Virginia Retail Federation Announces

Norfolk, Va. – The Virginia Retail Federation, the legislative arm of the Retail Alliance and the Retail Merchants Association, has announced its legislative agenda for the 2010 Virginia General Assembly session.  Among the issues are ones that would help small businesses across the state compete on a level playing field.  “We are adamantly opposed to legislative efforts in the retail arena that don't take into consideration the effect on all Virginia-based retailers,” says Retail Alliance President & CEO Susan Milhoan. “Our agenda is focused solely on protecting the rights of small to medium sized businesses based here in Virginia.”

VRF’s Legislative Issues for 2010

• Dealer Discount – While the VRF appreciates the economic crisis the state faces, asking retailers to act as unpaid tax collectors is simply wrong.
• ABC Privatization – The VRF only supports privatization if it provides for open competition throughout the Commonwealth, is a result of a formal study, is open to the public for input and is approved through the legislative process.
• BPOL Tax – No single business or industry should be singled out for this unfair tax while others receive a pass.
• Plastic Bag Recycling – We are opposed to all mandatory bans on plastic bags. Instead, we recommend the highly successful voluntary pilot programs in Alexandria and Isle of Wight County, created by the VRF and funded by the General Assembly.

“We will maintain a constant presence in Richmond throughout this legislative session to protect the rights of our members,” says Retail Merchants Association President & CEO Nancy Thomas.  “Small businesses are providing solid organic growth for the economy and should not be inadvertently punished by government.”

About the Virginia Retail Federation

            The Virginia Retail Federation is the advocacy arm of the Retail Alliance and the Retail Merchants Association.  The Federation’s mission is to advocate on behalf of local and regional independent retailers, as well as franchise and national retailers through a network of locally focused representatives and chapters that access grass-root retail communities throughout Virginia.

            For more information please call Margaret Ballard with the Retail Alliance at (757) 406-9431, George Peyton with the Retail Merchants Association at (804) 334-2932 or David Brandt with Rubin Communications Group at 757-404-2032.