2008 Election Recap
December 06, 2008
History and Background
Since 1952, the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) has been the champion of retail business in Minnesota, both large and small. Our 1,500 plus member establishments are a diverse group, ranging from companies like Target and Bachman’s to the Norby's Department Store in Detroit Lakes and the Uffda Shop in Red Wing.
At the Minnesota Retailers Association, it is our duty to preserve and enhance a vital retail industry by providing a unified voice for retailers; taking a leadership position in the development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact retail business; enhancing the public image of the retail industry; and by providing information, services, and support to our members.
For more than 56 years, we’ve worked to make Minnesota a better place to do retail business by giving private-sector employers a voice in state politics and providing a full range of Minnesota-specific products and services. Experience has taught us that Minnesota retailers need comprehensive support on key issues like health care, workers compensation, business taxes, interference in business operation and many others. Not only do we give retailers the tools to make compliance easier after laws are passed, we work within state politics to ensure fair legislation and a pro-business climate.
MnRA is an advocate on behalf of the retail industry at the Minnesota State Capitol. MnRA analyzes proposed laws and regulations and testifies before committees and agencies to guarantee that the retail voice is being heard. MnRA also lobbies and educates government and the general public about retail issues and the concerns and priorities of retail business in the marketplace.
Our lobbying team, following the standards set by our founders in 1952, closely follows issues that affect retailers’ bottom line, using the collective clout of our membership to make the necessary changes in the political system, which adds value and profitability to the bottom line of doing business. Our president is a former legislator and leads our lobbying efforts in conjunction with one of Minnesota’s premier law firms. Together, they present a strong lobbying force at the State Capitol to battle the issues that affect retail business in Minnesota.