Although Retail Alliance is firmly apolitical, we have borrowed a page from Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, a longtime Speaker of the House in the U.S. Congress.  O'Neill once declared, "All politics is local," in explaining how the problems and concerns of towns and cities impact national decisions.

Retail Alliance has created "councils" throughout its service area in an effort to listen more acutely to the needs of retailers and respond with products, programs and services.

Councils are established in every location where a sufficient number (eight or more) of retailers request one.  The meetings are held on a date and time selected by participants and the programs are determined by attendees and will likely range from education to advocacy and any other topics suggested by the group.  A Retail Alliance staff member will facilitate the meetings by sending notices, arranging the location and refreshments and confirming speakers.

Council meetings have been held or are scheduled in Hampton, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, and Smith Mountain Lake.  Others will be added upon request.

The councils address issues of local concern and can access Retail Alliance resources for assistance in matters from buy local campaigns to sign issues to networking and co-ops.

For more information on Retail Alliance Council or to see the Council Schedule, click here.