When Barbara Bush and her late husband, Jim, were looking to buy a bed and breakfast to run, they stumbled upon a property in Southern Illinois that put them on an unexpected path to becoming celebrated wine producers. “I never planned on being in this kind of a position where I was growing the grapes and producing wine,” Barbara said. “I was good on sitting at the table, just pouring the wine and drinking it. Now, we’re producing it.” This week, we’re happy to highlight Kite Hill Vineyards in IRMA’s “We Are Retail” campaign showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work. Located on 26 scenic acres of land in the heart of The Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area, a designation that defines this unique grape-growing area, Kite Hill Vineyards in Carbondale is a testament to dedication and hard work. Barbara's journey from novice to award-winning vintner is nothing short of inspiring. Watch her incredible story below and visit https://ow.ly/bXyQ50SNBZW to see why Kite Hill Vineyards has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Illinois Retail Merchants Association
Government Relations Services
Springfield, IL 1,190 followers
The Voice of Illinois Retail
About us
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) benefits Illinois retailing through effective engagement with retailers, the general public, policy makers, and the media regarding the impact legislative and regulatory proposals will have on the success of retail operations. As your voice in the Capitol, Chicago City Hall, Cook County Board Chambers, and regulatory agencies across the state, IRMA closely monitors legislative and regulatory activity, voicing opposition to anti-business proposals and supporting and passing business friendly initiatives. CORE FUNCTION - ADVOCACY IRMA serves as the voice of Illinois retailing providing full-time advocacy services and representation in front of State, Cook County and City of Chicago policy makers. IRMA’s government relations efforts have resulted in both the passage and defeat of significant bills of major bottom line impact on retail stores. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the State, merchants can count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois. - ASSOCIATION SERVICES Among advocacy services and representation, IRMA’s group programs ensure a membership with IRMA doesn’t cost, it pays. Retailers, at any level of the business, invest countless resources in making the company a success. We help members protect and grow that investment. IRMA group programs contribute to the bottom line in helping small and large companies get the best service at the lowest cost. Inside IRMA membership, there is something for everyone. Learn more about the benefits of IRMA at http://irma.org/member-benefits/
- Website
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http://www.irma.org
External link for Illinois Retail Merchants Association
- Industry
- Government Relations Services
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Springfield, IL
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Specialties
- Government Affairs, Government Relations, Lobbying, Retail Advocacy, Energy Services, and Credit Card Processing
Locations
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Primary
216 Broadway
Springfield, IL 62701, US
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216 W Jackson Blvd
Suite 915
Chicago, IL 60606, US
Employees at Illinois Retail Merchants Association
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Bowe Brian
President at The Guys' Place a Hair Salon For Men/The Barbershop a Hair Salon For Men
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Alec Laird
Senior Vice President, Government Relations at Illinois Retail Merchants Association
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Dawn Durkin
Executive Assistant Office Manager at Illinois Retail Merchants Association
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Brynne Scott
Executive Assistant Government Affairs at Illinois Retail Merchants Association
Updates
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New data reveals Gen Z shoppers face the biggest challenge when deciding what to eat. Read more about the research and how retailers can cater to the demographic via Supermarket News:
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Effective meal suggestion displays not only enhance the shopping experience for customers but can also drive sales. Discover how retailers can make the most of promotional displays with these tips from Progressive Grocer:
How to Build Meal Suggestion Displays to Increase Sales
progressivegrocer.com
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Curious what makes Whimsy Tea Company in Springfield a local favorite? Watch owner Gordon Davis share one of his secrets to success below! Learn more about Gordon's retail journey and why he's so passionate about serving his community in our "We Are Retail" campaign: https://ow.ly/7FbR50RgugC. #IRMAWeAreRetail
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A new report from Marqeta reveals Americans are lagging behind consumers in other countries when it comes to contactless payments, although usage is increasing. Dive into the data below via Chain Store Age:
Survey: Contactless, cashless payments on the rise
chainstoreage.com
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Back-to-school shoppers are prioritizing value over brand and retailer loyalty this year, according to a survey from Deloitte that reveals four in 10 parents expect to buy a used or refurbished item. Chain Store Age breaks down the data below:
Deloitte: Back-to-school shoppers focused on value over retailer loyalty
chainstoreage.com
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New data from EY shows that consumers enjoy the in-store shopping experience, even as they engage digitally with retailers. Read more about consumers' preferences surrounding in-store shopping, technology and more via Progressive Grocer:
Consumers Return to Physical Stores for Personal Touch
progressivegrocer.com
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From its humble beginnings over a century ago to becoming Chicagoland’s largest furniture retailer, Darvin Furniture & Mattress has always been driven by family values. This week, we’re proud to highlight Darvin Furniture in IRMA’s “We Are Retail” campaign showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work. Founded in 1920 by Louis Darvin, who arrived in Chicago from Poland and started selling furniture door to door, Darvin Furniture has thrived across three generations. Recognized as IRMA’s 2016 Retailer of the Year, Darvin boasts a sprawling 200,000 square-foot showroom in Orland Park and offers an extensive inventory of over 55,000 items. On top of helping people furnish their homes, Darvin supports a wide range of community programs and employs hundreds, including several long-time employees who are related. What’s more inspiring is Darvin’s transition to an employee-owned company in 2020, ensuring that its core values and commitment to customer satisfaction continue under the leadership of President Will Harris and Louis’ grandchildren, Steve Darvin and Marty Darvin, who serve as CEO and board chairman respectively. Watch Will’s story below and see why Darvin Furniture has been a cornerstone of Illinois retail for 104 years and counting: https://ow.ly/9SUf50SIJ9g. #IRMAWeAreRetail
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The self-checkout market experienced a record year in 2023, according to a report from RBR Data Services • Datos Insights that predicts global installations of self-checkout terminals will reach 2 million by 2029. Get more insight via Grocery Dive:
Self checkout boasts ‘record’ year: report
grocerydive.com
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Registration for IRMA’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Retailer of the Year Luncheon is now open! This year’s event will take place on Thursday, October 3 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk in downtown Chicago. Now in its 67th year, the event will celebrate retail in Illinois and provide members the opportunity to join state dignitaries and executives from all sectors of the industry as we foster a stronger business landscape for retailers. To register and learn more about this year’s event, as well as sponsorship opportunities, visit IRMA’s website at https://lnkd.in/dRAhqq8U. We look forward to seeing everyone on October 3!
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