LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: September 2, 2008

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

REP. WUCHNER ADDRESSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES JOINS INDUSTRY LEADERS AT MALL OF AMERICA

Bloomington , Minn. (September 2, 2008) – State Representative Addia K. Wuchner (R-Burlington) met with industry leaders at The Mall of America today to highlight retail as an important catalyst for economic development.

The Mall of America hosted an event designed to bring elected women officials together during the Republican National Convention to highlight the need for partnerships at the local level between the public and private sectors, in pursuit of economic prosperity.  The gathering also featured a fashion show hosted by actress Lisa Rinna, to benefit the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (MCBW).

The event was presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc. (ICSC), the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), and the International Franchise Association.

“It is important to recognize that in the ever changing and complex world of retail real estate, alliances between professional organizations and local government officials are necessary in order for growth and prosperity to occur in our local communities,” said Michael P. Kercheval, ICSC President and CEO.  “Now more than ever, is the time for our industry to give back and for local governments and neighborhoods to come together as partners in the pursuit of economic prosperity.” 

Shopping centers are “ America 's Marketplace,” representing economic growth, environmental responsibility and community strength. Nearly one out of every ten jobs in the United States is shopping-center-related employment and sales at shopping centers raises over $120 billion annually in sales tax revenue for state and local governments.

 “I appreciate the efforts of ICSC's members to invest in our local communities.  It is so important to create arenas of economic development where small business owners and corporations alike can service and giveback to the local constituency,” stated Wuchner.  “We all need to work together to create an environment that fosters sustainability, so that businesses are opening in our community and staying in our community.”

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ICSC

Founded in 1957, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its 75,000 members in the U.S., Canada and more than 80 other countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, lenders, retailers and other professionals as well as academics and public officials. As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world.

NFWL

Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) supports women legislators from all levels of governance.   As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience.

IFA

The International Franchise Association, founded in 1960, is a membership organization of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. IFA represents and protected the interests of the franchise community as well as the American entrepreneurial spirit.