The Louisiana Retailers Association nurtures the retail climate, creating a favorable business environment. We strive to foster an environment where retailers have an opportunity to grow and prosper. To help foster such growth, the LRA provides a number of cost-saving, profit-boosting services. Have a look, save time and money and take advantage. Government Relations:  The Louisiana Retailers Association, unequivocally, has clout in Washington, D.C. The Louisiana Congressional delegation is aware of the LRA's position on a multitude of issues. In fact, they respond to LRA requests for information, facts, and figures personally. The LRA conducts annual meetings with Louisiana senators and representatives, ensuring we maintain a direct link to Congress. The LRA has a continual presence at the state capitol in Baton Rouge. Members can expect the LRA to work at the state level to educate lawmakers on the needs of retailers and cultivate a strong business climate. The LRA lobbyists continually monitor legislative activity and represent retailers on issues including workers' compensation regulation, worthless check fees, local tax reform and tort reform. Rest assured, the LRA retains membership in national organizations, keeping us apprised of federal regulations, which directly impact Louisiana merchants. These affiliations include: National Retail Federation, Food Marketing Institute, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Grocers Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and American Society of Association Executives. Credit Card Processing Services:  The LRA places great confidence in Element Payment Services (www.ElementPS.com/LRA), which maintains a sound history in transaction and electronic payment solutions. Element Payment Services offers the most innovative and convenient functionality, in addition to these unique features: A free analysis of your current processing expenses; industry-leading online reporting with constant online access to your merchant account where you can view statements and review the status of deposits; and wide-ranging processing solutions including contactless payments, gift cards, high-speed processing, and much more. Of course, Element Payment Services provides 24/7 support to your business. Contact the LRA office to get your free analysis. Educational Programs:   The Louisiana Retailers Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational resources for members of the Louisiana Retailers Association. The Foundation is also dedicated to offering employee training tools for LRA members. A skilled employee is a valuable asset to any employer. Louisiana Retailers Education Foundation Scholarship Program- the Louisiana Retailers Association scholarship program is an excellent employee benefit. The LRA takes an innovative approach. Our goal is this: To recognize and aid deserving students who are eligible based on either their parents' employment or their own employment by firms that are members of the Louisiana Retailers Association. Marketing Education Retail Alliance, Inc. (MERA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement of marketing education. MERA facilitates the expansion of marketing programs, training of students, and focuses on bringing together retailers and students for a “hands-on” employment experience. MERA has recently partnered with the Department of Education and the National Retail Federation Foundation to implement Customer Service Skills certification of Louisiana public high school marketing teachers and students. MERA affords high school students the opportunity to earn the Retail Sales Certificate to prepare these students for the sales and service industry. Main Street Louisiana:  Accessible from every page on the LRA website, "Main Street Louisiana" provides members with a direct link to their business website. If you are an LRA member, your business website should be part of "Main Street Louisiana". If you don't yet have a business website, we can help you Build A Shop On Main Street. Website Development / Internet Services:  Webworkers International, LLC, the LRA website design and Internet services partner, offers LRA members discounted small business website packages, as well as custom designed websites, high-speed website hosting, e-mail accounts and "at cost" domain registration. ITC^Deltacom Telecommunications Services:  ITC^DeltaCom has the vision and resources to be your company's total communications provider. We put traditionally diverse and independent technologies like voice, data, and video together for your business On-Hold Systems Program:  On-Hold Systems is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and serves clients nationwide with on-hold marketing and audio production services to over 1000 clients. NorthStar Technologies:  NorthStar Technologies offers an NSF check recovery program named Free and Easy Plus. The electronic collection process is fast and convenient and will work on any bank in the U.S. and its territories. Northstar will return to the merchant, on all collected return items, 100% of the face amount of the check and 25% of the state allowable fee. Northstar provides all the material that a merchant needs to get the program started right away. LA DOTD Federal Credit Union:  LA DOTD Federal Credit Union has partnered with the LRA to transform the financial services experience for its members, students, and families. LRA businesses are encouraged to contact Alexis Anderson, Community Outreach Coordinator, about scheduling financial literacy seminars for employees. Call 225-408-0132 or e-mail aanderson@ladotdfcu.org for information or to schedule an appointment. Netchex:  Netchex is one of the fastest growing payroll service bureaus in the country. Leading in Payroll, Time and Labor, Benefits, Human Resources and Tax Management - we are the difference in Employer Services! The web based Payroll Processing company and LRA have partnered to offer the most affordable and comprehensive service to retailers. Through this partnership, members of the LRA are able to receive discounted prices on payroll processing, tax administration, time and attendance, job tax credit processing and human resource services. Food Safety Training:  LRA Food Safety Training for Professionals - LearnSomething Inc. is the leading provider of e-learning solutions for the food, drug, and professional association industries. Our programs, in partnership with top professional organizations such as the Food Marketing Institute and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, combine engaging multimedia, expert educational content, customized branding, and solid instructional design. The results are focused training solutions that are innovative, informative and effective. Retail Best Practices and Guide to Food Safety and Sanitation Online is designed to teach the base knowledge required for a certified food safety manager and helps to prepare managers for the national examination. Click here to view a sample or purchase the course. Quick Reference to Retail Best Practices in Food Safety and Sanitation is designed to teach employees basics in food safety in the retail environment. Click here to view a sample or purchase the course. Quick Reference to Retail Best Practices in Food Safety and Sanitation – Spanish is designed to teach employees basics in food safety in the retail environment. Click here to view a sample or purchase the course. Let us help you do business better in Louisiana. Join the LRA now!