Michigan and Ohio Legislatures Honor Independent Retailers
MIRA Leadership Headed to Michigan and Ohio Capitals for Annual Legislative Days
Independent retailers are small business owners who make significant impacts on the economy. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses generate 1.5 million jobs annually, accounting for 64% of new jobs in America. Small businesses also contribute 44% of the U.S. economic activity, so as the number of new businesses grows, so does their financial contribution.
According to the State of Michigan, small businesses provide jobs and are the backbone of the state’s economy. More than 900,000 small businesses employ 1.9 million people, making up 47.9% of Michigan’s employees. MIRA members are a major part of that equation.
A delegation of MIRA members, leadership, and staff members headed to Lansing on Wednesday, June 12th, for the 114-year-old association’s Annual Legislative Day as Michigan’s legislature declared the week of June 10th as “Independent Retailers Week”.
“We met with key legislators and staff who serve on committees that consider the legislation of greatest importance to MIRA members,” said Jerry Griffin, MIRA Vice President of Government Affairs. “We also had a working lunch with new Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) Chair Kristen Beltzer and MLCC Business Manager Kerry Krone.”
“The government relations work that MIRA offers our membership is the greatest asset of being a member and we greatly appreciate the legislature acknowledging the value and economic contribution that independent retailers bring to the State of Michigan,” said Bill Wild, MIRA President & CEO. “Independent Retailers Week encourages consumers to shop locally and support small local businesses whose tax dollars stay local and help build and maintain sustainable cities, towns, and communities. Independent retailers play a significant role in supporting local economies with jobs and access to fresh food, goods, and services in every corner of the state.”
On June 25th, the Ohio Legislature honored MIRA and paid tribute to celebrate July as Independent Retailers Month. Senator Mark Huffman, President of the Ohio Senate, and Senator Mark Romanchuk of the 22nd District paid a special tribute on behalf of the Ohio State Senate.
Speaker Jason Stephens and Representative Jay Edwards offered a tribute on behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives. Both Houses recognized the vital contributions the independent retailers make to the state and local economies, the importance of creating jobs, and the accessibility of goods and services across the state. MIRA represents nearly 500 Ohio independent retailers in the food, beverage, and petroleum industries.
“MIRA represents independent retailers from across both states, including grocers, specialty food markets, service stations, wholesalers, convenience stores, and pharmacies, along with many other businesses providing access to food and retail in their communities,” said Griffin. “The retail food industry directly supports more than 158,000 employees in full and part-time positions throughout Michigan alone and contributes billions annually in state and local taxes to state and local governments.”
As indicated in the Michigan resolution, “Established as the Detroit Retail Meat Merchants in 1910 by a handful of Detroit retailers with common business concerns, the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) has evolved into the premier multi-state organization representing independent retailers, the supply chain, and service providers for the Midwest’s food, beverage, and petroleum industries.”
The continued effort of the MIRA team brings awareness of these concerns within the industry. “We put these issues on their radar so when we propose legislation, or someone else does, they are familiar with MIRA’s position and seek our input,” said Griffin.
Meanwhile, the Ohio Resolution states, “Independent Retailers Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the vital contributions that such enterprises have made across the State of Ohio and the Entire Midwest Region. Independent retailers not only offer goods and services not always found in Big Box stores, but they also employ area residents, keep tax dollars in their communities, and sponsor local organizations and events.”
Relationship building between MIRA and government leaders is an ongoing effort. “MIRA’s ability to connect and collaborate with government leaders is a testament to the association’s longevity,” said Wild.
