SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) today announced it is endorsing JB Pritzker for governor, citing his record of working to strengthen the retail industry across the state.
“Retail is the state’s largest private employer, serving as the cornerstone of communities large and small. It is also the leading generator of tax revenue for state and local governments – the primary source of funding for the vital services and programs Illinoisans rely on every day. Gov. JB Pritzker understands the importance of retail and has worked in partnership with the industry to grow investment, jobs and opportunity, and we’re proud to endorse him for another term in office,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “Gov. Pritzker has partnered with IRMA to champion an on-going, first-of-its kind promotional program to highlight the work of independent retailers across the state while raising awareness of retail as a viable career path by supporting targeted workforce development initiatives including apprenticeship and scholarship programs. We’ve worked together to preserve SNAP benefits, eliminate grocery and pharmacy deserts and provide tax incentives to upgrade equipment. And his administration has sought balanced solutions to address the unemployment insurance shortfall, while also dedicating resources needed to combat organized retail crime. While we may not always agree, he has demonstrated a consistent willingness to listen and seek compromise where possible – valuable traits for an effective and engaged leader.”
About the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA)
One of the largest state retail organizations in the United States, IRMA serves as the voice of retail and the business community in state government. Founded in 1957, IRMA represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the state, merchants count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois. For more information, visit https://irma.org
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