CHICAGO, June 28, 2011 – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will have the full support of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association as he signs into law a sweeping reform of the Illinois’ workers’ compensation reform system. Read More »

CHICAGO, March 18, 2011 – IRMA, along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, are promoting a new website dedicated to connecting former Amazon.com and Overstock.com affiliates with other brick-and-mortar retailers eager to win their business.

After Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law requiring Amazon, Overstock and other out-of-state online retailers to collect sales taxes, the companies said they would stop accepting referrals from, or paying commissions to, Illinois businesses.

The website – www.standwithmainstreet.com – is hosted by the Alliance for Main Street Fairness and serves as a clearinghouse to bring these retailers and affiliates together.

“By using this website, affiliates who were left out in the cold by Amazon and Overstock can find retailers who want their business, while ensuring a smooth transition for consumers and businesses alike,” said IRMA President & CEO David F. Vite.

Major Illinois retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Sears, Home Depot and Wal-Mart have stepped up and demonstrated a commitment to the viability of the state’s economy by offering to work with these affiliates. Affiliates that sign up online will be contacted by the companies participating in the project and will have the opportunity to explore relationships with several new business partners.

“We are pleased to collaborate with IRMA and the Alliance for Main Street Fairness in providing Illinois affiliates with this opportunity to easily connect with retailers to keep their business growing,” said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “This program demonstrates the commitment by brick-and-mortar retailers and the Quinn Administration to ensure tax fairness and provide consumers with the best options available as we work to create jobs and revitalize the state’s economy.”

Gov. Quinn recently signed legislation dubbed the “E-Fairness Law” correcting a long-standing problem where out-of-state businesses were skipping out on collecting sales tax on purchase made online by Illinois residents. The law levels the playing field by protecting taxpayers, ensuring state government collects the tax revenue it deserves and helps strengthen the economy and protect and create jobs.