BECOMING A MEMBER OF RAM IS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
By joining you gain access to exclusive, money saving discounts on services and programs, legislative updates and advocacy as well as valuable educational opportunities. We aim to help you grow and protect your business, promote the retail industry and save your business money.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES
During this critical time, it is important for members to remain informed about the ongoing government response to the COVID-19 crisis and its resulting changes which may affect your business, your employees and your customers.
RAM has prepared a comprehensive list of resources and links on openings, operations and gatherings, small business loan programs, unemployment insurance expansion, taxation, and federal paid leave, sick time, and economic stimulus legislation. RAM urges members to click the link below to access this frequently updated information.
MA Enters Phase III, Step II
Indoor/outdoor Performance Venues Open, Dressing Room & Food Court Restrictions Relaxed
Governor Charlie Baker has announced that the state is moving forward in the Reopening Massachusetts process, stating that effective Monday, October 5th, low-risk communities will be permitted to advance into Phase III, Step II. Click here for the full announcement.
Low-risk communities are those with low COVID-19 transmission rates, as determined by the state and published regularly on the state’s website. Cities or towns that have been designated "red" in the MA Department of Public Health's (DPH) color-coded system will not be permitted to proceed with Step II.
Highlighted changes, in Step II, include:
- Dressing/fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores
- Food court seating in malls to reopen (expected to follow existing restaurant sector protocols)
- Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity (max 250)
- Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50% (max 250)
- For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step II activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks, etc., permitted to open at 50% capacity
- Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step I communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step II communities.
All members are encouraged to check back frequently for updated Sector specific protocols, and closely review the new Phase III, Step II, guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.
RAM 2020 Electricity Offerings
Fixed Rate Electricity Supply Program
RAM continues to partner with electricity broker Freedom Energy Logistics (FEL) to secure Fixed Rate Electric Supply Pricing for members. The fixed rate program is designed to protect your business against unexpected price fluctuations commonly experienced in the electricity market. This allows members to confidently budget their annual electricity costs. Click here to learn more.
RAM Community Solar Offering
RAM is proud to partner with Ampion to provide our members access to the Massachusetts-authorized shared Community Solar Program. The program allows your business to purchase discounted utility bill credits designed to offset and reduce electricity costs. With no upfront costs and nothing to install, it’s the easiest way for your business to benefit from solar energy while saving money on electricity costs. Click here for more information.
Is Your Business Ready for Paid Family and Medical Leave?
Two Online Opportunities to Prepare Your Business
Bring your questions and join legal employment experts and the Department of Family and Medical Leave for a no-cost online discussion on the complex Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) benefits that workers can begin utilizing in January.
The Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law created new responsibilities for businesses of all sizes, even businesses with fewer than 25 workers. Labor lawyers are always looking to make an example out of a business, don't let it be yours!
State Launches “My Local MA” to Support Small & Local Businesses:
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito took a tour of RAM member, Wheelworks, in Belmont, last week to promote the Sales Tax Holiday weekend and to announce the launch of an effort to encourage residents to support their local economies by shopping at local Massachusetts businesses and attractions, safely – in person, online, and using curbside pickup or takeout.
The “My Local MA” campaign kicked off on August 29-30 with the Sales Tax Holiday, and will run through the holiday shopping season in December. The campaign was developed by the MA Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to showcase MA businesses and attractions – from family owned-restaurants to artisan boutiques to museums – that are a critical part of the Commonwealth’s economy.
“RAM is thrilled to have the state as a partner in promoting our local retailers, restaurants and Main Streets,” said RAM President Jon Hurst.
The campaign, found at findmylocalma.com, will also include print, broadcast, billboard and digital ads, and social media. All RAM members are encouraged to visit the site and to follow along and cross promote the effort through social media – and don’t forget to use the RAM sponsored #BuyinMA hashtag!
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