Maine Merchants Association

Merchant of the Year Award 2009

The annual Merchant of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition of a retail merchant in Maine who has met the highest standards of excellence.

The Standards of Excellence:

• Continued growth in number of employees or sales;
• Commitment of company resources, including employees to community projects;
• Creation of a positive work environment for all employees.

Deadline for applications is September 4, 2009

About The Maine Merchants Association

The Maine Merchants Association is the #1 organization for promoting and protecting the interests of retailers and merchants in Maine. Formed in 1933 by a group of visionary merchants, these Mainers saw a need for representation when public policy was made.

Today, the Maine Merchants Association represents over 400 members statewide ranging from large national chain stores to small family-owned retail stores with some 1,000 locations statewide. The Maine Merchants Association membership accounts for more than 75 percent of the annual retail sales in Maine.

Our credibility lies in our longevity and our commitment to serving the ever-changing needs of our members.  We are a recognized player with the legislature, state agencies and the governor's office. 

Benefits of Membership

In addition to our top-notch legislative affairs work on behalf of our members, we use our strength in membership to negotiate services for merchants that may not be available to businesses individually.

Our members take advantage of a wide range of money-saving programs, including merchant services like credit/debit card processing, a proven worker’s compensation insurance trust, complimentary conference room use, office supply discounts and other valuable services.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008

For our members that sell products intended for children 12 and under, we strongly recommend you read this important information regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 2, 2009.  CPSC VOTED TO ENACT ONE YEAR STAY OF TESTING REQUIREMENTS.  CLICK TO READ MORE.

There are new federal rules currently being implemented that regulate the amount of lead and phthalates allowed in children's products.  If you sell products INTENDED FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER, we urge you to familiarize yourself with this new law.  You MAY be required to remove certain products from store shelves beginning February 10, 2009.