MIRA

The Voice of Independent Retailers

Secretary of State Request for Help Regarding REAL ID

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Secretary of State Request for…

By Cathleen P. Simlar // Michigan Department of State // August 9, 2019

On behalf of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, I’m requesting your help with sharing an important public alert message regarding the upcoming deadline for REAL ID. This federally required standard for identification means anyone who travels by air within the United States will be unable to board a plane without a REAL ID-compliant document beginning October 1, 2020. A REAL ID also will be required to enter certain federal facilities.

Here’s how you can help: We’re asking you to spread the word about REAL ID both internally and externally through your own communication channels, so that Michigan citizens will be aware that they may need to convert their regular driver’s license or state ID card into a REAL ID-compliant identification and how they can go about doing that. To assist you, you can download at these links:

Text that can be shared on websites or newsletters (short blurb, article, feature article).
Brief social media messages.
Images that can accompany any communication you share (circular image, rectangular image, REAL ID driver’s license image).
A flyer that can be posted (full color or black/white).

Going forward, our plan is to reach out to you periodically between now and October 1, 2020, for your continued help. Know that any assistance you provide with this important public outreach effort is greatly appreciated.

I serve on the board to help out where I can, stay involved, and be a part of the success of our industry.”

“We need to promote membership so that the MIRA can prosper, and so that retailers are on the same page. Membership makes us stronger.

Joe NasharGrand River & Halstead Shell, Farmington MI

Even though we’re not affected by the meat labeling law because we’re small and everything comes directly from the farmer, we rely on the information MIRA provides and how much they try to help small businesses,” “We appreciate the programs, too, but the way they work to keep us updated and protect us from taxes and regulations is the most important.

Mike EnsingVan Ball's Prime Beef

MIRA is the strongest organization we have in the area to help independent food retailers compete and level the playing field against our corporate competitors as well as having our voices heard in government.”

“Promoting membership to MIRA makes the organization stronger, which generates more influence in the marketplace as well as with the government. As retailers, we can accomplish a great deal more as a team than as individuals.

Marvin YonoAlpine Marketplace, Linden MI

According to MIRA we are their biggest member on the Dairymens rebate program. The coupon program is also a big help to us, and the rebate for a preferred wholesaler company makes a big difference to us because, as a small independent store competing with other chains, it puts us on the same level playing field.

Sam TahaMini Mart, Cleveland OH

My father said, ‘You have no right to complain unless you are involved in making it better.’ It’s been important to me to continue to make things better for people coming behind us.”

“Continued growth will make our membership programs stronger. Without membership in organizations like MIRA, small business does not have a voice. There is strength in numbers, and when we are strong we can successfully work for the common good.

Chris ZebariLipari Foods, Warren MI

MIRA has a large impact on the industry and on my family business. Having input on decision making in Lansing and Washington is essential. We need to be a strong voice of the industry to survive.

Thomas WelchHollywood Super Markets, Troy MI