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.
Advocacy
As the active voice of the retailing community, RAM represents members and their interests before all branches of state government in an effort to protect, preserve and promote the thriving retail sector of the Massachusetts economy. RAM's staff of registered lobbyists remains keenly engaged in the debate and discussion on both the legislative and regulatory fronts with regard to all issues that impact the retail community. RAM breaks down the issues so you can clearly see the potential impact they could have on your business.
How to Help Massachusetts Retailers
Globe Editorial, April 22, 2017
RETAIL STORES HAVE taken a real hit in the last several years. Just last month, the national retail sector shed 30,000 jobs. Last year, the retail sector job loss was almost 90,000.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, hardly a month goes by without news of another retail chain closing stores
Bring Back the Sales Tax Holiday? We can’t afford not to.
Early last summer, our elected officials decided against reauthorizing a Sales Tax Holiday weekend for August 2016, citing that the state could not afford it. This year we need to bring back the tax holiday, because we can’t afford not to.
The retail landscape is changing. More and more commerce is moving online, and local sellers still find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to sales tax fairness. Massachusetts merchants have long had to deal with the New Hampshire effect, where the draw of sales tax free shopping remains strong, but the internet is where the real competition lies.
Free e-Training for Members
RAM is pleased to offer social media and e-commerce training to retailers throughout the state of Massachusetts. The training is free for employers and employees whose organization pays into the state Workforce Development Fund. All for-profit employers with payroll employees in Massachusetts contribute to the Workforce Training Fund. Some nonprofit organizations with payroll employees in Massachusetts contribute to the Workforce Training Fund, but others do not.
Nominate an outstanding business!
All Massachusetts retailers and restaurants are eligible, and winners are chosen due to their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment. Financial strength is not a factor in the judging process. RAM membership is not necessary to nominate or to be nominated. We encourage entries from all segments of the retail community and all parts of the state. Self nominations are also welcome.
Bring Back the Sales Tax Holiday? It's up to you.
In 2016, there was no Sales Tax Holiday. A number of elected officials claimed that the state couldn’t afford it. This year, we need to bring back the tax holiday, because we can’t afford not to.
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