The Retail Merchants Association is a trade association representing retailers and other businesses in the Central Virginia area. Established August 14, 1907, RMA promotes our business community in Lynchburg and surrounding areas by offering advertising, cost-saving support services, educational opportunities, and sponsorship of cultural activities.

RMA provides legislative representation through our association with the Virginia Retail Merchants Association (VRMA), supporting reasonable and proper laws protecting the interests of member businesses. Special emphasis is directed towards fostering understanding of retailing, free trade, and free enterprise systems in order to provide laws that have a positive impact for business owners. Legislative representation is provided on a local, state and national level.

Membership dues paid to the Association provides administrative costs associated with the Retail Merchants Foundation, which provides annual grant funding to area non-profit organizations focusing on health, handicapped, homelessness, rehabilitation and abuse issues.  By supporting RMA with your membership you are, in effect, making an impact for our citizens needing assistance.

As a member-based organization, we offer....

  • Visability and Web Presence  Website listing of member businesses.  Enhancements available at a nominal cost for members without a web presence.  Gain exposure by partnering with us!
  • Co-Op Advertising  Maximize marketing dollars by parnering with RMA and other businesses.
  • Online Education Portal  Opportunity for employees to improve skills with online courses in Pharmacy, Retail Compliance, Customer Service, Food Safety, Leadership, Loss Prevention, Business Skills, OSHA, Computer Skills, Health Care Waste Protection, and Retail Management.
  • Legislative Advocacy  Member of the VRMA network providing legislative representation impacting business owners.
  • Money-Saving Programs and Support Services Improve your bottom line! (see "Services")
  • Buy Local ~ Join Local Campaign  Join forces as we invest in the community to educate consumers on the importance of buying local.
  • Networking & Workshops  Topics pertinent to business owners and managers.
  • Foundation Grants  Supported by Association membership dues, the Foundation provides annual funding for local non-profits agencies.  Because the Foundation incurs no expense, 100% of every dollar donated to the Foundation is placed back into the community.