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Plastic Bag Regulation
Duluth Mayor Opposes Fee For Shopping Bags
From the Duluth News Tribune, Peter Passi, September 6, 2017
"In order to encourage people to adopt reusable cloth shopping bags, a group of Duluth residents is proposing the city pass an ordinance requiring local retailers to charge a pass-through fee of no less than a nickel for every single-use paper and plastic bag they hand out to customers.
But Duluth Mayor Emily Larson lined up against that proposal this week.
"I don't support it. A big part of that is because we have worked really hard to transition out of a fee-based economy as it relates to municipal responsibilities," she said.
Larson pointed to the city's shift away from charging residents a street fee last year, instead incorporating that charge into the local property tax levy. She also cited the city's incremental efforts to phase out a streetlight fee.
Larson noted that some local retailers already offer a rebate to customers who bring their own bags."
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Retail Rally
Incredible Line Up Of Retail Rally Speakers Set For Retail Rally October 4
You won't believe the quality of speakers lined up for Retail Rally:
- Vikas Narula, founder & international speaker, Keyhubs: The Power Of Connection, Bridging The Divide (keynote)
- Allison Kaplan, senior editor of shopping and style, Mpls.St. Paul Magazine
- Gino Giovannelli, principal of Miles Interactive and distinguished service faculty at University of St. Thomas: What Retailers Can Learn From 2018 Super Bowl Digital Marketing
- Dr. Nakeisha Lewis, University of St. Thomas: Culture-Based Marketing for Retailers
- Dr. William Brendel, president and CEO of the Center for Ethical Business Cultures - University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business: Ethical Decision Making In Today's Retail Environment
- Hillary Feder, president of Hillary's: Retail Employee Onboarding For Keeps
- Ron Harris, senior policy aide for Minneapolis Councilmember Lisa Bender: Policy Initiatives On The Local Government Horizon
- Jeri Meola, president, SMS Research Advisors: Journey Mapping-One Of The Best Ways to Truly Understand Your Customers (keynote)
- Paul Omodt, owner & principal of Omodt & Associates Critical Communications: Claim It, Name It & Frame It: Making Critical Communications Work
- Roberta Bonoff, Creative Kidstuff & Dave Rueter, Thrifty White Pharmacy: retail career-path panel for students
- And more!
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Retail Rally
Retail Rally October 4--Where Innovative Retailers And Their Partners Gather, Learn And Celebrate: Register Now!
 Retail Rally is a new, premier event for innovative retailers and their partners from 2:00 - 6:30 p.m. on October 4.
The event features incredible speakers delivering the most timely information for the retail industry along with industry awards and recognition.
The Minnesota Retailers Association is proud to offer this event in partnership with the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business on its Minneapolis campus.
Registration is just $25 for the entire event. Space is limited to 200 retailers and their partners.
Learn more and register today at www.retailrally.com.
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Last Chance To Register: The Government Affair Begins September 19
Whether your experience with government is limited to voting for elected officials or you lobby your representatives on a weekly basis, The Government Affair series will walk you through a comprehensive, non-partisan, grassroots experience at the local, state and federal level.
This program will challenge participants to stretch their knowledge on all levels of government while learning from and networking with other business people and influential leaders.
This four-part series meets from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month from September to December at a location relevant to the topic.
Investment: $199 for all four series programs and graduation.
Series sponsorships available. Contact Bruce Nustad, [email protected], for details.
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ADA
Mickey's, Red's Savoy, Others: St. Paul Mainstays Face ADA Complaints
From the Pioneer Press, Tad Vezner, September 6, 2017
"Drive-by." "Shakedown." "Legalized extortion."
The invective came fast and furious at a meeting at Mancini's Char House a couple of weeks ago. The place was packed with St. Paul small-business owners, all of whom had received legal notices in the mail.
"I was expecting 10 people to show up. It was more like 40," said Brenda Lamb, owner of the downtown Candyland.
The focus of everyone's ire: A new batch of lawsuits, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, had hit numerous businesses along St. Paul's West Seventh Street, from Mancini's to DeGidio's to McDonald's.
Soon, there was some chatting, and an owner of Shamrocks took a phone call.
He promptly turned and announced, "They got me, too!"
Years after they first made headlines in Minnesota, the ADA lawsuits are now appearing in force in St. Paul. State legislation was passed months ago to limit such lawsuits - but they have merely shifted to another venue.
Businesses are being accused of violating a law that has been around since 1990. And the lawyer behind many of the suits argues that 27 years has been time enough for businesses to make their parking properly labeled and close enough; restrooms usable for those in wheelchairs; and entryways accessible for everyone."
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Employment
Minnesota Minority Employment Surges Since Great Recession
From Star Tribune, Neal St. Anthony, September 6, 2017
"Minority employment in Minnesota has grown nearly four times that of total hiring, since the end of the 2008-2009 recession.
Total employment increased by 272,728 jobs, or 10.8 percent between 2010 and 2016, according to U.S. census figures analyzed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Meanwhile, minority employment increased by 110,119 jobs, or 41.2 percent.
"It's pretty remarkable," said Timothy O'Neill, a labor market analyst with the state. "It's eye-opening to see how these industries [have diversified]. With tight labor market conditions, employers are...are looking at nontraditional populations."
Economists long predicted that expansion of the state's economy, coupled with retirement of mostly white baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965 would lead to labor shortages, without broader participation of minorities, including immigrants.
"These populations are growing more rapidly than the white population," said O'Neill.
Gains are being made in higher-value occupations, beyond food service, nursing attendants and other jobs that often are entry points for entry-level workers who tend to be disproportionately people of color.
"The nonprofit-business trainers, the state and employer training programs are starting to pay off," O'Neill said.."
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Employment
Retail Employment Slides, But Could Pick Up For Holidays
From the Retail Dive, Daphne Howland, September 5, 2017
"Retail employment (excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants) declined modestly in August, losing 900 jobs from July, the National Retail Federation said last week.
Overall, the economy gained 156,000 jobs in August, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's monthly report, released last week. Retail employment was little changed month to month. Some 1,900 retail jobs were cut in July, and just 800 jobs were added back in August, according to the Labor Department.
Retail job losses continues to lead all sectors this year, with 67,596 announced cuts so far, and 3,607 retail jobs cut in August, according to a report emailed to Retail Dive by global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Retail job cuts are 51.4% percent higher this year than through the same point last year, when 44,643 retail cuts were announced, Challenger said."
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Minnesota Retailers Associaiton
400 Robert Street North, suite 1540
St. Paul, MN 55101
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