detroit-retail-forum

PRESS RELEASE: DETROIT'S INDEPENDENT RETAILERS' ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS CANDIDATES FOR DETROIT ...

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:07:17 +0100

Gary Brown, Kenneth Cockrell, Jr., David Cross, Jai Lee Dearing, Lisa Howze, Saunteel Jenkins, Charles Pugh, James Tate,

Alberta Tinsley-Talabi

DETROIT -- After the primary election for Detroit City Council unveiled the eighteen candidates voters will choose from in November, Detroit's Independent Retailers' Association (IRA) invited all non-incumbent candidates to sit down and share their platforms and ideas with the organization. IRA then conducted a series of interviews with all those who responded.

IRA had certain criteria the contenders needed to meet. The group wanted to engage those candidates face-to-face to determine who met that criteria.

"We were looking for candidates who had a stronger skill set than what we've had in the past and who were seasoned enough to understand how to work together --and with the administration-- for the good of the city," said IRA founding member, Rufus Bartell.

In the process, IRA members were pleased to discover they faced the unexpected challenge of having too many, rather than too few, qualified and promising contenders to choose from.

"We wanted candidates who could think creatively, 'outside the box,' to tackle Detroit's problems and bring the innovative vision that would almost guarantee effective change," added co-founder Tony Stovall.

"We want change. We want winners. The interviews helped us identify who we felt could provide that for the city," Stovall said.

After the interviews IRA members discussed each candidate and used the democratic process to reach group consensus on nine candidates to support and recommend for the general election. As a result, the Independent Retailers' Association supports the following candidates for Detroit City Council:

~ Gary Brown

~ Kenneth Cockrell, Jr.

                            ~ David Cross
                            ~ Jai Lee Dearing
                            ~ Lisa Howze
                            ~ Saunteel Jenkins
                            ~ Charles Pugh
                            ~ James Tate
                            ~ Alberta Tinsley-Talabi
         "Most importantly, we were looking for candidates who understood the connection between small business development and sustainability in the city, to the overall economic survival and prosperity, of the city," explained IRA co-founder, Cal Williams.

"After talking with and evaluating the candidates in-depth, we believe we've selected those who have that understanding," he concluded.

Formed in 2006, according to the group's web site; "IRA is established Detroit-area business professionals who have joined forces to strengthen individual business by building mutual influence in the marketplace." Part of the association's collective mission is an ongoing objective to set trends and standards in the retail industry.
IRA did not solicit or conduct interviews with incumbents because the incumbents' track-records were public and common knowledge. IRA is supporting two of them.

To contact the Independent Retailers' Association:

call: 313.309.3287, visit: http://www.IRAdetroit.com, e-mail: iradetroit @gmail .com

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LaKeyla McCaskey at the, "Secrets of Style"

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:48:38 +0100

Detroit, MI-- LaKeyla McCaskey holding things together --after having been instrumental in putting them together-- at the, Independent Retailers' Association's, "Secrets of Style," event, on Thursday, April 9, 2009.

LaKeyla, a founding member of IRA, is a special event planner and promoter, and marketing specialist. She is owner of, Gemini II Marketing and Promotions. Check out her latest happenings, events AND TRAVEL PACKAGES...or contact her for services by calling: 313-309-3273

J. Wiggins Pitches, "Secrets of Style"

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:09:04 +0100

Financial consultant, J. Wiggins provides an enthusiastic invitation to join us.

"Secrets of Style," Name That Guest

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:08:50 +0100

Detroit-area party people at, "Secrets of Style," at Arturo's Jazz Theatre and Restaurant on Thursday, April 9, 2009.

Quick!
How many people can YOU name from this clip?

Larry Alebiosu Explains the Power of Positive Style

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:08:31 +0100

IRA retailer, Larry Alebiosu, owner of custom clothier, Fashion International (Southfield, MI), explains the true meaning of style in the broader sense, from a business/community perspective.

This really illustrates the, Independent Retailers' Association's, purpose for hosting the, "Secrets of Style."

Monique Dunbar Joins the, "Secrets of Style"

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:08:16 +0100

Business and event planning consultant, Monique Dunbar praises Detroit style.

Versed in executive sales, project development and management, runway show management, print media marketing and manufacturing distribution --for starters-- the savvy Ms. Dunbar knows...

Kimberly Mitchell for, Positive Sisters & "Real Women Like Us"

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:11:35 +0100

Kimberly Mitchell invites the, "Secrets of Style," guests and the public to join her, Positive Sisters organization's, "Real Women Like Us," event on, Saturday, April 25.

For more info, call: 313-403-4997

Samera and Garth...Look Like Style

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:10:58 +0100

In Southfield, Michigan...("Detroit")
Samara Bond and Garth Howard looking "like it" at the, "Secrets of Style," at Arturo's Jazz Theatre and Restaurant on Thursday, April 9, 2009

Rufus Bartell Explains the, "Secrets of Style"

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:09:30 +0100

SimplyCasual ClothingStore owner, Rufus Bartell at the, "Secrets of Style, event in Detroit, at Arturo's Jazz Theatre and Restaurant, on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Discussing style, representing Detroit's, Independent Retailers Association (IRA).

Detroit Retail Forum...Feature

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:22:43 +0100

Does STYLE Matter?

by Alysyn Curd

In these times of economic upheaval, joblessness and uncertainty, does “style” even mean anything at all? For the members of Detroit’s Independent Retailers’ Association (IRA), the answer is an unequivocal, “Yes.” The reason for this answer goes beyond wanting customers to buy wares from their individual specialty boutiques and other stores. The reason is because IRA members are united in their knowledge that, “style” is a vital function of living. This is where the term “lifestyle” becomes relevant. IRA retailers don’t just sell goods and services, their businesses play a vital role in the lifestyles of the customers and communities they serve.

The ability to dress and dine well, educate your children, travel and generally enjoy life, raises your confidence. Independent businesses like those of IRA, are built on personal relationships and driven in their mission to serve and provide excellent experiences for their customers. Independent businesses stay in direct touch with the lives of those they serve. Independent businesses build confidence, not only by making customers feel good through personal service, but also by providing living proof that anyone can create an independent lifestyle through a thriving business. In Detroit, IRA builds confidence.

Confident people are better positioned to support others, give back and maintain a higher standard for their community. Confident people are better able to tap into their individual creativity and generate opportunities for others beyond themselves. Confident people emanate hope and faith. Confident people ‘find a way to make a way.’

Born of confidence, true style is a reflection not merely of outer taste in fashion, but, more so, of inner vision and the ability to spread positive influence. IRA celebrates the visionary style of positive influence. In these times of economic upheaval, joblessness and uncertainty, the world needs self-confident, “self-styled,” visionaries. In these times of economic upheaval, joblessness and uncertainty, IRA says, “Yes, style does matter.”

In celebration and support of the idea that style is always relevant, the Independent Retailers’ Association is hosting the, “Secrets of Style,” at Arturos Jazz Bar and Restaurant in Southfield (25333 West 12 Mile Road), on Thursday, April 9, 2009.

The event is designed to allow Detroit-area retailers, their customers and the area’s social set to mix, mingle and become acquainted with IRA. Over 300 guests are expected. Dining patrons with invitations, or who R.S.V.P. ahead, may join the party after dinner. Secrets of Style party guests are welcome to food from Arturos’s bar menu.

Doors open to invitation-only guests at 8:00 p.m. The Secrets of Style is held in conjunction with The Michigan Chronicle. IRA businesses, RBI Events and Entertainment and Gemini II Marketing and Promotions are promoters. As part of its ongoing effort to boost Detroit’s economy, IRA encourages potential guests to pick up invitations at nearby IRA stores. Guests wishing to join the Secrets of Style event and have dinner at Arturos that night need to make reservations with the restaurant by calling: (248) 357-6009.

IRA STORES WITH INVITES:

Coleman’s Corner...Linwood and Clairmount, Detroit

Fashion International...15614 West 10 Mile Road, Southfield

Green Room Salon & Day Spa...26571 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield

Hot Sam’s Men’s Clothier...127 Monroe,

Compuware World Headquarters, Detroit, downtown

Jack’s Place...2781 Southfield Road, Southfield

Pinnacle Sportswear...(two locations) 16909 Harper Avenue, Detroit east &

Oakland Mall, 394 West 14 Mile Road, Troy

Shoe House Boulevard...19450 North Livernois Avenue, Detroit west

simplycasual clothingstore...19400 North Livernois Avenue, Detroit west

Silver Fox Furs...New Center One Building,

3031 West Grand Blvd., Suite. 120, Detroit New Center

To R.S.V.P. for the, “Secrets of Style,” call the Independent Retailers’ Association:

(313) 309-3287 or e-mail: IRAdetroit@gmail.com

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