From the Editor's Desk

Jennifer Rook, MRA VP of Marketing & Communications

Let’s get ready to…travel! Welcome Summer 2021

Over the last few months, I’ve read a number of summer travel predictions. I am a total nerd to the core when it comes to trend data. I think that’s what drew me to marketing because I geek out when it comes to trying to understand and predict behavior. As much as I like to see the predictions come true, in retrospect, some don’t, or they fall short. Why? Because humans are unpredictable and many tend to buck the system, especially when predictions are made public. I did come across one prediction made by AAA that I believe many Americans will gladly make true:

“Over a year after the global pandemic was declared, many Americans are itching to get out of their homes and explore. As vaccines become more widely available and the nation progresses to our new normal, optimism and travel planning are increasing. According to the latest Longwoods International study tracking American travelers, 84% have plans to travel in the next six months.”

In May, I had the pleasure of representing MRA at a special press conference held by the Travel Industry Coalition of Michigan (TICOM) to celebrate National Tourism Week that took place at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn (#MIPowerofTravel). During the press conference, I urged Michiganders to get out and support local retailers, who contribute 17% towards Michigan’s overall economy and employ nearly 1 million workers. (FYI - We are in the middle of refreshing those statistics. I’m excited to see what’s changed since 2018 since we last surveyed Michigan’s retailers.)

Even in the driving rain, (ah, spring in Michigan) the mood of the event was buoyant. Even giddy. I laughed and joked with my peers about how nice – and strange – it felt to be at a live event, wearing makeup, and a dress after wearing sweatpants and gym shoes for so long. Our beloved Buy Nearby Guy made an appearance after a year of “sheltering in place” and several people enthusiastically asked for photos upon his arrival. The previous weekend, I witnessed people out and about in downtown Grand Rapids, enjoying the first 70-degree temperatures of the season. Between that and watching people

snapping selfies with the Buy Nearby Guy, one thing became clear to me – we are all ready to party.

OH, THE PLACES WHERE WE’LL GO… This month’s Michigan Retailer takes an in-depth look at how the travel industry is shaping up for Michigan and what businesses should expect. Our talented freelance writer, Shandra Martinez, discusses the state of travel from the perspective of two MRA members who run successful travel businesses: Chris Conlin, president and owner of Conlin Travel, the largest travel management company in Michigan, and Carol Grussing, owner of Lenger Travel Center in Byron Center. We also include a great travel statistics piece that outlines what we may expect in terms of visitors this summer in Michigan.

We have some great informative pieces, one that tackles the ongoing threat of ransomware and how to protect your systems and customer data. Another provides an overview of the ongoing iOS 14.5 software update for iPhone that is expected to impact the $105 billion U.S. mobile advertising industry – and potentially your digital advertising campaigns. We also provide an update on the impending Visa and Mastercard class action settlement concerning interchange fees and how members need to prepare to submit claims. Amy Drumm’s Legislative section covers the debates we had on behalf of members regarding Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Association’s (MIOSHA) plans to make rules instituted during the pandemic permanent. Our “In their own words” piece features Ken and Wilda Hopper of Bird’s Eye Outfitters in Sault Ste. Marie and their mission to get more people to embrace the outdoors.

Whatever your travel plans are for this summer, we hope that karma shines brightly on your business and drives volumes of new sales for you. So, get ready, get set, and flip on your “open for business” signs. Summer 2021 is here!

ON A PERSONAL NOTE… Our sales rep for the hardware division, Pat Harrington, has decided to retire from MRA in June to pursue his love of travel and to spend more time with family. Right before Pat retired, I was in need of a volunteer to don the Buy Nearby Guy costume for the TICOM press conference. Because our seasonal interns had not yet started, Pat came to my aid and did a fantastic job being our Buy Nearby Guy. Pat, thank you for everything you’ve done for MRA. Enjoy those long canoe trips. We will miss you.

Contact Jennifer at jrook@retailers.com