Helping Texas Retailers Recover

by George Kelemen, President and CEO of the Texas Retailers Association

Prior to a few months ago, it never would have crossed your mind that the landscape and availability of retail as you know it would completely change, then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. On March 15, the Texas Retailers Association (TRA) issued the following statement on its website:

TRA is actively engaged on being a key resource for retailers in Texas on how to manage through the increasing impacts of the Coronavirus. As we all know, the impacts so far include cancellation and/or postponement of large scale events such as the SXSW festival in Austin, and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, in addition to companies restricting corporate travel and asking employees to work from home. The retail sector and TRA’s member companies have not gone without impact thus far. We are in close communication with our members so that we can be aware of measures they are taking to manage through this disruptive time. Additionally, TRA is actively engaged with our national retail and food industry trade association partners to stay aware of everything that is happening related to the Coronavirus on an industry-wide basis, as well as at the federal government level. These resources, which are continually updated, are available on the TRA website. Specific to Texas, TRA is coordinating with state and local authorities, to monitor actions that are taken at the state and local levels regarding the Coronavirus, as well as serving as a resource where we are asked. It is our hope that the current disruptions and impacts related to the Coronavirus will be a temporary situation, but TRA is here to help Texas retailers get through this challenging time.

The good news for retailers in Texas is that TRA advocates every day for the retail industry at all levels of government. Therefore, our ability to pivot quickly to focus on helping our industry manage through the COVID-19 pandemic is the latest example of what TRA does for the industry and how effective of a voice TRA is for retailers across Texas. TRA represents companies and retail professionals who make up one of the world’s largest economies and provides them a voice in Austin and Washington, D.C., as well valuable membership benefits. Through TRA’s various initiatives we aim to improve the lives of not just retailers, but customers as well. By providing government advocacy, industry information and education resources and events, as well as supporting educational programs and scholarship funds, we ensure our members concerns are met and protected.

Over the subsequent months we have had to work like never before to ensure protections for the retail industry. The sudden closures mandated by local and state government brought to light just how necessary it is to speak up, get involved with your industry association, and assess your business needs. These unprecedented events showcased TRA’s deep relationships with and effectiveness in representing the retail industry with state and local officials who were taking swift actions that impacted retailers.

TRA was and continues to be actively engaged, functioning as a key resource for retailers in Texas on how to manage through the increasing impacts of the pandemic, new regulations, and ordinances. Specifically, we are keeping the TRA members continuously updated with as much relevant information as possible, through timely calls, blast emails, and by attending hearings, meetings and calls with legislators and agency officials to effectively represent the retail industry.

Additionally, TRA coordinates with state and local authorities, advocating for retailers and monitoring actions as well as serving as a key resource to state and local authorities who are continuing to make critical decisions for the communities across our state. Although the pandemic has been and continues to be our top priority, other priorities haven’t necessarily stopped during this time. In addition to our work on helping retailers manage through the COVID-19 pandemic, in late March TRA scored a major victory against local Paid Sick Leave (PSL) ordinances. One-size fits all policies like these local PSL ordinances do nothing but create burdensome mandates for retailers, especially during the uncertain economic times we currently live in. TRA will use this legal victory to push for a statewide solution through legislation we will be pushing during the next session of the Texas Legislature in 2021.

Whether it’s helping retailers manage through the COVID-19 pandemic or through other issues, TRA’s goal is to keep Texas “retail-friendly” and ensure that legislative action is taken to protect business owners so that they can continue to employ hardworking Texans and serve communities across the great state of Texas. Since 1926, our diverse membership has represented every segment of the retail industry throughout Texas, we advocate for retail, and provide excellent discounted services and partner programs for our members. TRA is the voice of Texas retail and represent retailers ranging from mom and pop stores to large chain stores. Strength comes in numbers, and a strong voice is important to impact laws and regulations affecting retailers.