West Bloomfield, MI — (December 6, 2017) On Wednesday December 6, The Republican-controlled Senate approved a bi-partisan bill by a 27 to 9 margin that would write the half-mile rule into law by prohibiting liquor stores from operating within 2,640 feet of one another with some exceptions. “This is a big win for our small…
On Wednesday September 6 at 1 p.m. members of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) will attend a hearing at Constitution Hall in Lansing to challenge the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s effort to end the ‘Half-Mile’ Rule. “We expect hundreds of our retailers to attend,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO of the MIRA.…
Letter To The Editor of The Detroit News March 30, 2017 The recent release of the Governor’s Recycling Council recommendations to enhance overall recycling in Michigan helps bring attention to a serious issue we face as a state. For decades Michigan’s recycling rate has been about 14.5 percent. This means that of all the solid…
January 25, 2017 – Food retail stores are often the anchors of commerce in urban and rural communities across the state. The Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) commissioned a study by Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) to better understand the industry’s contribution to the state’s economy. Michigan’s food retail industry…
West Bloomfield, MI. (DEC.9, 2016) – The Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) applauded the House passing Senate Bill 853 on Thursday, December 1st. SB 853 would prevent local governments from banning or setting fees for containers like bags, cups, bottles or packaging. If signed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, the bill would take effect 90…
Veteran’s Day is a day of remembrance for the men and women who put their lives on the line for liberty and justice. Benchmark Beverage company salutes the American spirit with two U.S.-made products that honors our Veterans. Leadslingers and Gold Star are Veteran-owned companies that are dedicated to producing fine spirits that pay tribute…
As the leaves start to fall and with the apple orchards in full swing, there is no better time to pair Benchmark spirits with the changing season. Retailers looking to showcase a Halloween-themed spirit, need to look no further than Red Eye Louie’s Vodquila. Vodquila is a unique blend of vodka and tequila. The primary…
West Bloomfield, MI (September 21, 2016) — Did you know that the Food industry directly supports 198,000 full and part-time jobs along with an additional 75,000 indirect jobs? The food industry also contributes a gross total of $24.8 billion to Michigan’s economy through its direct sales, indirect economic impact on other industries and employment. These…
West Bloomfield, MI (September 19, 2016) – The Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) continues its support of the We Card Program by ensuring that its members do not sell controlled substances to minors. This support was recognized by the governors of Michigan, Ohio and Illinois in their proclamations, which are given for service that increase…
West Bloomfield, MI (July 1, 2016) — When Harvey L. Weisberg served as the Chairman of the AFD in 1969 he was quoted as saying, “One of the main reasons for tremendous progress made by the AFD is that the association has been quick to accept the challenge of change taking place in our respective…