The Retailers Association of Massachusetts

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) is the statewide trade association for retailers, representing stores and restaurants of all types and sizes. It gives members regulatory and policy briefings, money-saving programs and representation on Beacon Hill, with a particular understanding of the challenges facing small businesses. Members also get practical resources such as workplace posters, guidance on wage and hour and child labor laws, energy savings information and a retail holiday schedule.

Organized in 1918, RAM has been the voice of Massachusetts retailing for more than a century and now has about 4,000 members. Jon B. Hurst has led it as president since 1990, and Senior Vice President Bill Rennie heads its government relations work as a registered lobbyist. Member benefits include a workers’ compensation group, a 401(k) plan and trust, an employee handbook and access to National Retail Federation membership.

What to Know

• RAM organized the MA Retail Merchants Workers Compensation Group in 1991.
• Its health insurance cooperative was the first nonprofit small business health cooperative authorized by the state, in 2012.
• The association holds the RAMAE Awards Luncheon, which features a keynote speaker.