Minnesota Retailers Association
The Retail Beat | May 6, 2013
news giving retailers an edge from the Minnesota Retailers Association 

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congresswoman Betty McCollum joined MnRA for an E-Fairness press conference on Grand Avenue. Also pictured is retailer Michael Weinhagen, Weinhagen Tire Company. 
Retail Trends | Employment       
U.S. Retailers Added 29,000 Jobs Last Month               

From the National Retail Federation, May 6, 2013

NRF "About 29,000 of the 165,000 new jobs created in April were at retail companies, including 14,800 positions added at general-merchandise retailers, according to the report released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also revealed that the unemployment rate dropped to a four-year low of 7.5%.

"Today's solid employment news combined with positive March revisions may bode well for the broader economy and portend steady retail sales in April," NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said."

Click here to read the full story in the Star-Telegram.

E-Fairness  | Federal Momentum    
U.S. Senate To Vote on Federal Marketplace Fairness Act This Evening      

This week, hundred of retailers are traveling to Washington, DC for the National Retail Federation's annual Washington Leadership Conference.  On the minds of those visiting DC and retailers across the country is tonight's pending U.S. Senate vote on the federal Marketplace Fairness Act.

The Minnesota Retailers Association, along with retail members and peer associations, have worked on this issue at the state and federal level for years.  The Marketplace Fairness Act is likely to pass in the Senate this evening thanks to the strong support of U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken.  Both are co-sponsors of the Act and have done their job talking with fellow Senators about the merits of recognizing that "a sale is a sale" regardless of where it took place.

If the bill passes the U.S. Senate, pressure will build for the House to have a strong debate on the initiative.  In addition, Minnesota-level e-fairness language is in the hands of omnibus tax bill conferees.

Watch tonight's vote live online at CSPAN-2 by clicking here, or follow MnRA's Twitter feed for the latest at @MNRetailersAsso.
 
MnRA thanks retailers across the state who have reached out to elected official in support of e-fairness. Let's keep the pressure on.  
Upcoming Event | MnRA Golf Outing      
Register Today for MnRA's 15th Annual Legislative Wrap-Up Golf Event              

You made it through the holiday season, endured a long winter, filed your taxes, and the end of legislative session is in sight. Now it's time to look toward summer and the Minnesota Retailers Association 15th Annual Legislative Wrap Up Golf Tournament, Tuesday, June 4 at the award winning Legends Golf Club.

One tournament...five great reasons to play.

1. Golf an amazing course | MnRA brings this year's tournament to Legends Golf Club, named National Golf Club of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

2. Network with leading retailers | MnRA's tournament is a retail who's-who event. Rub elbows with the movers and shakers of Minnesota's retail community.

3. Wrap up the legislative session | Get a unique briefing on retail outcomes at the State Capitol this session and celebrate the adjourning of the Legislature.

4. Support MnRA and our political action | Proceeds from this event benefit MnRA's efforts to grow legislative appreciation for the importance of retail in our economy. Select activities benefit MnRA's political action committee-dedicated to supporting retail sensitive candidates running for elected office.

6. Be part of the tradition | This year's event marks our 15th annual tournament. Be part of an ongoing tradition.

Register By May 27.
Regiser Now 


Click here to learn more about the tournament and registration options or call MnRA today at (651) 227-6631.

Sponsorships available. Click here to see the options. 
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