A circuit breaker failed at MRA world headquarters, causing my office temperature to plummet to the mid-50s during the coldest months of the year. A breaker replacement required a two-week lead-time, so I grabbed two space heaters to thaw out. Those lasted until I blew a fuse. I’m currently holed up in the MRA library – a time capsule of sorts and the quickest way to review the historical footsteps of the Association.
Michigan Retailers Association was established in 1940, and we’ve celebrated many anniversaries over the years. We’re excited to celebrate another one this year – the 10-year anniversary of our Buy Nearby program.
The original intent of the Buy Nearby program was simple, we wanted to create a program that would directly increase the sales of our members. By educating consumers about the power of shopping local, we hoped to move the needle on the migration to online shopping. It’s worth noting that the objective was never to halt online sales. Rather, the mission was to make consumer shopping more purposeful.
So, 10 years in, has the program been successful? Well, changing consumer behavior is not easy, especially when a global pandemic pushed even more individuals online. But even a small change has meaningful results, and we’ve had many highlights over the years. We created a mascot to be the face of the campaign, march in parades, and engage with shoppers of all ages. We commissioned economic surveys to provide concrete data to answer the question “why is it important to shop local?” We told the stories of our members, issued grants to downtowns, and disseminated our positive message through media buys.
By all accounts, the needle has moved, however, our work is not done. As we thaw out our office and anxiously await spring, the MRA team is busy planning Buy Nearby celebrations for 2023. Stay tuned to see what we have in store, as we make new footprints for the Association.
Bill Golden Chair Golden Shoes, Traverse City
William J. Hallan President & CEO Michigan Retailers Association
Bryan Neiman Vice Chair
Neiman’s Family Market, St. Clair
Peter R. Sobelton Treasurer Mondial Properties, Birmingham
Bo Brines Past Chair
Little Forks Outfitters, Midland
Kim Edsenga Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids
Becky Beauchine Kulka
Becky Beauchine Kulka Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Okemos
Dan Marshall Marshall Music Company, Lansing
Orin Mazzoni, Jr. Orin Jewelers, Northville
Joseph McCurry Credit Card Group
Raeann Rouse Bridge Street Baby, Rockford
Thomas Ungrodt TDU Consulting, LLC, Ann Arbor
Larry Meyer Board Member Emeritus
D. Larry Sherman Board Member Emeritus
William J. Hallan President & CEO
John Leppink Leppink’s Food Centers, Belding
Kendra Patterson Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage, Mason
Joe Swanson Target, Retired
William J. Hallan Publisher
Andrea Bitely Editor
Rachel Schrauben Copy Editor and Content Manager
Josh Delany Design and Layout
Shandra Martinez Contributor
Josh Delany Photographer
WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive Officer
“Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.”
—Gustav Mahler, composer
As we welcome Spring with open arms, we also approach the end of another tax season. While most of us are content with paying our fair share, we also want to minimize our tax obligation as much as possible. One potential avenue receiving a lot of attention lately is the COVID-19 era Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), enacted by Congress in March 2020.
The ERTC provides a tax credit for qualifying employers who kept employees on their payrolls during the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. A qualifying business is broadly defined as any employer operating a trade, business, or tax-exempt organization.
To be eligible, employers must have been ordered to fully or partially shut down due to government order or had gross receipts decline by 50% in 2020 or 20% in 2021 in a single quarter, as compared to that same quarter in 2019. Qualifying and eligible employers can claim a refundable credit against social security tax on up to 70% of qualified wages paid out to employees. The credit is limited, however, to $5,000 per employee, per quarter in 2020 and $7,000 per employee, per quarter in 2021. Additionally, wages reported as payroll costs for PPP loan forgiveness and other tax credits cannot be used for ERTC purposes.
If you feel like you may have missed out on the ERTC, fear not. The credit may be claimed up to three years after the original payroll taxes were due. To determine your eligibility, the best approach is to discuss the issue with your tax preparer. Alternatively, there are a number of online companies that market this service for a fee. If using an online service, you will always want to exercise due diligence to make sure the provider is reputable.
ANDREA BITELY MRA Vice President, Communications and Marketing
As a member of Michigan Retailers Association, we’re here to help you grow your business.
What does that mean? Well it’s simple: Have a question? We can help. Through our Ask Us First program, we are happy to help you with everything from the initial steps of setting up a business in Michigan, to maintaining good business practices.
Ask Us First is way more than that. It’s a resource to help you help your business reach its full potential. Over the last few years, we’ve provided advice on a variety of business questions and concerns. But, we have far more knowledge to share.
Working on setting up a website for the first time? We’re happy to help you understand the steps to get the URL you need.
Setting up a Facebook page as a business rather than a person? Getting advertising moving on social media? We’ve got tips and tricks to help you get underway.
How do you update Google to reflect your hours, contact information and location? We’re happy to help.
When it comes to growing your business, we know there can be growing pains. Your annual dues are an investment in your future, and we’re here to help you grow, change, and connect with your past, current, and future customers like never before.
Email askusfirst@retailers.com or call 800.366.3699 to get started.
The next two years are going to be different.
But they always are. New legislative leadership brings new priorities; a changing of the guard. Everyone around Lansing is adjusting to the changes and getting to know new faces. Things have been moving faster than normal – skipping committee hearings, discharging bills to the floor for same-day votes – and the cadence of past procedure we’re familiar with has largely disappeared.
With a slim majority that could disappear later this year, there is no time to spare to accomplish a long wish list of policy changes. It’s uncertain if things will continue this way, but there are several concerning policies we’re watching closely, and hope will at least receive more thoughtful consideration.
HB 4035 would require employers with two or more locations and 100 or more employees in the retail, hotel/motel, or food service industry to follow various scheduling standards. The bill includes requirements to provide a written schedule available to all employees 14 days in advance, predict expected monthly hours, compensate employees for changed/canceled shifts, require written notice/consent for all changes, and would require employers to keep records for seven years. It would create an unrealistic and impossible standard, force understaffing, and hurt employees who want flexibility to change schedules and pick up extra shifts.
Bills have been introduced in both chambers (HB 4237 and SB 171) to undo a law MRA championed in 2015 that has prevented a patchwork of local rules on the wages and benefits businesses offer employees. The current law gives sole authority to the state on issues related to scheduling requirements, minimum wage, hiring practices, paid leave, training, discrimination, and setting regulations over how remedies for wage, hour, or benefit disputes occur. Overturning this law could result in a difficult array of local rules that make it harder for employees to work at multiple locations and businesses to operate in different jurisdictions.
If retailers haven’t been paying attention, it’s time to speak up to ensure your business and employees aren’t negatively impacted.
On July 9, 1895, twenty Michigan hardware retailers convened in Detroit, and organized the Michigan Retail Hardware Association.
The group was incorporated in 1914 and worked toward the enactment of state and national legislation on behalf of the retail, wholesale, and manufacturing trades. The first success came in 1897 with the passage of a state mechanics lien law.
The Michigan Retail Hardware Association became a division of the Michigan Retailers Association on July 1, 2016.
Scan below to get to know our other divisions:
Gemmen’s Home & Hardware was named coolest hardware store in 2021 by Ace Hardware. Store owner, Andrew Gemmen is a member of the RIC Board of Directors.
As a member of MRA, you
MRA members can receive discounted shipping rates on eligible services. Sign up for the FedEx Advantage® discounts program for free to start saving on eligible services. With the FedEx Advantage program, you’ll get:*
It’s free to sign up using your FedEx account number, and there are no quotas or commitments. Typically, your FedEx discounts will be available 7 to 10 business days after you join the FedEx Advantage program.
enroll, go to PartnerShip.com/MRA-FedEx
The MRA campaign teaches consumers the economic benefits of shopping locally
BY: SHANDRA MARTINEZ YEARSThe Michigan Retailers Association’s Buy Nearby campaign is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The clever marketing campaign has played an important role in raising awareness about the huge impact shopping locally can have on the Michigan economy. Former CEO Jim Hallan describes the campaign as the most successful during his 34 years with MRA.
“It was just such a visual impact. You could just feel the sense of excitement and that the message was getting across that you need to keep dollars in
the community if you want to support a community,” Hallan said.
The need for a campaign became obvious in 2013 when traditional retail was still struggling because of the economic fallout of the Great Recession and internet shopping was gaining traction. At the time, internet retailers weren’t required to collect sales tax, giving them a 6% pricing advantage.
MRA’s strategy was two-pronged: lobby to pass the Main Street Fairness bill, which required internet retailers to collect sales tax to even the playing field, and develop the Buy Nearby program.
“We were successful in getting the Main Street Fairness Act passed, and credit to Tom Scott for developing the mascot, which gave an identity to our program. Also credit to Barb Stein, who was past chair of MRA and led our Buy Nearby committee,” Hallan said. “The program was recognized nationally, and many other state retail organizations followed our lead with their own version.”
A recent analysis, based on 2021 spending data and completed by Public Sector Consultants, found that if Michigan consumers redirected 10 percent of their out-of-state e-commerce spending to local retailers,
it would add about $3 billion to the state’s economy.
“One of the reasons why the Buy Nearby campaign has lasted for 10 years and is still growing is because so many people at MRA really bought into it,” said Scott, who served as Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing for nearly 25 years before retiring in 2017. “They embraced the concept and worked hard on it. That is definitely a key to success.”
Many interns and a few others have been the big, clunky mascot over the years. Scott – and his wife, Suzie – were called into service several times. It was a special experience.
“One time while I was in the suit posing for photos with people at the event, I suddenly realized I was smiling even though nobody could see me in there,” Scott said. “It was easy to get caught up in all the good feelings people had toward our mascot.”
The experience inspired Scott to write an unpublished screenplay about a young woman who must take a job as the company mascot after her dad decides she isn’t mature enough to join the family retail business.
“She’s a terrible mascot because she can’t stand the job. But over the course of the film, she ends up understanding it’s all about getting involved, and she becomes community-centered rather than self-centered. And everything turns out happily in the end,” Scott said.
While Scott’s screenplay hasn’t been turned into a Hallmark movie, the sentiment of the Buy Nearby campaign has resonated with shoppers who realize that they can make a difference by how they spend their money.
The concept for the marketing campaign began at the suggestion of the MRA board. Then-CEO Hallan took up the challenge.
“He really embraced it, and he put together a team to develop this idea,” Scott said. “Everybody at Michigan Retailers got involved in Buy Nearby at some point. Jim was deeply involved himself. It wasn’t something he just delegated.”
MRA brought in a Michigan marketing firm to help develop the concept and the name that underscored the message: Don’t send your money out-of-state to some distant internet retailer, because spending the money nearby - anywhere in Michigan - is going to help your community by generating revenues for jobs and for local services, from roads to education, to police protection.
When Buy Nearby launched in 2013, a few similar community programs existed but not a statewide program.
“We were hoping to fill that gap and provide this umbrella program throughout the whole state with a name that people would recognize and respond to. Communities that didn’t have any type of shop local program could use ours, and where there were local programs we could provide additional resources,” Scott said.
Surveys showed that a significant number of retailers saw an improvement in local shopping after the campaign launched.
In the second year, the campaign added the mascot. When leaders learned the most popular mascot maker was an Ohio company, they decided to shop locally and approach the Michigan company that not only put on Detroit’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade, but also created the parade characters.
“We were thrilled when they agreed to make us a mascot at a pretty reasonable cost. And that’s when the fun started, because we had a great visual representation,” Scott said.
Buy Nearby Guy, designed as a giant shopping bag in the shape of Michigan –including the Upper Peninsula – quickly became in demand for retailer events across the state.
“That’s really when we started to see a difference,” Scott said. “We knew we were moving in the right direction to get people’s attention.”
Former CEO Jim Hallan with Buy Nearby Guy and interns Abigail Cook and Hannah Lupi.
Tom Scott
‘Star of the show’
Abigail Cook, who was a Buy Nearby intern in the summer of 2016, remembers the popularity of Buy Nearby Guy.
“The Buy Nearby Guy was really the star of the show,” Cook recalled. “It’s the highlight of every parade, festival, and gathering. A specific crowd pleaser is when Buy Nearby Guy tries to fit himself into narrow doors or spaces. It never works out well...”
She remembers the fun of being part of the MRA team that drove thousands of miles around the state to share the Buy Nearby message.
“Our team was spirited, enthusiastic, and always steadfast through some very hot weather and long travel days,” Cook said.
“My time with Buy Nearby was truly an irreplaceable experience that allowed me to see so much of Michigan and really grow in appreciation for the state’s economy and the people who make it what it is.”
Youth employment is defined as the engagement of a minor 14 to 17 years of age to work by a person, firm, or corporation. The lawful employment of minors is an important part of shaping the future workforce and cultivating entrepreneurs. Employers of today play a big role in how productive the future labor force can be. Providing a positive work environment for minors will help them to transition into adulthood by establishing confidence and self-reliance as they learn responsibility, accountability, and good work habits, while acquiring the organizational and time management skills required to be a productive part of the workforce.
The State of Michigan is regulated by both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the state’s Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA). Both statutes pertain to youth employment, but the more stringent standard will take precedence. For youth 14 to 15 years of age, FLSA is stricter and will take priority, whereas YESA is predominant for youth 16 to 17 years of age. To commence the legal employment of a minor, ensure there is a valid work permit on file, the minor is only engaged during the hours allotted, and the minor is only allowed to work the number of hours afforded by the act(s).
Entities that employ minors in compliance with the applicable act(s) are ensuring the safety and health of minors. Most importantly, providing minors the opportunity to engage in safe employment builds the confidence and character of youth that will enter the labor community in all capacities.
To learn more about laws that provide for the legal employment and protection of minors, scan the QR code below.
By the time you read this, it’s anticipated that Gov. Whitmer will have signed legislation repealing Michigan’s 2012 Right-toWork law. Once it takes effect, private sector labor unions will be able to require all workers they represent to pay full union membership dues or equivalent fees, in exchange for the benefit of having a bargaining representative. The legislation will not take effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns for the year. Usually the legislature adjourns in December, and new laws would take effect towards the end of the following March. It’s possible the legislature could adjourn early.
Discussions to propose a constitutional amendment to reinstate and protect Right-to-Work have already begun. MRA members may remember that a 2012 proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine collective bargaining rights in Michigan’s constitution failed with 57% of residents voting no.
In the next few months, the Michigan Department of State will begin issuing new Michigan driver’s licenses and ID cards without the magnetic stripe on the back. Cards with the stripe will be completely phased out in early 2028. All Michigan driver’s licenses and ID cards will continue to display a PDF417 generated 2D barcode on the back of the card, which can be scanned using most card reader technology. It may be necessary to update the data mapping of your barcode readers to accommodate the new barcodes format.
If your business scans drivers licenses using the magnetic stripe, you’ll want to update your card reader technology to avoid having to manually enter a Michigan license or ID number into the point-of-sale or information system. Until cards are completely phased out, systems will need to be able to handle reading both the new cards and current barcodes. The
state has a Barcode Data Calibration sheet that can be provided to software vendors to upgrade or assist with changes.
On March 16, Gov. Whitmer signed SB 4 into law as Public Act 6 of 2023. It will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns for the year. The new law expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to extend civil rights protections to the LGBTQ community. The expansion prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, or identity or expression in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, housing and real estate.
The law change codifies a July 2022 Michigan Supreme Court Ruling in Rouch World LLC et al. v Michigan Department of Civil Rights et al. The case was brought by businesses that denied services to customers who were either a same-sex couple or an individual who was transitioning their gender identity. The court found “Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily constitutes discrimination because of sex.”
WIC is accepting public comments through April 30
The Michigan WIC Public Comment Period is open from March 1 through April 30, 2023. This period provides an opportunity for the public, including WIC Vendors and participants, to formally comment on any aspect of the WIC Program. The WIC Division will then use this feedback to consider policy priorities and make improvements.
Please submit comments to MDHHS-WICOutreach@michigan.gov
Or by mail to: WIC Division
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
Elliott-Larsen Building, 6th Floor Lansing, MI 48909
Monthly reminders:
Reimbursement Due – Form 2196.
Sales & Use Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month.
Withholding Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month.
Retailer’s Prepaid Wireless 911 Surcharge – within 30 days of the close of each month. Receipt of a complete Form 5012 is required regardless of payment method.
Quarterly reminders:
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Estimated Returns and Payments (Jan. 15, April 15, July 15, Oct. 15).
Sales & Use Tax – Quarterly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
Withholding Tax – Quarterly – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
Unemployment Employer’s Quarterly Wage/Tax Reports (Jan. 25, April 25, July 25, Oct. 25).
Scan the QR code to view the Bottle Deposit Fund Reimbursment form 2196 or go to Michigan.gov/ taxes/business-taxes/misc/bottledeposit. Contact your state representatives:
Ensuring the voices of Michigan retailers are heard in Lansing and Washington, DC is one of Michigan Retailers Association’s prime reasons for establishment nearly 100 years ago. To further that cause, MRA has launched its new Retail Ambassador program.
The Retail Ambassador program is designed to be an opportunity for upcoming leaders to become more active, visible members of the retail community. Designed for retailers, specifically entrepreneurs, regional/store managers, and second generation leaders in retail businesses, each two-year class will receive media training, opportunities to meet lawmakers and regulators - and have a group of people to bounce ideas off of, and who all understand the ups and downs of being in the retail industry.
The best messengers of what it takes to run a retail business are the people that do it everyday, so we are proud to have retailers stand up and speak out for the needs of the retail community with legislators in Lansing and Washington, as well as with local media. Before any media interviews or legislative meetings, MRA team members work with Ambassadors to preparemaking sure no one walks in unprepared.
Being an Ambassador is an everyday commitment, but it’s not because MRA is asking for that. As a retailer leader, our Ambassadors exemplify the spirit of our industry everyday. MRA and the current class of Ambassadors meet once a month in either a virtual or in-person format. As part of our 2023 Capitol Day, Ambassadors will take part in meetings with their Senators or Representatives, as well as the legislative reception hosted by MRA in Lansing.
The need for the Ambassador program became more clear this year with the results of the election. With the leadership in Lansing changing, the need to understand the issues that face retailers became more clear. What is it like to balance the books or manage employees at a small business, and deal with the large volume of unknowns, from rising prices to broken supply chains? Things retailers deal with every day.
Our first class of leaders includes representatives from nearly all of MRA’s divisions: grocers, hardware, shoes, and floor coverings.
Chris Copp (Hardware), Carson City Lumber, Carson City
Arianna Meinke (Grocery), Leppink’s, Belding
Pete Birchler (Retail), Marshall Music, Lansing
Corey Kennedy (Grocery), Polly’s Country Market, Chelsea
Paige Smith (Shoes), Golden Shoes, Traverse City
Owen Keenoy (Shoes), Orange Insoles, Okemos
Jeff Maloney (Flooring), Maloney’s Carpet One, Lansing
Julia Kepler (Retail), Serendipity Road, Midland
From developing specialty tools to harvesting luscious pieces of raw honeycomb, and carefully wrapping beehives for cross-country trips, Hilbert’s Honey Co. is on the cutting edge of modern beekeeping. The company has been known among loyal locals for the unique quality of its raw honey, but it recently has gained wider attention by expanding its retail side and building brand recognition.
The family business is owned and operated by Larry and Geana Hilbert, along with their son – and fifthgeneration beekeeper – Keith Hilbert and his wife, Michele.
In 1887, James Hilbert Sr. began beekeeping to pollinate his fruit farms in Elmwood Township in Leelanau County. However, Larry’s great-grandfather discovered he liked beekeeping better than farming and that it was more profitable. Larry’s father, Arnold “Bud” Hilbert, moved the farm to Traverse City to focus on pollination services. That passion for beekeeping has passed on through each generation, and the operation has grown into a major bee hub.
The honeybees – which are described as livestock – spend summers in the picturesque Traverse City area maintaining nearly 250 pollination locations, including cherries, apples and basswood trees. To escape Michigan’s snowy winters, the bees and staff migrate south to LaBelle, Florida, to pollinate watermelons, Brazilian pepper and tupelo blossoms. Then they make a brief trip to the west in the spring to Fresno County, California, for almond pollination.
“Michigan is our primary hub for honey production, with pollination in surrounding areas,” explained Michele Hilbert. “Florida is where the bulk of our pollination services are.”
The bees are active in Michigan from about May to October or November, depending on the weather, because the bees respond to the drop in temperatures by hibernating. Once it starts getting cold, it’s time to pack up and head south so the farm doesn’t need to winterize.
The hives are covered by large nets and
put on trucks during the night or early morning before the honeybees leave to do their foraging. The colonies are covered but ventilated during the trips, so the bees think it’s night. Drivers take turns driving the flatbed semi to Florida to get there as soon as possible.
Last year, devastating Hurricane Ian wiped out half the farm’s 10,000 colonies, a result of direct storm damage and the loss of food in the area. Since then, the farm has been growing its bee population, which is done by splitting hives.
“The honey flow that we intentionally try to get is in the summer and early fall in Michigan and late fall in Florida. The hives usually consist of one or two deep boxes, depending on strength,” Hilbert said.
Honey is a growing revenue source for the business. In 2021, Hilbert’s produced over 200,000 pounds of honey.
“We started as honey producers back with Keith’s great-grandpa,” Hilbert
The fifth-generation business is on the cutting edge of modern beekeeping.
said. “There was always pollination in Michigan, but the pollination out of state didn’t really start until the Hilberts started going to California in the early 2000s. They started going to Florida to keep the bees alive during the winter, and there was money to be made in expanding into pollination in the orange crops.”
In 2019, the business expanded into a custom production warehouse on Five Mile Road in Traverse City. The bigger space houses larger machinery for the extraction and production of the company’s pure Michigan honey, as well as staging areas for the bees.
The family has been wholesaling products nationally for two generations, but in 2020, Hilbert’s Honey Co. rebranded its products and opened its own retail storefront. Michigan is known for a very distinct and exquisite honey created by bees feeding on primarily basswood. The business specializes in honeycomb, a rare product because of the skill and time required to extricate the delicate structures. Over the last 50 years, the business has developed its own tools for the job.
During the pandemic, the company rebranded its product and increased its emphasis on selling honey, and both retail and wholesale sales exploded. Michigan Retailers Association has been a part of that success by providing the point-of-sale system and other resources, enabling Hilbert’s Honey to broaden the spectrum of what it can do for its customers.
05 - Do Not Honor
The transaction has tripped the bank’s fraud detection mechanisms. The transaction may be a case of fraud.
Next Steps
Ask the customer to call the bank for further information, and to obtain the card status.
14 - Invalid Card Number
The credit card account number entered doesn’t match the number on file with the issuing bank.
Verify the card information before you attempt another sale. Ask for an alternative form of payment.
41 - Lost Card, Pick Up Card
The card in question has been reported as lost by the cardholder. If in use, this is likely a case of fraud.
Pick up the card. Ask the customer to call the bank to verify the card status. Ask for another form of payment. Proceed with caution as this may be a fraudulent sale.
43 - Stolen Card, Pick Up Card
The cardholder has reported the credit card stolen. The issuer has denied the transaction and flagged the card for fraud.
Pick up the card. Do not accept any form of payment from the customer attempting to use the card except cash. Ask the customer to call the bank
51 - Insufficient Funds
There are not enough funds in the customer’s bank account to cover the cost of the transaction.
Ask the customer for an alternative form of payment.
54 - Expired Card
The card in question is expired, and therefore no longer acceptable.
Ask for a valid credit card or an alternative form of payment. If you have any concerns reject the sale.
59 - Suspected Fraud
The transaction is declined by the issuer because it appears fraudulent.
Ask the customer to call the bank to discuss the card status. Ask for an alternative form of payment. Proceed with caution.
61 - Exceeds Approval Amount
The cardholder has exceeded the withdrawal limit with their issuing bank, meaning they have overdrawn their funds or spent over their available withdrawal limit for that day.
Ask the customer to try another credit or debit card, or have them call their bank to inquire if the card limit can be increased.
97 - Invalid CVV
The card security code entered doesn’t match the number on file with the issuing bank.
R0, R1 - Stop Recurring Payment Cardholder has requested to stop the recurring payment you’re trying to process.
Verify the credit card information before you try again. Ask for an alternative form of payment.
Cancel all future payments related to that card number to avoid chargebacks. If the cardholder has breached your agreement in any way, contact them directly to resolve the issue.
Contact us if you have any questions about a credit card transaction.
customerservice@retailers.com 800.563.5981, option 2
25 YEARS
JB and Me, Holland
Legacy Jewelry Inc., Birmingham
Resort Photography of MI Inc., St. Ignace
Splash of Color Tattoo, East Lansing
Superior Sounds, Clinton Twp.
10 YEARS
Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry, Ann Arbor
Hemlock Pharmacy, Hemlock
Jamal Enterprises Inc., Adrian
Judd’s Rental Inc., Midland
Kregel’s Landscape Service LLC, Byron Center
Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Mgt. Co., Lansing
Mid-Michigan Agency Inc., Alma
Sports Stop, Mason
St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Ann Arbor
All of us at MRA look forward to serving you!
Whistling Frog Tile Inc., Alden
Algonac Flaming Grill, Algonac
Balfour Marina Gas & Party Store, Algonac
BVD Outdoor Services LLC, Alto
Tim Berry 2 LLC, Ann Arbor
Apple Playschools, Ann Arbor
Bayside Storage & Au Gres Yacht
Club Marine, Au Gres
Steve’s Pizza of Michigan LLC, Battle Creek
All Valley Transportation LLC, Bay City
Quality Roots Inc., Birmingham
Three Oh Eight of Manton LLC dba
Truck Shop, Cadillac
Full Throttle RC LLC, Cadillac
Thomas Grias DDS dba W MI Dental
Pro, Caledonia
MMK Transportation LLC, Canton
CPR and Aquatics LLC, Caro
Battle Creek Farm Bureau
Association, Climax
ledlighting.com dba LED Lighting
Supply, Dearborn
Eagle Security Services LLC, Detroit
Six Feet Over, Detroit
Harper Liquor Shoppe, Detroit
Joe’s Auto Solutions dba Need More
Storage, Farwell
K-Nine Pet Grooming, Fennville
Liv’s K-Nine Grooming, Fennville
Frankenmuth Travel, Frankenmuth
Meat on the West Side, Grand Ledge
IGNYTE Design PLLC, Grand Rapids
Weatherhead and Sons, Grand Rapids
Noordyk Business Equipment, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids International
Fellowship, Grand Rapids
Granville Lumber CO LLC dba Rival
Build, Grand Rapids
The Victorian Cafe, Hale
J & Y Commerce LLC dba Fat
Salmon Sushi, Hamtramck
Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, Harbor Springs
Detroit One Seven Mile Coney Island LLC, Highland Park
Somerset Auto Body of MI, Highland Park
DBJ Group Inc. dba Century Driving Group, Holland
Floors N More LLC, Holland Highway Permits LLC, Holt
Heads in the Cloud LLC dba Fractal Cannabis, Holton
Yoni’s Physical Therapy, Howell
The Garbage Man LLC, Howell
2895 Lewis Avenue LLC dba Ida Tavern, Ida
Health & Wellness Massage Therapy LLC, Indiana
Purple Paisley LLC, Kalamazoo
WGC LLC dba Alhum Gold
Cultivation, Lansing
Benson & Sons Towing LLC, Ludington
Black Sea Motors LLC, Madison Heights
River Street Operations LLC dba
River St Station, Manistee
Firelight and Co LLC, Marquette
The Fire Station LLC, Marquette
Devine Ventures LLC dba Devine
Harvest , Marshall
De Saegher Dairy Inc., Middleton
Daylight Outfitters LLC, Midland
Cheyenne Partners LLC, Monroe
RDR Oil Inc., Mount Morris
Donselar Operations Inc. dba 48
Bar, Muskegon
Shaan Lodging, New Baltimore
Wooden Keg, New Baltimore
Chinook Properties LLC, Newaygo
Village of Northport, Northport
Hauser Inc., Ottawa Lake
Thrive IV Lounge PLLC, Oxford
Boyne Valley Vineyards LLC, Petoskey
Modern Hair Care Inc., Richmond
Richmond Youth Football and Cheer, Richmond
DCAD LLC dba Classic Roots Farm, Rochester Hills
Smiles for Miles LLC, Romulus
David Wilcome dba Sunny’s Complete Car, Roseville
Pizza Party Inc. dba King’s Pizza, Roseville
Coughlin Jewelers, Saint Clair
Pro Master Cleaning & Restoration, Scottville
Palushaj Food Group II LLC dba Don Christos, Selby Twp.
DSSC Holdings LLC dba Stonescape
Design, Shelby Twp.
Dynamic Security of Michigan LLC, Sterling Heights
Creative Awards Acquisition, Sterling Heights
Sequence Logistics Inc., Sterling Heights
MCM Sports LLC dba Kudos
Taproom, Taylor
Thomas A Brown DDS PLLC, Traverse City
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Traverse City
Cool Down Lap Inc., Traverse City
HVC Management LLC, Traverse City
Lulaj Precise Painting Inc, Troy
Indian Lake Nazarene Camp, Vicksburg
KL & WL Investment Co. dba
Westland Petro, Westland
Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from
A decade ago, we announced the launch of our Buy Nearby program. We encouraged shoppers to ‘get caught blue-handed’ on our first October celebration and shared information through a webinar.
Our celebration now spans an entire weekend in October, our mascot, Buy
Nearby Guy, whom we affectionately call BNG, attends events around the state encouraging shoppers to Buy Nearby, all while giving the greatest high-fives, and we provide free materials to MRA member businesses - possible through our generous sponsors and donors.
Throughout the years, one thing remains the same: The importance of supporting local stores. Retailers are the backbone of our communities. They employ our family and friends, donate to our fundraisers, and go above and beyond to find the item you’re looking for. When you Keep Your Money in Michigan and #BuyNearbyMI, you help funnel those shopping dollars back into our economy.
Help us continue to promote the importance of shopping locally for another ten years, make a donation at shop. retailers.com/productcategory/buy-nearby or scan the QR code below.
