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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. Click here to JOIN NOW!

RETAIL ADVOCACY

Adjusted 2021 UI and COVID-19 Recovery Assessment Rates

Adjusted 2021 Unemployment Insurance and new COVID-19 Recovery Assessment Rates are now available online from the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). RAM members are strongly urged to visit their UI Online Account to review their updated rate notice which includes recalculated Q1 and Q2 contributions and a new COVID-19 Recovery Assessment. More information regarding these changes including how to access your rate notice, recommendations and deadlines for future filings and payments, and explanation of the new assessment may be found on the DUA website.

While the DUA guidance materials describe the COVID-19 Recovery Assessment as being part of the Commonwealth’s plan to manageably spread over time the $7 billion cost of COVID-related UI claims, it does not explicitly notify employers that this quarterly charge will remain on their bills for the next 20 years. RAM continues to advocate for the state to use a portion of funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act to pay down a portion of the existing UI deficit. Members concerned about the impact of this unprecedented tax increase on their business are strongly encouraged to take action today by contacting their state legislators and Governor Baker and requesting their support in using federal pandemic recovery funds as a means to mitigate the long-term impact of the UI deficit on businesses and job growth. Please join us in this effort by contacting your elected officials today.

Click here to send your message.

2021- 2022 RAM Fixed Rate Electricity Program

Is Now Open for 1 Week

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 before Friday, September 24th at 12:00 PM EST , for current rate and enrollment procedure.

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.

*Please note, participation in the Fixed Price Electricity Supply Program does not exclude your business from participating in Community Solar. All Massachusetts businesses are eligible pending solar capacity.

It's that time of year again! Nominate your favorite retailer for a RAMAE!

For more than 20 years, The RAMAEs have honored small and large retailers, rookies and veterans, identifying hidden gems from all corners of the state. Help us identify the businesses who deserve to be recognized for their resilience, innovation, customer service or going above and beyond to make the retail experience memorable.

Click here to nominate your favorite retailers for 2021. Tell us why you love your favorite shops and restaurants. Let us know about a business that is doing something truly unique or employees that should be recognized. Nominate your business. Nominate a business that has been a part of your community for generations. Let us know where you go when you want it done right or need something special.

RAM Continues to Lead Employer Community Request for State UI Relief

August 18, 2021

Dear Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano,

On behalf of our collective memberships and the thousands of employers providing countless job opportunities for workers across the Commonwealth, we respectfully ask that you support the language in Governor Baker’s supplemental budget allocating $1 billion to help replenish the beleaguered Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, while leaving open the potential for additional financial relief through American Rescue Plan aid. We implore you to follow the example set by more than 30 states across the nation that have now used federal dollars to offset unemployment costs for struggling job creators.

Massachusetts is facing an unparalleled UI crisis…

Click here to keep reading

August 2, 2021 -- Employers alone can’t foot the $7 billion bill for unemployment insurance

July 15, 2021 -- Revised UI Tax Notices, Emergency Paid Sick Leave Reimbursement Guidance, RAM Opposes Employee Scheduling Bills

July 8, 2021 -- Retailer Comments Requested on Debit Card Rules / DOR Posts Sales Tax Holiday FAQ’s

June 24, 2021 - Gov. Baker Confirms August 14th & 15th Sales Tax Holiday & Introduces Proposal For Two Month Sales Tax Holiday

June 16, 2021 -- Gov. Baker Signs COVID-19 Policy Extensions Law and Alert for MA Lottery Sales Agents: Oppose Pending Cashless Lottery and Online Lottery Proposals

The Retail Review -- 2nd Quarter 2021 Edition

June 9, 2021 -- CALL TO ACTION: Support Extension of Important COVID-19 Measures Set to Expire on June 15th

June 3, 2021 -- Baker Signs COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Law

May 26, 2021 -- UI Tax Crisis Lingers as More Needs to be Done / Sample Signage for CDC Mask Guidance

May 24, 2021 -- iVision Announcement

May 17, 2021 -- MA to Fully Reopen on May 29th – All COVID Restrictions to be Lifted, Upcoming Action on Unemployment Insurance

May 7, 2021 -- State Revises Retail & Restaurant Protocols / DOR Updates Timeline for Relief of Certain Business Taxes

The RAM Health Insurance Cooperative is NOW thriving – and growing – in 2021!

The RAMHIC program offers RAM members:

A 3% discount off premium rates for small businesses in the small group market (groups of 1-50 employees).
Access to every small group plan offered by BCBSMA. As well as a two plan option for added flexibility.
Defined contribution options to address the needs of both your business and your employees.

All BCBSMA small group plans through RAM come with:

A wellness program with potential employee incentives of up to $300 and an opportunity to earn 7.5% in backend employer incentives.
A free supplemental hospitalization policy for all subscribers, which covers $750 for a hospital admission and $150 each additional day up to 10 days.
A free $10,000 life insurance policy for all subscribers.