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KRF PRESS ROOM
Because retailers play such an important role in driving our economy, public attention is often focused on the retail industry. The Federation acts as a central information source for the media and the public to ensure that accurate information is made available. The Kentucky Retail Federation disseminates information through media releases and other correspondence with the media and direct inquiries to give the public a better understanding of the retail industry. The Federation also keeps its members informed of pending legislation and regulations and how they will affect their businesses. For members that wish to stay informed, we offer immediate e-mail updates when issues arise. If you are a member of the Kentucky Retail Federation and would like to receive e-mail updates, e-mail lgoins@kyretail.com. KRF MEDIA RELEASES For Immediate Release Media Release June 9, 2008 As price of gas goes up, Governor, Ag. Commissioner address problems created by older gasoline pumps A number of pumps still in use do not calculate above $3.999 Frankfort – The Kentucky Retail Federation wants its members, particularly those with gas stations and others that sell motor vehicle fuels, to be aware that the dramatic increase in fuel costs have led Governor Steve Beshear to declare a state of emergency and Agricultural Commissioner Richie Farmer to issue emergency regulations. Beshear and Farmer have done so in order to temporarily accommodate older gasoline pumps that will not calculate above $3.999 per gallon and allow the continued sale of fuel from those pumps. The Governor’s emergency declaration expires August 31, 2008. According to the Department of Agriculture’s weblog, retailers will be required to order new equipment. Operators will have 60 days from the date of equipment purchase to have it installed and functioning properly. For more information, please contact KRF staff or log on to the Commissioner of Agriculture’s website at www.kyagr.com or by going directly to the weblog. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEMBER RELEASE March 6, 2008 CONTACT: Laura Shelton Goins House Committee Approves Legislation to Benefit Kentucky’s Working Families and Employers Frankfort – Members of the House Economic Development Committee voted unanimously today to pass HB 592, an economic stimulus bill aimed at moving more Kentuckians into the workforce.
The Earned Income Tax Credit would provide a way for Kentucky’s working families to keep more of what they earn for the daily essentials for living – groceries and paying the rent.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEMBER RELEASE JANUARY 25, 2008 CONTACT: Laura Shelton Goins 502.682.6718 Kentucky Retail Federation joins in Small Business Caucus Day Frankfort - Small business owners, including members of the Kentucky Retail Federation, from throughout the state gathered in Frankfort on Wednesday to participate in the Small Business Caucus’ Small Business Day at the Capitol. The Kentucky Retail Federation is a founding member of the Small Business Caucus (SBC), comprised of almost 50 associations that represent a variety of small businesses. "This is a great chance to get small business owners from throughout the state together to show elected officials and other policy makers that we are committed to ensuring we have a voice at the table when decisions are made," KRF President Jan Gould said. The day began with breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion where attendees heard from Larry Hayes, Secretary of Governor Beshear’s Cabinet. Hayes shared his experiences as a small business owner as well as the Governor’s commitment to improving the state’s business climate. ____________________________________________________________________________ MEDIA RELEASE NOVEMBER 20, 2007 CONTACT: Laura Shelton Goins 502.875.1444, lgoins@kyretail.com Kentucky Retail Federation’s “Shopping Playbook” provides winning strategy for shoppersFrankfort – While most people are sleeping off their Thanksgiving dinners, thousands of shoppers across Kentucky will hit the pavement, shopping lists and sales flyers in hand, on Black Friday. This year, the Kentucky Retail Federation is sharing tips for successful holiday shopping. These tips, known as the Holiday Shopping Playbook, are sure to make your trip to the store less stressful and more successful.
“With the help of our members, we compiled the ‘Playbook’ with both the shopping warrior and the shopping amateur in mind,” Laura Goins, KRF Director of Communications said. “After all, our membership wants everyone to have the best shopping experience possible.” HOLIDAY SHOPPING PLAYBOOK Know the field: Not familiar with the location of a store or even where merchandise is within a store? Larger shopping centers and malls often provide maps and directories to shoppers while smaller stores and boutiques display similar merchandise together. This information could shave hours off a shopping trip. Know the roster: Make a shopping list that includes sizes, favorite colors and preferences. You can also include hostess gifts for any holiday parties you plan to attend, as well as a few gifts for those unexpected “drop-ins.” Also, collect any specific store ads or coupons and keep them together. This will keep you from wasting precious time digging through bags, cars and pockets just to remember you left it at home. Work the defense: Unfortunately, holiday shoppers are often targets for thieves. Make sure you guard your wallet, money and credit cards as well as the items you’ve already purchased. This also applies to your vehicle. Make sure you’ve removed all shopping bags from sight. Look for an opening: Take advantage of the extended shopping hours offered by retailers. Whether you’re the early bird or the night owl, many stores are open earlier and close later to allow shoppers more flexibility. Call in special teams: If you dread the idea of wrapping your shopping bounty, take advantage of the gift wrapping services offered by stores and charity groups. They’ve got an assortment of papers, ribbons and bows to choose from and know how to put that special touch on your packages. Punt: Don’t be afraid to back up and punt when you don’t know exactly what someone wants. Gift cards make a great present and they’re always the right size and color. Tailgate: Many stores offer “open houses” with special sales, advice and food and beverages. Take advantage of this jolly atmosphere to not only get your list checked off, but fill yourself with the spirit of the season. “There’s no reason holiday shopping can’t be enjoyable. If we follow this playbook, we can all be all-star shoppers,” Goins added.
MEDIA RELEASE NOVEMBER 8, 2007 CONTACT: Laura Shelton Goins 502.875.1444, lgoins@kyretail.com Kentucky Retail Federation survey shows Kentucky retailers confident about holiday shopping Frankfort – Retailers throughout the state are stocked up and ready for what they believe will be a good holiday shopping season, according to the Kentucky Retail Federation, the industry group that represents over 6,000 Kentucky retailers. “This survey makes it clear that our members feel optimistic about this year’s holiday shopping,” KRF President Jan Gould said. “They’re prepared to provide both the products and the customer service that Kentucky shoppers have come to expect. In effect, they are prepared to work hard to create their own holiday sales.” According to responses collected from this year’s KRF Winter Holiday Survey, almost 70 percent of the state’s retailers anticipate this year’s sales to exceed or equal that of 2006. This corresponds with a prediction by the National Retail Federation (NRF), KRF’s national counterpart, that national retail sales will rise 4 percent this holiday season to a total of $474.5 billion. “This shows that our members feel confident that Kentuckians will have plenty to celebrate this holiday,” Gould added. “However, they are well aware of the effect that high energy prices, the troubled housing market and a volatile stock market are having on their customers’ pocketbooks.” When asked which gift categories would be the most popular, members responding to the KRF Winter Holiday Survey listed clothing, jewelry, home décor, electronics and food as their top sellers. Of course, gift card sales are also expected to increase. “More and more of our members are finding that shoppers love gift cards,” Gould said. “There is huge growth in the popularity of these convenient gifts and shoppers are showing that there are ways to personalize them by teaming them with a great card or placing them in a specially wrapped box. After all, who doesn’t love to get a gift card from their favorite store? They’re always the right size and the right color.” The KRF Winter Holiday Survey is the first of its kind by the Kentucky Retail Federation and is intended to provide a Kentucky-specific measure of the state’s retail industry. Holiday shopping has a significant effect on the state’s overall economy as the industry collects over $2.5 billion in state sales tax annually. For many retailers, holiday sales can represent anywhere between 25 and 40 percent of annual sales, according to the NRF. “What’s good for retail is good for Kentucky,” Gould added. “Retailers see firsthand, every day, what kind of confidence consumers have by the amount of money they spend. That’s what makes retail a good barometer for the state’s overall economy.” ____________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE October 31, 2007 CONTACT: Laura Shelton Goins 502.875.1444, lgoins@kyretail.com Kentucky Homeland Security Director announces public/private partnership with Kentucky Retailers, Pharmacists Frankfort – The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security today announced a public/private partnership with the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. "Today’s announcement is exciting because it allows us to harness the power of private industry in our outreach efforts and ensure that citizens have the information they need to prepare for any type of disaster," said Director Alecia Webb-Edgington. "We believe that these partnerships with the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association will be the first of many public/private partnerships for our outreach division over the course of the next year." Brad Hall, Executive Director of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association said the partnership builds on their relationship with the Department of Public Health and noted, "the project highlights the fact that Kentucky Pharmacists not only care about the health of their communities, but also the safety of the patients they care for. In the event of an emergency, pharmacists will be an integral part of the healthcare delivery team that ensures communities receive life saving pharmaceutical care." Kentucky Retail Federation President Jan Gould added that the retail industry’s role in promoting disaster preparation is a natural fit as the industry often plays a key role in disaster recovery. "After a natural or manmade disaster, retailers often provide the second line of response and the first step in restoring normalcy," KRF President Jan Gould said. "This partnership builds on the retail industry’s legacy of customer service and community stewardship by allowing us to take an active role in helping Kentuckians prepare in advance for all types of disasters."
"At Lowe's, we believe community involvement extends beyond the boundaries of the traditional retail setting. Whether it's helping prepare for a catastrophe or taking an active role in programs that make our neighborhoods better places to live, we are committed to forging alliances with well-respected organizations like the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security," said Stone, "Our customers can rely on their neighborhood Lowe’s to provide the items they need to keep their families safe and secure." Bernie Heuer, Rite Aid Regional Pharmacy Vice President also participated in the press conference, adding that Rite Aid will focus on preparing customers to meet their medical needs during catastrophes. "Preparing for a disaster means not only the traditional survival kit items – the batteries, blankets and food – but also the life saving and life sustaining prescriptions and medical equipment that may be difficult to access during a disaster," added Heuer, "We take very seriously our commitment to customer service and know how crucial it is that we do our part to help them prepare for disasters of all types." Wal-Mart Senior Manager of Public Affairs Jason Wetzel shared that while disasters may not always be expected, the company’s commitment to helping customers is certain. "Sam Walton believed retailers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to serve their community beyond the four walls of a store. No one knows when disaster will strike. But through planning and partnerships - such as this one with Homeland Security and KRF - we can prepare for the unthinkable. It's part of Wal-Mart's commitment to the community: working hard to ensure our customers and neighbors live better lives." In addition, Anthony Francis, District Manager with CVS Caremark added that the partnership solidifies the company’s existing policies. "Our company's vision is to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives," said Francis. "We are proud to stand up and support our community with this important project. While we cannot stop disaster from striking, we know that proper planning is the key to disaster recovery and we are committed to helping our customers prepare." For information on steps your family can take to ensure they are prepared for all types of disasters please visit www.ProtectYourFamily.ky.gov. ____________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE October 18, 2007 CONTACT: Laura Shelton Goins 502.875.1444, lgoins@kyretail.com Cunningham honored by Kentucky Retail Federation
"It is my honor to recognize a man who has served this industry and this state with distinction," Norris said. "Throughout his career, George Cunningham has followed one simple motto: ‘If you do not serve the public your business will not succeed.’ A measure of his success is proof that George Cunningham lives up to this motto." Cunningham attended military school and Centre College, then served his nation honorably in World War II and was later reactivated during the Korean War. He has been married to his wife, Gladys, for 53 years. They have a son, Jim, and tragically lost another son, Joe, in 1975. Like many of the state’s retail entrepreneurs, Cunningham got started in retail because he saw a need within his community and an opportunity to provide for his family. In George Cunningham’s case, it was the need for a can of soup. He had gone to a neighborhood grocery to buy a can of pea soup for his mother. The store had none and he thought they should. The store was for sale, so Cunningham bought it. From that point on, pea soup was always available. In 1951, back from Korea, he bought a local hardware store that was founded around 1900. Eighteen years later, he moved to a larger location just around the corner to Main Street because of the better location and more space. But George Cunningham still wasn’t satisfied. In an interview about the new location, he told The Danville Advocate, "My dream is to open up a bigger, more beautiful store." And George did in the late 1980s when he moved to the current location of Ace Hardware & Appliances. After 41 years in the hardware business, he sold part interest in the store to two long-time employees, Billy Mills and Billy Dean Taylor. A recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award from the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, George Cunningham has a long history of community and civic involvement. He has served as president of the board of Pioneer Vocational-Industrial Services, the Danville Salvation Army and Junior Achievement. George Cunningham is a longtime member of the Danville Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2007. George also served on the former Danville City Council and in 1980 was elected to the Danville City Commission, serving in that position for more than 20 years. He currently serves on Board of Directors of the Kentucky Trust Co. George has served on the Kentucky Retail Federation Board of Directors since 1988 and is a past chairman. Ace Hardware has been a member of the Federation for more than 40 years. "Throughout his life and career, George Cunningham has proven that by combining customer service, merchandising expertise and commitment to community, you can build a strong, successful retail business ," KRF President Jan Gould added. "He is truly a leader in this industry." In addition to the award, Gould presented Cunningham with a $1,000 contribution from the Kentucky Retail Federation Insurance Agency to the charity of Cunningham’s choice. Recipients of the award must be associated with an active KRF member company, sustain active membership for at least 25 years, demonstrate extraordinary service to KRF and provide leadership within the state’s retail industry. |
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 The Voice of Retailing in Kentucky |
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Members of the partnership, including Lowe’s President and Chief Operating Officer Larry Stone also expressed their enthusiasm for the joint venture. 
Frankfort – Danville businessman George Cunningham has been named this year’s recipient of the Kentucky Retail Federation’s (KRF) Lifetime Achievement Award.