Maine's retail businesses are facing more competition and greater challenges today than ever before. In such an environment, it is essential to have an advocate to ward off burdensome laws and regulations that add to the cost and reduce business efficiency. Maine's retailers also need a source for products and services, at affordable prices, that all businesses require. The Retail Association of Maine represents the retail merchant industry before elected officials for policy and voting decisions. We are on the front lines of issues that directly affect your bottom line: wage and hour issues, swipe fees, gift cards, worker's compensation costs, employee benefits, health care costs, taxes and more. Our lobbying and issue education efforts play an integral role in the democratic process and ensure sound policy decisions. We use our strength in membership to negotiate services for retailers that may not be available to businesses individually. The services we offer have been developed in response to member needs and requests. We strive to improve a business's bottom line by offering money-saving services of value to any business. We also help educate our members through a variety of events targeted to merchants.