Florida Retailer Lisa Mergel of Kanvas Beauty Selected as National Retail Champion
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: September 6, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Tallahassee-based retailer and FRF board member Mergel selected as 2018 America’s Retail Champion of the Year by the National Retail Federation
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) today announced that one its board members Lisa Mergel, owner of Kanvas Beauty in Tallahassee, was named the 2018 America’s Retail Champion of the Year in a ceremony held last night in Washington D.C. Mergel was chosen from a group of finalists and received the prestigious award in front of hundreds during an event hosted by FRF’s national partners at the National Retail Federation.
“We are extremely proud but not surprised that the winner came from Florida, and there’s no one more representative of the incredible and dedicated retail employees in our state than Lisa Mergel and Kanvas Beauty,” said FRF President & CEO R. Scott Shalley (pictured left with Ms. Mergel at the NRF ceremony). “Lisa’s commitment to her community, her customers and her industry are just some of the reasons she was selected for this prestigious award and we’re honored to have her as a board member and a leader of Florida’s retail industry.”
Mergel is the owner of Kanvas Beauty, a boutique day spa and beauty products store in Tallahassee that she opened in 2007. The business has ten employees and offers an internship program for Florida State University students studying retail business and merchandising.
Mergel, who was recognized as FRF’s Florida Retailer of the Year in 2016 and is a member of the organization’s Beauty Industry Council, was selected from a group of five finalists who included Sean Brownlee of Ravenox, a rope manufacturer and retailer in Burlington, N.C.; Tom Largay of Old Port Cards in Portland, Maine; Nicole Panettieri of The Brass Owl boutique in New York City; and Linda Taylor of VK Electronics in McCook, Neb.
Mergel, a career-long retailer, began her career working for major retail brands in New York before moving to Florida and opening Kanvas which is a unique concept of a world class day spa and specialty boutique. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers her time at one of many local civic organizations and mentoring retail merchandising students from Florida State University.
The America’s Retail Champions program, now in its fifth year, honors retailers who make their mark on public policy debates affecting the industry. Over 40 retailers from across the nation ranging from online sellers to small and mid-size store owners were nominated by state retail associations and their peers based on engagement in public policy discussions at the local, state and national level.
Participants will meet with members of the House and Senate on Capitol Hill today to discuss the retail industry’s public policy agenda and priorities.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses George Gainer in Senate District 2
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: August 14, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Small business owner and incumbent Gainer has been a friend of retailing during his time in the Senate, and is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of incumbent George Gainer for the Florida Senate. Gainer, a Republican, is running for Senate District 2 encompassing Bay, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, Washington, and part of Okaloosa counties.
“Senator Gainer’s knowledge of what it takes to run a small business as well as his support for retailers during his time in the Senate are just two reasons we’ve chosen to endorse his campaign,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We look forward to him continuing to work in support of Florida’s business community and the retail industry in his return to the Florida Senate.”
Gainer previously served as a Bay County commissioner, representing Tyndall AFB and other parts of southern Bay County, from 1968-1972 and again from 2002-2016. Senator Gainer was elected to the Florida Senate with no opposition in November 2016. In addition to his responsibilities in the Senate, Senator Gainer serves on various community boards and organizations.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.
Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses Dana Young in Senate District 18
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: July 2, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Young has supported retail-related legislation during her time in Senate, and is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of incumbent Dana Young for the Florida Senate. Young, a Republican, is running for re-election in Senate District 18 which stretches from South Tampa to northwest Hillsborough County.
“Senator Young has supported and sponsored legislation that has helped to modernize the retail industry in Florida,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We’re proud to support her campaign and look forward to working with her on additional ways to help Sunshine State retailers in her return to the Senate.”
Young, an attorney, is a sixth-generation Floridian and continued her proud family tradition of public service when she was elected to the House in 2010, and then elected to the Senate in 2016. During her legislative career in the House, she served as Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Deputy Majority Leader, as well as Chairman of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation. As a Senator, she Chairs the Health Policy Committee, and is a member of the Commerce & Tourism, Communications, Energy & Public Utilities and Regulated Industries committees.
Sen. Young has worked tirelessly to pass legislation aimed at creating an exceptional business climate and a world class quality of life for Floridians.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses Retailer Marc Vann for Florida House District 10
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: May 30, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Vann owns a 3rd generation small retail business and has served his community in a number of different roles, and is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of retailer Marc Vann for the Florida House of Representatives. Vann, a Republican, is running for election in House District 10 which covers Baker, Columbia, Hamilton and Suwannee counties as well as a portion of northwestern Alachua.
"As a small business owner whose store has been serving its customers for more than 70 years, Marc knows what it takes to successfully run and maintain a retail business, and will do his part to help other retailers like him,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Marc has the experience and knowledge to make a difference in the Florida House for Sunshine State retailers.”
Vann’s family business, Vann Carpet One, has been operating since 1947, which he currently runs with his brother Paul. He has a long history of community service in Lake City, Columbia County and the greater Suwannee Valley including service on the Lake Shore Hospital Authority, board member for the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Columbia County Economic Development Advisory Board and is a 35-year member of the Kiwanis Club.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
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Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses Kelli Stargel in Senate District 22
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: June 18, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Small business owner Stargel has helped pass legislation aimed at strengthening Florida’s retail industry and is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of incumbent Kelli Stargel for the Florida Senate. Stargel, a Republican, is running for election in Senate District 22 which encompasses most of Polk County and south Lake County.
"In her role as Senate Finance & Tax Chair this past year, Senator Stargel showed continued leadership in her support of Florida’s retailers by including in the tax package a reduction in the business rent tax and multiple sales tax holidays,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We’re thankful for her partnership in ensuring the growth of the retail industry, and look forward to finding new ways to support the industry when she returns to the Senate.”
Senator Stargel works as the investment property manager for her family-owned small business in Lakeland. She is Chair of the Finance & Tax Committee, Vice Chair of Health and Human Services Appropriation Committee and has served as Chair of the Higher Education Committee, the Regulated Industries Committee and is the Deputy Majority Leader. She previously served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives and was elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.
Senator Stargel has received a number of awards from various organizations over her time in the Legislature including the Foundation for Florida’s Future A+ Award and the Florida Farm Bureau Champion for Agriculture Award among others. In 2017, she was honored to be the Children’s Home Society Legislator of the Year and the Florida Realtors Legislative Champion. Senator Stargel chairs the Public Service Commission Nominating Council and is an appointee to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses Will Robinson for Florida House District 71
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: May 31, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Robinson, a lawyer and community leader, and whose family successfully started and then grew an expansive retail business, is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of Will Robinson for the Florida House of Representatives. Robinson, a Republican, is running for election in House District 71 which covers coastal Manatee County and a northern portion of the Sarasota County coast.
"Will’s family is a great American success story of starting and then expanding a retail business, and his experience in retailing, law and his passion for Florida and making the state more business-friendly will help strengthen our industry,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We look forward to Will’s impact as a member of the Florida House.”
Robinson is a 3rd-generation Bradentonian and partner of the Blalock Walters law firm where he focuses on real estate law. Will has deep family roots in Manatee County. Robinson’s uncle and grandfather started Robby’s Sporting Goods, which grew to nearly 50 locations throughout the South. The family retail business was purchased by Woolworth’s in 1988 and eventually merged with Champs Sports.
Robinson is a Governor Rick Scott appointee of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission, member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Board of Governors. Robinson was also the past chair of both Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee and the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses Ed Hooper in Senate District 16
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: July 5, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Former Representative Hooper has focused on supporting legislation that created jobs and enhanced Florida’s economic climate, and is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of Ed Hooper for the Florida Senate. Hooper, a Republican and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, is running for Senate District 16 which covers Pinellas County and western Pasco County.
“As a member of the House, Representative Hooper supported legislation that enhanced Florida’s job creation efforts, including our retail industry,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “As a Senator, we know he’ll continue this effort and work towards ways to make Florida the best state for business.”
Hooper is a retired firefighter after serving for 28 years, a government and community relations consultant and a legislative and community leader. As a legislator, he’s focused on reducing taxes and ensuring Florida has the right economic environment for small businesses to flourish. As a State Representative, he was named Deputy Majority Whip, and has helped secure billions of dollars in tax relief for Florida’s working families.
His community involvement includes being a Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Board member, a founding member of the Florida Firefighter Caucus and has received awards from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Florida Sheriffs Association and was named the Professional Firefighter of the Year by the Governor, State Fire Marshal and Florida Cabinet.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
Florida Retail Federation PAC Endorses Rebekah Bydlak in House District 1
Written by FRFFor Immediate Release: July 12, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Bydlak has focused her career on ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting Florida families, and is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of Rebekah Bydlak for the Florida House. Bydlak, a Republican, is running for House District 1 which covers parts of Escambia County.
“Rebekah is a successful and energetic candidate who has had the best interests of Floridians and business owners in mind during her professional career,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Living on the Florida border, she knows firsthand how unnecessary taxes like the business rent tax have hurt Florida businesses and forced others to start somewhere else. Her fresh ideas and desire to make Florida the best place to live and work will be a big benefit to retailers when she’s a member of the Florida House.”
Born and raised in Northwest Florida, Rebekah serves as the Executive Director of the Coalition to Reduce Spending which fights for lower spending, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional government. She attended Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida (UWF) and holds a master’s degree in political science and public administration from UWF.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
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