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2022 December 28, 2022 -- Membership Dues Invoices coming for 2023, Welcome New RAM Team Member December 6, 2022 -- Holiday Sales / New Appliance Standards / Food Security Infrastructure Grants / Meet Me in the City November 28, 2022 -- Holiday Sales Survey, 2023 Retail Holiday Calendar, Stop Rail Strike Effort November 22, 2022 -- 2022 RAMAE winners, Wage and Hour Law Changes for 2023, Minimum Wage Increase, End of Retail Premium Pay November 15, 2022 -- The Millionaire’s Tax: Tips on How to Plan Ahead November 2, 2022-- Last chance! Please submit your Holiday Sales predictions and register to attend RAMAEs with Keynote Speaker, Mayor Kim Driscoll October 24, 2022 -- Salem Mayor and Democratic Nominee for LT. Governor, Kim Driscoll, to give Keynote Speech at RAMAES, Holiday Sales Survey, MA DOR Update October 18, 2022 -- Provide us your holiday sales prediction and don't forget to register for this year's RAMAE luncheon. October 11, 2022 -- No on 1 Effort, Holiday Sales Survey, Annual Meeting Registration and Energy Webinar September 29, 2022 -- AG Visits in October, State Reduces PFML Contribution Rate for 2023 September 20, 2022 -- Last call to nominate retailers for a 2022 RAM Award of Excellence August 18, 2022 -- ALERT to Retailers who Accept EBT Payments and Orange Line Closure Diversion Plan Released by the MBTA August 9, 2022 -- Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend; NRF 2023 Big Show Promotion July 22, 2022 -- Longtime RAM member and Retail Hall of Fame Winner, Klem's of Spencer, is a 2022 America’s Retail Champion Finalist July 20, 2022 -- CALL TO ACTION: Request Senate Support for Small Business Relief in Economic Development Bill June 21, 2022 -- Mass. Residents Deserve Inflation Relief and Media Request June 14, 2022 -- Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Set for August 13 & 14, 2022 The Retail Review -- 2nd Quarter 2022 edition June 7, 2022 -- Last chance to register for Credit Card Webinar, Juneteenth Guidance, RAMAE nominations May 20, 2022 -- Important Updates from MA DOR and Premium Pay Round 2 May 10, 2022 -- Create A Winning Hand with RAM's Credit Card Program April 29, 2022 -- Small Business Tax Survey April 14, 2022 -- Important News Updates from the MA Department of Revenue, Regional Employer Roadshows and more April 8. 2022 -- Outdoor Dining Update, Boston Block Party and SJC Rules on Wage Act Violations March 30, 2022 -- Register Now to Attend 2022 Virtual Small Business Day! March 23, 2022 -- MA Announces Hiring and Training Employer Grant Program March 8, 2022 -- Annual Health Insurance Survey Reminder and Emergency COVID Paid Sick Leave Expires March 15 March 3, 2022 -- Annual Health Insurance Premium Survey February 23, 2022 -- New Small Biz Grants Available Statewide / Local Grant Options in City of Beverly February 2, 2022 -- Baker Budget Proposal, Outdoor Dining, OSHA Vaccination Mandate and more January 13, 2022 -- Call to Action, Digital Vaccine Card and DPH webinar January 4, 2022 -- Reminder to respond to Holiday Sales survey; 2022 dues invoices are on their way. 2021 December 30, 2021 -- Please provide your holiday sales results via our 3 question survey December 21, 2021 -- New Statewide Mask Advisory, Boston's New Vaccination Policy & OSHA Update on Vaccinations December 17, 20021 -- Update on the Millionaire's Tax, Minimum Wage Increase, and Changes to RAMHIC December 1. 2021 -- Webinar Covering Changes to RAMHIC, 2022 Retail Holiday Calendar and Annual Holiday Sales Survey for November November 19, 2021 -- #Buyin MA Launch on Monday, OSHA Guidance for Employers and RAMHIC Savings November 18, 2021 -- Annual Retail Award Winners Announced November 10, 2021 -- Veterans Day, PFML Notification, OSHA Vaccine Mandate Update November 5, 2021 -- COVID-19 Update on Vaccine and Testing Mandates November 2, 2021 -- Holiday Sales Predictions, RAMHIC Update and Save Our Shipments Campaign October 21, 2021 -- RAM Sector Survey and Annual Meeting Registration October 19, 2021 -- Governor Baker to speak at Annual Meeting; A Call to Replenish the UI Trust Fund October 14, 2021 -- Call to Action: Replenish Unemployment Trust Fund September 30, 2021 -- COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave September 21, 2021 -- Make your RAMAE nominations Now! Sign up for Fixed Rate Electricity 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 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 April 27, 2021 --Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening, Face Coverings Update and Restaurant Revitalization Fund April 15, 2021 -- State Issues Delay in Employers’ Q1 UI Payments After Outrage over Solvency Fund Assessment April 14, 2021 -- REMINDER: TAKE ACTION NOW! Employers Experience Sizable Increases in Q1 UI Tax Bills April 9, 2021 -- RAM Employers to Experience Sizable Increases in Q1 UI Tax Bills April 2, 2021 -- MA Passes Unemployment Insurance Relief Law, Advanced Payment of Sales Tax Changes Effective TODAY - DOR Releases Final Guidance Sought by RAM & more The Retail Review -- First Quarter 2021 Edition March 18, 2021 -- Gov. Baker Announces Move to Step 1, Phase IV, Travel Order downgraded to Travel Advisory, Announces Vaccine Timeline for All Categories March 9, 2021- Early Remittance of Sales Tax – Changes Coming in April. Tell your legislators, Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito it’s not too late to fix, delay, or at least simplify it! March 3, 2021 -- Annual Health Insurance Survey February 25, 2021 --State Relaxes Restrictions, Returns to 50% Capacity and Biden Administration Announces Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program February 23, 2021 -- New Tax Credits for Establishing a Retirement Plan for your Business! February 17, 2021 -- MA DOR Draft Guidance on Upcoming Sales/Meals Tax Changes: Early Remittance for Many Coming Due April 25th and Update on Vaccination Roll Out February 4, 2021 -- Business Capacity Limits Eased, Employer Options for Workforce Vaccine Cite, State's Tourism Website Info, RAM Health Insurance Webinar January 29, 2021 -- MA Entering Phase 2 of Vaccine Rollout, RAM Health Insurance Cooperative Webinar, Small Business Administration PPP Webinar January 21, 2021 -- Governor Baker Eliminates 9:30PM Business Restrictions, Extends 25% Capacity Two More Weeks January 19, 2021 -- PPP Webinar, RAM Health Insurance Cooperative Webinar, Gov. Baker Signs $16.5B Transportation Bond Bill, Vetoes TNC Fee Increases January 15, 2021 -- MGCC Deadline Extended Thru Monday; SBA PPP Webinar on 1/25; Holiday Premium Pay Fix Signed Into Law January 14, 2021 -- Last Chance: MA Small Business Grant Application Period Closes Tomorrow at Midnight, Save the Date for SBA Webinar, RAM Health Insurance Cooperative January 7, 2021 -- Governor Extends Restrictions, December Holiday Sales Survey and Small Business PPP Update Webinar and Program Guidance January 4, 2021 -- MA Small Business Grant Application Period Is Open, Legislative Update, Wage and Labor Law Update, PPP Update and Holiday Sales Survey
2020 December 23, 2020 -- Governor Announces More than $650 Million in Small Business Grants, Updated RAM Employee Handbook December 22, 2020 -- Gov. Baker Announces Further Restrictions Effective Saturday Dec. 26th; Most Businesses, Retail, Restaurants Moving to 25% Occupancy Limit December 15, 2020 -- Five Months Late, Baker Signs FY21 Budget into Law, Retailers Unhappy with Sales Tax Changes December 8, 2020 -- Gov. Baker Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions, Rollback to Phase 3, Step 1 The Retail Review -- November/ December 2020 edition December 2, 2020 -- RAM Launches Holiday #BUYINMA Radio & Digital Campaign November 30, 2020 -- RAM Launches Weekly Holiday Sales Survey, State Issues Reminder to All Employers of Reporting, Contact Tracing Responsibilities as Cases Surge November 19, 2020 -- Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, presentation at RAM Annual Meeting November 17, 2020 -- Prepayment of Sales Tax is Coming – Ask your Legislators to Make it Simple November 6, 2020 -- Annual Meeting, Holiday Sales Prediction, PPP webinar November 2, 2020 -- New COVID Advisory & Orders; RAM Annual Meeting Nov 19 October 27, 2020 -- Reminder for PFML Discussion Oct, 28 and PPP webinar November 10 October 22, 2020 -- Governor Announces Small Business Recovery Grants; Lower Sales, Higher Costs Endanger MA Main Streets October 16, 2020 -- Gov. Baker Submits Revised FY21 State Budget Proposal, Continues Pursuit of Troubling Sales Tax Changes October 6, 2020 -- Paid Family and Medical Leave: Two Online Opportunities to Prepare Your Business September 29, 2020 -- Electricity Program Deadline, Changes in Reopening, Dressing Room & Food Court Restrictions Relaxed September 24, 2020 -- RAM Electricity Programs, Retail & Restaurant Sector Guidance Updates, Boston Plastic Bag Ban, Survey Reminder September 16, 2020 -- State Leaders Announce Further Extension of Administrative Tax Relief for Businesses September 11, 2020 -- Updated order for outdoor dining, arcades The Retail Review -- Summer 2020 edition August 31, 2020 -- 2020 Sales Tax Holiday Impact Survey, My Local MA Campaign Launch August 19, 2020 - Updated Guidance and Sales Tax Holiday Reminder August 6, 2020 - COVID -19 July Survey on Sales and the Economy July 31, 2020 -- MA Legislature Extends Formal Session, Updated Survey on Sales and the Economy July 22, 2020 - State Authorizes Restaurant Sales of To-Go Cocktails, Gov. Baker Extends Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures July 14, 2020 - Oppose Local & Regional Transportation Ballot Initiatives July 11, 2020 -- RAM Commits to Addressing Systematic Racism and Discrimination, DPH to End Reusable Bag Ban, Allow Municipal Plastic Bag Bans to Resume Effect July 5, 2020 - RAM's Multiple Employer 401k Plan allows you to keep your trusted financial advisor -- Learn how you can participate. July 2, 2020 -- MA Enters Phase Three of Reopening Plan on Monday, July 6th June 30, 2020 --Ask the Legislature to Honor their Commitment, Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Aug.29-30 June 19, 2020 -- Gov. Gives Green Light to Resume Indoor Dining on Monday & Allows Use of Fitting Rooms (by appointment), Extension of Sales & Meals Tax Relief June 10, 2020 - New Member Survey, SBA Webinar, MassInc Survey June 5, 2020 -- Gov. Baker Will Announce Phase 2 Reopen Date on Saturday, Joint RAM Pioneer Institute Survey, Congress Approves Changes to Paycheck Protection Program June 1, 2002 -- Gov. Baker Issues New Executive Order in Advance of Phase 2, Releases Rules, Checklist & Guidance for Retail Reopening May 29, 2020 -- Governor Talks Phase II of Re-opening, Releases Guidance for Restaurants & Lodging, Retail Guidance Expected Early Next Week May 27, 2020 -- Phase One: Retail Curbside Pickup & Remote Fulfillment Rules...But what’s next? May 22, 2020 -- RAM Members Eagerly Await Rare Weekend Changes to Essential Services FAQs: Curbside Pickup & Remote Fulfillment Rules Expected May 21, 2020 -- All Essential Businesses are Required to Self-certify by May 25th to Remain Open, Paycheck Protection Program Relief May 18, 2020 -- RAM Disappointed by Reopening Plan May 15, 2020 -- Reopening Plan Due Monday / Q&A with RAM President / PPP, PFML and EBT Updates May 8, 2020 --Please Participate In This Important RAM Survey On Reopening the Economy, COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs - Updated May 4, 2020 -- Gov. Baker Updates “Essential Services” Guidance, Allow for Remote Fulfillment in Closed Stores and Warehouses May 1, 2020 E-news -- RAM First to Appear before Gov. Baker’s Economic Reopening Advisory Board, Statewide Face Covering Order, NRF Guidance for Retailers NRF Foundation Now Offering Free Online Skills Training During Health Crisis AG Healey Launches Resource Site for First Responders & Relief Programs Aimed at Small Business RAM Facebook Page for MA Retail Relief Essential vs. Non-essential Services Federal Paid Sick Time & Leave Requirements President's Letter -- April/May 2020 The Retail Review - March/ April 2020 edition April 7 E-news -- Gov. Baker Issues New Grocery Store Customer Limits, Preempts Local Boards of Health; Updated Essential Services FAQs; Meals for Heros Restaurant List April 3 E-news -- Governor Signs Law Allowing for Immediate Restaurant Beer/Wine Sales with Takeout Meals April 1: E-News update on SBA's Paycheck Protection Program March 31 E-news update -- Gov. Baker Extends Order Limiting Operations to COVID-19 Essential Services, Provides Updated Guidance and FAQs on What/Who is Essential March 27 E-news update -- MA AG Issues Employee Rights and Employer Obligations, SBA Express Bridge Loan Program, CARES ACT Update March 25 E-News: State Issues FAQs, Further Guidance on Defining Who/What is “Essential” March 24 E-news: Updates, Emergency Orders and Guidance March 23 - Non Essential Businesses to Cease in Person Operations March 19 E-news -- Sales, Meals and Room Occupancy Tax Remittance Delay March 18 E-news --COVID-19 Update March 15 E-news -- An Important Message to RAM members, COVID-19 Survey and Resources NRF/ Coronavirus Resources for Retailers Massachusetts STEM Summit 2020 The RAM Health Insurance Cooperative is NOW thriving – and growing – in 2020! Why sales tax revenues are soaring (CommonWealth Op -Ed, 1-22-2020) DFML Small Employer Advisory Group Hurst and Hudson Appointed By Governor Baker to Merged Market Advisory Council The Retail Review -- January/ February 2020 Edition Legal Update: MA Adopts Distracted Driving Law 2020 MA Wage& Hour Posting from AG's office. Paid Family and Medical Leave Contributions Due January 31, 2020
2019 December is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month The Retail Review -- November/ December 2019 edition U.S. Department of Labor Issues Final Overtime Rule Attorney General Certifies 12 Initiative Petitions to Continue on Path to 2020 Ballot President's Letter for September/ October The Retail Review -- September/ October 2019 edition Out-of-state Remote Sellers & Marketplaces Begin Collecting MA Sales Tax on October 1st Gov. Baker Declares Public Health Emergency: Immediate Sales Ban On All Vaping Products & Devices Media coverage of 2019 Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Upcoming Events for Department of Family and Medical Leave Ballot Questions Filed for Consideration in 2020, 2022 DTA Issues Reminder to Retailers on EBT Laws and Prohibitions The Connected Payroll Model: Celebrating Small Businesses And Helping Them Thrive Effort to Exclude “Meals” from Sales Tax Holiday Gains Support of Governor Baker The Retail Review - July/ August 2019 edition Sales Tax Holiday: August 17 & 18, 2019 A Letter from the President: Baker Administration Obtains Small Biz ACA Health Insurance Flexibility Legislature Approves $43B budget, Includes RAM Supported “Marketplace” Sales Tax Provisions Sign up to take advantage of the $5 billion class action settlement against Visa and Mastercard. An Explanation of RAM's 401k Benefit Business Community Opposes Reinstatement of Retail Premium Pay MA Legislature Designates August 17th/18th as Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Legal Alert: SJC Decision Changes Overtime Requirements for 100% Commission Sales Employees The Retail Review - May June 2019 Edition Guest Article: Eversource launches Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Program RAM Awards of Excellence: Make your nominations today! Guest article: Supreme Confusion: Massachusetts High Court Outlaws 100% Commission Pay by Joshua D. Nadreau, Fisher Phillips RAMHIC Expands BCBSMA Plan Offerings MA FY20 State Budget: Marketplace Sales Tax., Preliminary Sales Tax Remittance Changes, EMAC PFML: Contributions, Notifications and Exemptions - updated May 28, 2019 2019 Small Business Day on Beacon Hill Paid Family and Medical Leave: Deadline Extensions and Public Hearings COVE RISK SAFETY TRAINING ~ JUNE 11. SIGN UP NOW. Economic Development Engagement Sessions Announced ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT UPDATE DUE BY END OF 2019, SHN, May 13, 2019 NRF Advocacy Bootcamp - July 9-10 in Washington DC Small Business Day on Beacon Hill -- May 9, 2019 The Retail Review -- March/ April 2019 Edition 2019 Health Insurance Premium Survey Results Employer and Employee Toolkits available on Paid Family and Medical Leave Grocery store compensation survey results. Employer Shared Responsibility Notices Now Available Upon Request Small Business Energy Exemption Deadline Approaching Small businesses are taking the rap on health care costs, by Jon Hurst, Boston Globe, 2/26/2019 The Retail Review - January/ February 2019 edition A letter from President Jon Hurst "Small Business Premiums: The Third Rail of MA Healthcare Policy" Governor Baker Files FY20 Budget Proposal Paid Family and Medical Leave Regulatory Listening Sessions Announced
2018 The Retail Review - November/ December 2018 Edition RAM Announces Holiday Sales Prediction for 2018 REMINDER: New HIRD Form Filing DUE by November 30, 2018 Changes to Massachusetts Wage and Hour Law Effective January 1, 2019 Grand Bargain Briefing Schedule The Retail Review - September/ October 2018 Edition MBTA Retail Space Opportunities Available. Is Your Business Ready for Premium Pay Repeal? Recap of the 12th Annual New England Loss Prevention Expo Boston Plastic Bag Ban & Mandatory $0.05 Fee RAM Board take position on 2018 Ballot Initiatives Free Health Care Seminar -- November 2 EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver Safety Seminar for RAM members in Comp Group Legislature Wraps Up Formal Sessions for 2017/2018 The Retail Review -- July/ August 2018 DOR Issues Guidance Regarding this Weekend's Sales Tax HolidayConcession Opportunities Coming Available within MBTA Transit System. Comparison Charts: 2018 Proposed Ballot Initiatives versus Grand Bargain RAM Board Member Running for State Senate Senate Votes to Include 2018 Sales Tax Holiday in Economic Development Bill RAM Applauds as MA House of Representatives Endorses 2018 Sales Tax Holiday The Retail Review -May/June 2018 Issue MMFC Sales Tax BHI Study Release. Click link to access BHI Sales Tax Study The Retail Review -- March/ April 2018 Edition Retailers don't want to be Baker's $1B "guinea pig," group says BBJ March 21, 2018 Attorney General Announces Guidance for Employers Regarding Equal Pay Law 2018 Marks 100 Years of Serving Retail Sector & Unmatched Level of Challenges For Our Members New Employer Health Care Tax Now in Effect Final Regulations & FAQ’s Released on New Employer Health Care Tax The Retail Review -- January/ February 2018 Edition Senate Task Force on the Future of Retail Long Time Loss Prevention Board Chairman, Kevin Plante, Steps Down Legislature Poised to Weaken Criminal Laws Used to Combat Retail Theft Retailers Applaud MA DOR Finding that “Real Time” Sales Tax Collection Not a Cost Effective Solution Draft Regulations & FAQ’s Released on New Employer Health Care Tax EMAC Comments by Jon Hurst to Department of Unemployment Assistance
2017 RAM Predicts 3.1% Increase in Holiday Sales The Retail Review - September/October 2017 Edition RAM member exclusive -- Electricity Offer The Retail Review -- July/ August 2017 Edition MA Adopts Legislation to Protect Pregnant Workers MA DOR Resubmits Regulation to Require Online Sales Tax Collection Legislation Coming in September - $15.00 Minimum Wage, Online Lottery & More A Letter from RAM President Jon Hurst ~ Can't Wait for Beacon Hill Anymore RAM Initiative Petition Release Employer Health Care Tax, No Sales Tax Holiday Memo from RAM on FY18 Budget Conference Items Massachusetts Child Labor Law Reminder A Letter from RAM President Jon Hurst -- May/June Small Business Listening Session -- Boston, May 31, 2017 Boston Herald Editorial - 5/24/17 Oh, give 'em a break! Bay State Forum with Barbara Anthony: What Should Massachusetts be Doing in Healthcare? Globe Editorial -- April 22, 2017 The Retail Review -- March/April 2017 edition National Retail Federation Federal Update A Letter from RAM President Jon Hurst A Dual Between Tax Plan, Boston Globe, 4/6/17 The Retail Review -- January/February 2017 edition RAM President Jon Hurst Testified Before Congress on Association Health Plans Member Alert: Gov. Baker Proposes New $300 Million Employer Health Care Tax
2016 The Retail Review -- November/December 2016 edition Retail Alert -- Holiday Schedules Minimum Wage Increases Again January 1, 2017 Federal Overtime Regulations Put on Hold RAM Announces Holiday Sales Prediction Retailers May Open Monday, December 26th DOT Introduces New Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards RETAIL CHALLENGED BY TECHNOLOGY AND AMAZON Beacon Hill must help local retailers Articles about DARKSTOREFRONTSMA.COM Campaign 1) Boston Magazine, September 28, 2016 |
