What We Do
Advocacy & Research
Elevating local businesses interests through collective representation and powerful advocacy.
Advocacy
We partner with the Virginia Retail Federation to ensure your voice is heard at the local, state, and federal levels.
Research
We facilitate research initiatives through a panel of local independent businesses, offering insights that can help influence and improve the local business environment.
Virginia Retail Federation
Virginia Retail Federation is a statewide organization that protects members’ legislative interests, ensuring their voice is heard in the legislative process and keeps them informed on issues impacting their business on the local, state, and Federal levels. We take a pro-business approach to legislative issues to ensure there is representation for businesses in the Commonwealth.
Action Alerts
Action alerts from the Virginia Retail Federation give you the opportunity to actively participate in the legislative process, especially on issues that directly impact your business. Your prompt action can significantly influence the outcome of key legislation.
Legislative Updates
Receive updates throughout the year, especially during the General Assembly, on legislation that could significantly impact your business. We’ll also inform you about new laws that pass and guide you on how to adjust to comply with them..
Legislative Policy
VRF’s legislative policy guides our positions on issues at the General Assembly and is centered around a pro-business approach.
Researching to Represent Well
Our research initiatives are designed to continuously gather feedback and use data to inform, influence, and enhance our impact on local independent businesses. If you own or operate a business in the Richmond region, we want to hear from you.
State of Local Event Recap 2025
Census Retail Sales Data Shows Consumers Are ‘Apprehensive’ Despite ‘Healthy’ Economic Fundamentals
“Households are apprehensive and carefully navigating lingering inflation and turmoil related to changing economic policies.” – Jack Kleinhenz, NRF Chief Economist
How Local Businesses Can Leverage Third-Party Research to Drive Growth
Running a successful business requires more than just hard work and intuition—it demands data-driven decision-making. But while internal data like sales numbers and customer feedback are valuable, they only tell part of the story. To truly understand your market, identify growth opportunities, and make informed strategic decisions, you need to look beyond your own business. That’s where third-party research comes in.