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Maine Merchants Association The Voice of Maine's Merchants

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Kittery Trading Post
Whitlock Mill
Haven's Candies

Latest Legislative Issues

An Act To Establish the Universal Childhood Immunization Program

Last updated: 7/10/2010Representative Connor of Kennebunk would establish the Universal Childhood Immunization Program to provide immunizations and cover the costs for children in Maine not covered by a federal program.Learn more

An Act To Improve Oversight of Pharmaceutical Purchasing

Last updated: 7/10/2010Representative Treat of Hallowell would increase state oversight of pharmacy benefit managers.Learn more

An Act Regarding the Law Governing Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers

Last updated: 7/10/2010Senator Schneider of Penobscot would remove motorized recreational vehicles from laws governing motor vehicle dealers and place them in statutes governing non-motorized recreational vehicles.Learn more

An Act To Change the Penalties for Writing Bad Checks

Last updated: 7/10/2010Representative Shaw of Standish of proposes to increase the classification of certain crimes involving negotiating a worthless instrument, provides a statute of limitations of 18 months for filing a civil action for issuing a dishonored check and increases the amount that may be recovered in a civil action for issuing a dishonored check.Learn more

An Act To Protect Consumers from Charges after a Free Trial Period

Last updated: 7/10/2010Representative Hunt of Buxton would prohibit a merchants from offering a consumer product or service for a free trial period if the consumer is required to contact the merchant to avoid receiving additional products or services and incurring a financial obligation.Learn more

Latest Happenings

Merchant of the Year Award 2010

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 August 20, 2010.

Learn more...

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. 

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Got Your Bags, Maine? Kickoff

Got Your Bags, Maine? Kickoff

The Maine Merchants Association, the Maine Grocers Association and many other businesses and organizations are pleased to officially launch Got Your Bags, Maine? on Monday, November 9, 2009.

The campaign will seek to reduce the number of paper and plastic single-use checkout bags by 33% in 2012.

We are reaching out to retailers and grocers throughout Maine to ask for your participation. What can you do to help? How can you help change consumer behavior?

Join the campaign!

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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.

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