events November 18, 2009

Member News & Events

No Fly-By-Night Marketing Tool…

The RMA 2010 Resource & Membership Directory:

• The consistent & best RMA Marketing tool for members and prospective members all year long
• A reference & resource for current members - the go-to-place for information, events, member benefits, contact information and more
• 3500 copies will be printed, mailed to RMA members, presented to prospects and available at RMA events during the entire year
• Contains RMA staff contact info and Board of Directors names

Are you missing out?  Marketing in the directory to other members and prospects is an ideal way to spread the word on your business.  You can show that you participate in the Think.Shop.Buy.Local campaign. You can encourage other members to purchase from your local business and place your name "in lights."  You’ll be in great company with other active and engaged RMA members.

A year’s worth of continuous visibility is a terrific value for full color $495 (1/4 page ad) and $695 – (1/4  page ad). Deadline is early December. Call Ann Small right away to make sure your spot is reserved: 804-240-2146 or email asmall.aci@verizon.net

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Coats for Kids – Puritan Cleaners

It’s time to make a difference to a family in need.  Bring your gently used coats to any Puritan Cleaners’ location.  The coats will be inspected, repaired and cleaned before delivery to the Salvation Army Christmas center where they will be distributed to area families in need.  All size coats are accepted but kids coats are especially in needed.  You can also bring your coats to the Retail Merchants First Friday Forum on December 4th.”

On 11/20 Puritan will have Andrea McDaniel at our Staples Mill location for our one day big event.  We’ll be posting pictures on FaceBook so perhaps you would like to bring over a couple of coats and have a photo op.  Also, we are at the ball park on 11/21 for a park warming party with the Squirrels.  We’ll be collecting coats at the park.  Follow Puritan—www.twitter.com/puritancleaners  Follow Norman—www.twitter.com/normanway

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Builder of the Year’ award by the Home Builders Association

I just want to let you know that Steve Thomas, President of Stephen Thomas Homes, was presented with the ‘Builder of the Year’ award by the Home Builders Association of Virginia yesterday during their annual luncheon (which happened to be held in Virginia Beach – Ida was present…). His continued strong commitment to the EasyLiving Home program (accessible housing) and his volunteer contribution to Homes For Our Troops were both emphasized.

Steve’s reaction? Complete surprise is an understatement. Congratulations to Steve for this well-deserved award.    Penny Anderson   www.stchomes.com

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New Member Robert Peters, GM, Holiday Inn I-64 West End,Invites You to Thanksgiving Brunch

Thanksgiving Day
Brunch Buffet will be served from 11 a.m. – 9 pm.

$25.95 Adults / Children 12 & under $12.95

Limited seating. Call for Reservations 804-359-6061 or email rpeters@holidayinni64.com

(Warning: if you read the following list your mouth will water….)

The items include but are not limited to:

Homemade Breakfast Quiche, Eggs made to order (until 3pm), Carved Roasted Cracked black Pepper Turkey & Gravy, Honey Glazed Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Garlic Herbed Stuffing, Corn on the Cob,

Candied Yams, Assorted Yeast Rolls, Dessert Buffet,

Robert Peters, General Manager, Holiday Inn I-64 West End, 2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond  23230  804-359-6061            www.holidayinn.com/ric-westend

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Are You Ready for Cyber-Monday?

Have you heard of Black Friday?  Of course you have, you’re a retailer!  Well, Cyber-Monday is three days later, on November 30, and is the largest online shopping day of the year.  Why?  Because consumers who just spent the post-Thanksgiving weekend in the stores are now back at work and are continuing their shopping over the internet.  This is the ideal time to promote your business online to generate sales and to drive traffic into your store.

Things to consider to be ready for the holiday season online:

• Make sure your business information is correct and up to date on your website.
• List your holiday hours if they are different or expanded from the rest of the year.
• Double check your inventories to make sure items you are promoting online are in stock and available to consumers.
• Consider offering web-based promotions to drive sales online or traffic into your store.

As a way to support RMA members heading into the holiday season, Addison Clark Online is offering a $100 credit towards a new Google campaign to drive traffic to your website.  Contact Jeff Allen (804-387-1016) or Andrew Rountree (804-363-2090) for more information.

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River District Celebrate Illuminate
Events 2009                                

Friday, December 4
The 25th Annual Grand Illumination of James Center
10th & E. Cary Streets, Free admission, 6pm-7pm

Come to James Center and start a (free) family tradition. This year at 6pm the downtown office buildings and James Center Reindeer will come to light! From 6pm-7pm, experience the magic of the season with two blocks of family entertainment. Entertainment includes: the Varina High School Marching Band, The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Richmond Ballet, the VCU Trombone Choir, the Coventry Ringers, Harpist Rickie Denton, Singer Patsy Butler, the Virginia Piedmont Model Railroad Club and much more. Radio Disney will be at James Center to entertain children with delightful activities. This event is provided by James Center Property LLC.  For more information call 804-344-3232.

Friday, December 4
Holiday Market
17th Street Farmers’ Market, Free Admission, 5pm-9pm

Avoid the mall rush!  This annual holiday shopping extravaganza features Virginia’s finest holiday trees from Floyd County, Virginia the tree capitol of the South. Fresh wreaths hand-made by Mustard Seed Farms, fresh cut mistletoe, gourmet desserts, handcrafted jewelry, hand-carved toys, handmade ornaments, vintage collectibles, and one-of-a-kind gifts and so much more.  Enjoy the sounds of the season while you shop!  The Henrico Pops Chorus will be performing followed by The Salvation Army International Brass Honor Band. This band features some of the best brass instrumentalist from around the world that gathers each year to play at select venues throughout the United States and Europe during the holiday season.  We are very fortunate to feature this acclaimed instrumental group at this year’s holiday bazaar. For more information call 804-646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.

Friday-Saturday, December 4-5
FREE Horse and Carriage Rides
Rides start and end in Shockoe Slip at the fountain at 13th and E. Cary Streets, 6pm-10pm

Clip-Clop Clip-Clop – the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones, jingle bells ringing, the holidays are here in Richmond’s historic River District.  Holiday decorated 12 passenger wagon circles Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom.  One round trip ride per person please.  Sponsored by Venture Richmond.  Call Roger at 804-769-4010 with questions.

Friday, December 4
Main Street Station Holiday Open House
Main Street Station and the Plaza at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street, Free admission, 5pm-9pm

The City of Richmond welcomes all for a Holiday Open House with a Polar Express theme, free Kiddie train rides, hot cider and cookies, decorations, tree lighting and live entertainment with “The Angels”.  Enjoy the gorgeous restored glory of Main Street Station and explore the lighted “Cathedral Walk” at the Plaza at Main Street Station and celebrate the holiday season.  This year’s event will focus on literacy.  Professional storytellers will be on hand to read to children, as they enjoy cookies and cider by the fireplace.  Come early, the Richmond Public Library will also donate books to the first 300 children in attendance!  New this year, an exhibition of holiday cards from metro Richmond area public and private schools.  The giant cards, each created from wooden doors, are creatively designed and painted by art classes and clubs in schools from the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Hanover County and private schools.   Event parking is only $2, and will be available on the west side of the station using the Franklin St. entrance.  Additional non-event parking is available within the Plaza using the Main St. and Cary St. entrances.  Don’t miss the holiday fun!  For more information call 804-646-5665.

Friday, December 4
Capitol Square Tree Lighting
Capitol Square, Free admission, 5-7pm

Be there for the lighting of the state Christmas tree in its holiday finest on Capitol Hill.  For more information call 804-371-2642 or visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.

Governor’s Executive Mansion Open House

Capitol Square, Free admission, 5:30-7pm

Come tour Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion in its holiday finest on Capitol Hill.  For more information call 804-371-8687 or visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.

Friday, December 4
The American Red Cross Keeps You Warm for the Holidays
The American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, 420 East Cary Street, Free, 5-6:30pm

Serving free coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts to passersby en route to the Grand Illumination. The Chapter will also distribute free winter and fire safety brochures and other information to help keep families safe during the winter season. For more information call 804-780-2250 or visit www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org.

Saturday, December 5 
Governor’s Executive Mansion Open House
Capitol Square, Free admission, 1pm-4pm

Come tour Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion in its holiday finest on Capitol Hill.  For more information call 804-371-8687 or visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.

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Powhatan’s "A Village Christmas Parade"

Saturday, December 19th 3 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Come join the fun in celebrating the holidays at the 17th annual Powhatan parade, featuring marching bands, floats, antique cars, clowns, horses, the ACCA Temple Shriners, the Christmas Mother Santa and much, much more. The parade ends in front of Powhatan Courthouse where the activities are just beginning with food and craft vendors galore all leading up to the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree!! 

If you would like to participate in the parade, be a vendor, or just have some questions Please call

Bank of Powhatan (804) 598-6839.

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Does Your Business Have a FaceBook Fan Page?

RMA is taking names…and addresses!

We will be distributing a list of RMA members with their Fan Page addresses at a future date…so we can continue to support each other and promote our local goods & services.  Become a FaceBook fan of RMA  by clicking here and send your company’s name & FB Fan page address to patricia@retailmerchants.com.