The Retail Merchants Association (RMA) is your local trade association dedicated to promoting locally owned retail establishments and service providers in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Nelson and Appomattox.

Membership can improve your bottom line through Money Saving Programs and Support Services, offered locally and in collaboration with VRMA

Many studies have been conducted about buying local and we want to make this point: Local economies are the essence of America and the world over... How many of you like to visit a farmers market? The fresh produce at these markets, in most cases are grown locally and is always the freshest produce you can buy.
http://www.localproud.com/main.php

Isn't it time we as consumers take a stand a truly support locally owned businesses? That's what RMA is about... supporting local communities, living locally, buying locally, referring locally to help sustain our great way of life and our freedom.  PARTNER WITH RMA TO ENHANCE YOUR VISIBILITY, AND PRESERVE THE LIFE, VITALITY, AND UNIQUENESS OF OUR COMMUNITY! 

Does Customer Service Matter?
You tell us.  How good do you feel when you walk into a store and the employees welcome you and call you by your name? 

Want something that isn't in stock? Quite frequently it can be ordered and in the store within days. 

Is your non-profit hosting an event and you need sponsorships?  When you approach a local business, you go right to the source!  No need to place a request and wait for corporate headquarters to review it and make a decision.

That, along with excellent customer service, is just a sample of the service you get when you frequent local businesses.

Should You or Shouldn't You?
Understand that we are not against nationally owned stores.  They also add to a community, supplying jobs, hiring local people and paying taxes.  We are only asking our consumers to be aware of their spending habits, and make a conscious effort to shift a portion of their normal spending to locally owned businesses.  It won�t take long before you find yourself looking for the independent businesses that make our community truly unique.  You�ll be amazed at the resources you find.