Almost two years ago Retail Alliance recognized the need to deliver high quality educational offerings to its members on their terms...in their neighborhoods.  It was important to make the material available at the convenience of retailers, but it was also important to begin a real dialogue with merchants about their needs.

The result was the creation of nine "councils" operating in nine distinct geographic areas at times and locations determined by participants.  Over the past 18 months, more than 700 people have attended a council function, many of them repeat attendees.

In January, Retail Alliance again asked members what topics they would like to address at these monthly meetings.  The agendas are now as focused and personal as each council and range from "Micromanaging Your Overhead" to "Understanding Local Government."

One concern was repeated at every council...attendees thought the name "council" did not adequately reflect the activities of the group.  Some suggested "council" implies some administrative meeting.  Others thought the name sounded intimidating.  In response, each group is now referredto as a "Retail Roundtables: Sharing Succesful Strategies."

All members are invited to attend the meetings, whether they live or work in the specific geographic area in which they are located.  The topics and meeting times are noted in every newsletter, e-newsletter and on monthly postcards.  Members in specific areas have also begun to receive electronic postcard invitations detailing the topics at the meeting in their area.