Winter 2016
2015 RETAILER OF THE YEAR STAFFDISTINGUISHED CORNER Retail Merchants Association (RMA) announced Ronnie Adolf, owner of Richmond’s iconic Adolf Jewelers, as the 2015 Distinguished Retailer of the Year!
parents, [it is] a proof of success... What they had in mind over the years evolved into a wonderful business.” He upholds his family’s legacy by selflessly giving back to the community. "It is very important," Ronnie explains, "Even if you just do some help for your local neighbors... That's what local business, and what we are all about.”
“Honesty, fairness, and integrity - it is something that we work very, very hard at.” - Ronnie Adolf, Owner of Adolf Jewelers; Pictured right with his wife and daughter
IN THIS ISSUE... 1
2015 Distinguished Retailer of the Year
2
Letter to Members
3
Think. Shop. Buy. Local’s #LoyaltoLocal Campaign
4
The RMA Scene
6 26 Annual Valor th
Awards Ceremony
8
VRF Legislative Update
9
RMA Endorsed Vendors & Member-Only Benefits
10
Welcome New Members
11
Welcome New RMA Board Members
RMA Events Calendar
Established in 1961 by his parents, Kurt and Jean Adolf, Adolf Jewelers has become a go-to for Richmonders to get high quality jewelry and has only flourished throughout the years. Ronnie remembers helping his mother place tags on costume jewelry back when he was only about six years old. As we honored Ronnie with the 2015 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award on December 4, 2015, he graciously accepted with his parents in mind. Staying true to their business’ values, Ronnie humbly deferred credit to his dedicated and longstanding staff of knowledgeable jewelers. “Winning is a real validation of the fact that what we’ve been doing is good work [and the] people that we hire are great people,” he told award ceremony attendees, “[and] for my
Ronnie’s proven leadership and dedication to giving back inspires both local retailers and Richmond as a whole. His ever-present smile and endearing personality exemplifies the culture of Adolf Jewelers and their well-known tagline - “Relax. We’ll make you happy.” The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award has been presented by Retail Merchants Association since 1966. It was designed to recognize a local retailer who is a proven leader in his or her company and actively involved in his or her community. It is an honor to be nominated for this prestigious award, and an even greater distinction to be selected as an award finalist. Congratulations to all of the nominees, the finalists and, of course, to Ronnie Adolf! Please submit all nominations for the 2016 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award to Gretchen Nurnberger at gnurnberger@retailmerchants.com.