If this newsletter is not displaying correctly please click here or paste the following link into
your internet browser: http://www.retailmerchants.com/newsletter-events/2008-08.htm
events

events August 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 upcoming
Member Events

First Friday Forum

Upcoming...First Friday Forum

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.

Visit the Boomer Project's blog, Boomer Consumer.

7:45–9:15 a.m.

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

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

Register Online Back to top

Connect @

Ultimate Connect @ Funraiser

Upcoming...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Ultimate Connect @ Plant Zero

Join us in throwing a mammoth
‘fun-raiser’
to benefit the Virginia Retail Federation.

For the first time, Retail Merchants Association is throwing the biggest, most extraordinary benefit EVER!  Our fund-raiser for VRF’s 2009 legislative efforts will be packed with good times (we aren’t calling it a “fun-raiser” for nothing!), good food, good entertainment, good music, good people and a GREAT cause.

Promoted to the entire business community, RMA members and non-members, plus related groups; through print, e-mails, the web and by invitation; we will be reaching thousands and expect a full house.  Other than the games and entertainment at Plant Zero, we will be having raffle drawings throughout the evening for a wide variety of products and services. Thanks to our Connect@ sponsor Central Virginia Bank.

How you can help now:

Make sure your business is promoted through our marketing efforts for this event!

  •  Donate a raffle item—it can be your product or service, or you can purchase an item or gift certificate from another RMA member. Click here for the donation form >>
  •  Be a sponsor—there are several levels of sponsorship available. (Contact Jenny Price at 804-662-5500 for additional information.)

6:00–9:00 p.m.

Location: Plant Zero Art Center
0 East 4th Street
Richmond, VA 23224
Directions >>

Cost : Members, $25; Non-members, $30

Register Online

Back to top

Economic Forecast Breakfast

Economic Forecast Breakfast Alan M. Gayle Scott Krugman Bob Phibbs

Friday, October 3, 2008

“Focus on the 4th Quarter” What You Need to Know for Your Business

With Alan M. Gayle, Senior Investment Strategist, RidgeWorth Investments (Trusco); Scott Krugman, VP, Industry Public Relations, National Retail Federation; and moderated by Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor.

Should you be belt-tightening or can you take a long, deep breath?

Hear from our panel the most up-to-date information to help you make the most of your 4th quarter, with a hint of what to expect for the 1st quarter of 2009.  It is an especially crucial time for you to learn as these leading economic and retail experts tackle some of the hard questions, and offer you knowledge that will help you formulate your strategy going forward.

Folding It, Dusting It, or Stacking It Doesn’t Cut It: How To Move Your Merch

A special seminar (following the Economic Forecast Breakfast) with Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor reveals the secret weapon he has used to double sales at hundreds of retailers. The holidays are coming, what are you going to do different to drive sales? Using real world examples, you will:

  • Discover how retailers are often leaving money on the  table  
  • Explore how you can drive word-of-mouth marketing
  • Learn an easy system to build rapport and sell your merch, not mark it down

To find out more about the Retail Doctor, read his bio, visit his website or read his blog. And be sure to check out Bob's recent appearances on MSNBC:

7:45–9:15 a.m.: Economic Forecast Breakfast
9:30–11:00 a.m.: The Retail Doctor Seminar

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

Cost:
Economic Forecast Breakfast only—Members, $20; Non-members, $25
The Retail Doctor Seminar and Breakfast—Members $49; Non-members $59

Register Online Back to top

The 19th Annual Valor Awards

Economic Forecast BreakfastBob Phibbs

Friday, November 14, 2008

Guest Speaker Paul E. Galanti Commander, US Navy (Retired)

The 19th Annual Valor Awards breakfast is 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.  First responders in the City of Richmond and the counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield, and the Town of Ashland are presented awards for selfless acts involving personal risk beyond which should be expected while performing their duties.  Area police and fire chiefs will present the awards.  Show your appreciation to these dedicated men and women by being a sponsor as well as attending the Valor Awards. 

Paul Galanti, entrepreneur, author, association/society director, webmaster, speaker and P.O.W, defines and personifies the meaning of Valor.  He was a prisoner of war for nearly seven years in North Vietnam's infamous Hanoi Hilton complex. He not only maintained his sanity, he has managed, since his return in February 1973, to excel in several different fields. He maintains a positive attitude despite having been deprived of "what should have been some of the best years of my life."  "Not so," says Galanti, "the best years are here, now"!   In 2002, Paul was appointed as the Director of National Services Officers for the American Ex-Prisoners of War and currently is a service legislative officer for that organization and a columnist in its bulletin. In 2003, he was appointed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony J. Principi to serve on the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Former POWs. Galanti was named to serve on the Board of Virginia's new Department of Veterans' Services by Governor Mark Warner. He was reappointed by Governor Tim Kaine and elected Chairman of the Board of Veterans Services in 2006. For more about his remarkable background and experience, click here.

7:30–9:30 a.m.

Location:
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North 3rd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 783-7300
Directions >>

Cost: $35 per person; corporate table for ten (with sign), $425

Register Online Back to top

Smart Marketing: An Executive Dialogue

Wednesday, August 27, 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 . . . 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: August 27, September 24, October 29, November 26

Back to top

Chapter Meetings

Melting Pot

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Charlottesville Chapter Meeting

The “melting pot” of the Retail Merchants Association is a whole other thing! Various businesses, business services, members, non-members, and RMA staff get all mixed up together in a wonderful stew of shared ideas, goals and new contacts - right in your own community. If you haven’t experienced yet…this one will be a fun one! As a new Chapter, you’ll find the enthusiasm is really “cookin’”!!

Please join us and enjoy refreshments, 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.

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Location: The Melting Pot
501 E Water Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-244-3463
derekbond03@yahoo.com
Directions >>

For more information: Contact Rebecca Hettig at 434-989-1257 or Rebecca@CreativExposure.net.

Cost: Members, $10; Non-members, $15

Register Online
Magnolia Day Spa

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Goochland Chapter Meeting

Guest Speaker: Jay Cowan, Principal, RiverCross Partners LLC

Rise and shine! Here’s a great way to get your day going—right in your own neighborhood. Tour the new Magnolia Day Spa and meet your new fellow business owner. Join various businesses, business services, members, non-members, and RMA staff for a brief but informative morning of shared ideas, goals and especially, new contacts.

Please join us and enjoy coffee, 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. All are welcome!

8:15–9:30 a.m.

Location: Magnolia Day Spa
32 Briggs Drive
Manakin Sabot, VA 23103
(804) 784-0284
www.magnoliadayspa.us
Directions >>

For more information: Contact Blane Cope, (804) 784-0910 or artalacarteva@aol.com.

Cost: Members, $5; Non-members, $7

Register Online

More Upcoming Chapter Meetings...

Check website for locations, times and to register: http://retailmerchants.com/chapter-meetings.asp

Back to top

Member Events

Richmond Location Film Premieres at Byrd Theatre—August 30

The Good News Production Co., a Virginia production company, will be hosting the premiere of its first feature film “Recover Me” on Saturday August 30.  Filmed on location throughout Richmond, the movie is a gritty realistic drama about a single mother’s struggle to overcome drug addition, find love and fulfill her own pursuit of happiness while fighting to protect her son from the very streets that she succumbed to.  “Recover Me” is a heart wrenching, tantalizing, suspenseful and inspirational drama that will deliver a message of hope and the will to overcome despite all odds.  The movie will be screened at the Byrd Theatre at 2908 West Cary St. in Richmond on Saturday August 30th at 1:00.  Tickets are $10.00. 


InLight RICHMOND

September 5, Downtown Richmond

A celebration of contemporary visual and performance art  -- The first annual light-themed, juried outdoor contemporary art exhibition and event on First Friday, September 5, 2008 from dusk to midnight in downtown Richmond, VA. Visit our blog: inlightrichmond.blogspot.com  

Organized by 1708 Gallery to celebrate its 30th anniversary, 40 local and international artists will participate in light-inspired installations and performance art along the 100-400 blocks of W. Broad street which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Some installations will only be available for viewing the night of the event while others will remain in place for up to a month. A Wearable InLight juried fashion show will highlight 30 creative, illuminated outfits. The entire community is invited to be inspired and engaged in the artistic process by being encouraged to attend illuminated in their own light-themed attire.  There will be "Art, Turned On" and the exhibition/event promises to do the same for all who step onto the canvas W. Broad Street will become on the night of September 5.

Click here for details >>


Henrico Business Outreach Seminar: “Can You Afford Not to Prepare?”

September 17, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Click here for details >>


Hanover's "Got You Covered" Clothing Event

Collection September 23

Help provide free clothing, accessories and personal hygiene items to those in need. Food stamps do not allow the purchase of hygiene items and the need is great. We also support the back to school and back to work effort (dress for success) for those trying to get a job. This is not to rule anyone out but the need tends to be greater for these groups. We will take baby to adult clothing and all sizes. Extra large clothes are very much in need as well. The clothing needs to be new or in very good condition. Please contact Monica Chenault @ 365-4109 or Andrea Uzzell @ 365-6643 for more information.

Items Needed: clothing, accessories and personal hygiene products.

This is an AmeriCorps Project! The distribution of the collected items will be Saturday, 8/23/08 from 11–7.  Thank you for your help and support!


McDonald’s X-country Festival at Maymont Registration Open 

With registration open for the McDonald’s X-country Festival at Maymont set for September 26th and 27th, interest is high for one of the premier cross country running festivals in the country.

Last year over 2,000 kids from over 100 high school teams from up and down the East Coast and as far West as Colorado came to compete on rolling hills and dales of the Maymont Estate.  Nationally ranked high school teams from Ohio, Maryland and Delaware gave local cross country runners a taste of top-level competition on a home course, making it as exciting for supporters and spectators as for the runners.

The festival starts on September 26th, Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. with the Elementary School 1-miler.  The open 5k start follows that at 6:00 p.m.  Walk-up registration will be taken onsite for the 5k, as well as Saturday’s middle school kids races and half marathon until 6 p.m. Friday evening.  There is no walk-up registration on Saturday, September 27th.

www.sportsbackers.org


Petersburg Workshop:  The 7 Habits for Managers

October 15 & 16

Crater Small Business Development Center of Longwood University, a partner of Virginia's Gateway Region, is hosting an event designed especially for Small Business Owners and Employees that you will not want to miss!  The 7 Habits for Managers is a 2-day, intensive workshop that focuses on the fundamentals of great leadership. Skills taught at this workshop include: Conflict Resolution; Execution of Strategy, Business Plans and Goals; Collaboration; Accountability and Trust; Prioritization; Team and Employee Development; and Performance Management.

The workshop will be held on October 15th and 16th at the Crater Small Business Development Center of Longwood University in Petersburg. Please click here for much more information including registration and cost for the workshop. A discount is given to businesses located in The Cameron Foundation jurisdictions.

Questions? Call (804)-518-2003or email sbdcadmin@cpd.state.va.us

Back to top
Copyright ©2008 Retail Merchants Association. All Rights Reserved.