coffee & pastries and get a jump on the day.

10:30–11:00 a.m.

The Art of Buzz:  How to Get Your Customers to Market for You

Tom Blue, Managing Partner, Accelerated Growth Partners LLC

Keep up the energy with a lively presentation from Tom, and discover how word-of-mouth has taken on new meanings…in ways that you can put to work for you and your business.

12:00–1:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker Luncheon: Strategies for a Changing Retail World

George Whalin, Author & Retail Expert

[Members, $25; Non-members $30]

In this eye-opening presentation, retail expert George Whalin, will discuss 5 things you should STOP doing right now and 5 things you should START doing right now to survive and thrive in these tough economic times.  Register on-line at www.retailmarketingx.com.

3:00–3:45 p.m.

Strategies for Surviving the 4th Quarter in a Down Economy

Panel moderated by George Whalin, with Dr. John Gaskins, Longwood University; Scott Aronson, Ukrop’s; Jacques Moore, Moore Family of Dealerships; and Weldon Wirwick, S&K Famous Brands. 

Is there one right formula?  Or will you be able to pick and choose from the ideas and advice discussed by these marketing experts?  It won’t take long, and the lessons you learn could prove invaluable.

4:00–5:00 p.m.

Connect @ RME

Join in the hour of networking nitty-gritty. It’s the perfect time to compare new ideas, resources and contacts.  Some customers and exhibitors have told us that the best deals are sealed here!

Register Now!

www.retailmarketingx.com

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New PR Opportunities

Are You Having a Back-to-School Promotion?

RMA Members are invited to send information on August-September Back-to-School promotions for inclusion in the next August Retail Partners newsletter.  Please submit one or two paragraphs, no longer than 80 words, and include your website address. Space is limited, so first come first served!  No later than Monday, June 23, e-mail your information to patricia@retailmerchants.com

Get your July 4th events, festivals, fireworks etc. on Virginia.org!

Visitors and locals are looking for those events now to plan their 4th of July holiday. The media is looking for these events to highlight in their publications and websites! Don't be left out! Log in to the Administration Tool to enter or update your eventsat www.vatc.org

Red or White?  October is Va. Wine Month

October marks the 20th anniversary of Virginia Wine Month. Virginia Tourism Corp.  Public Relations will be promoting Wine Month to national journalists and encourages partners to start thinking now about Wine Month special events, packages and promotions for Virginia.org. Log in to the Administration Tool to get started at www.vatc.org.

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Member Events

Ken Burns to Lead Va Historical Society Program in October

The Va. Historical Society (VHS) is currently accepting applications for the tenth Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum, to be held October 23–24, 2008.  The forum is designed to bring together high school history students with some of the nation’s leading historians.  This year’s event will feature award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

Any student attending a Va. high school who will be a junior or senior during the 2008–2009 school year and has completed a U.S. history or government class may apply to be a Blanton Scholar. For eligibility information and complete application details, visit www.vahistorical.org. The deadline is July 1, 2008.  Students chosen by the Society’s Teacher Advisory Board will be notified of acceptance to the program in September.

Family Fun at Hanover Tavern is Back! 

With new themes this year, like magic and archery, Tavern Family Nights are guaranteed to be full of fun and laughter.  The first Tavern Family Night will be held at the Tavern, located at 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, on Wednesday, June 25th from 6pm to 8pm.  The ever-popular water balloon toss, egg races, pie eating contests and cake walk are returning!  Michelle’s Restaurant will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs for a small fee; please bring cash or check.  Good news for members - - food is half-price at these events!  If you would like more information on Tavern Family Nights or membership, please contact Amanda Glass at 804-537-5050 or visit our website at www.hanovertavern.org.  Future Tavern Family Night dates are July 23rd and August 27th, 2008.

The Parsons’ Cause – Prelude to Revolution

“But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.”  -John Adams

The “minds and hearts of the people” began to change in Hanover County, Virginia on December 1, 1763.  It was there and then that an obscure country lawyer named Patrick Henry challenged the authority of the Church of England and the King of England.  In The Parsons’ Cause, as Henry’s case became known, Henry thundered against the King’s disavowal of a law passed by the Virginia House of Burgesses.  In addition to thrusting Henry into the forefront of Colonial legal and political circles, The Parsons’ Cause established part of the foundation for the coming American Revolution.

The Parsons’ Cause Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to sponsor reenactments of and promote the historical importance of The Parsons’ Cause.  The Foundation is pleased to present free public shows of The Parsons’ Cause—Prelude to Revolution, this summer.  The shows will be held at the same Hanover Courthouse where Henry tried the case in 1763.  The reenactments will commence at 11:00 a.m. on the following dates:

  • Saturday, June 21
  • Saturday, July 19
  • Saturday, August 16

The reenactment is about 45 minutes in length, and attendees are asked to participate by serving as jurors, parties to the case, gentlemen justices, or parsons.  Each attendee is also asked to render his or her verdict in the case by way of ballot.  In addition, door prizes will be awarded at each of the summer shows.

The Foundation invites you, your family and friends to attend one of the shows.  In addition to attending a show, your may enjoy a tour of Hanover Tavern on June 21 and August 16 (call 804-537-5050 for tour information), which sits across the road from the Courthouse, as well as brunch at the Tavern’s signature restaurant, Michelle’s (call 804-537-5250 for reservations, all dates available).

Awaken the Spanish Within Language and Cultural Training Introductory Program

Join us on Thursday, July 10, at Noon for a Half-Day Awaken the Spanish Within Language and Cultural Training Introductory Program to follow on the presentation made at the recent Retail Merchants Association breakfast! The Awaken the Spanish Within program is a fast and easy way to learn Spanish and understand better opportunities for your business within the growing Hispanic community.  The program uses the patent pending system of Voice Tonality technology to enhance learning.

The language training system will:

  • Increase language comprehension and retention.
  • Engage participants with a fun, innovative, and comfortable method of learning.
  • Build confidence in participants to start speaking immediately.

The cultural training will:

  • Help participants understand the importance of culture to Hispanics.
  • Enhance relationships with Hispanics in the workplace.
  • Explain relationships, training, and business cycles in the Hispanic culture.

    Join us to begin your journey and Awaken the Spanish Within!

    To REGISTER, click here or email MMarkee@casamosaic.com.
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