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Our Mission
The Community Retail Association is a network of Illinois retail business owners working together to insure there is equity and inclusion on a city, state and federal level.Our mission is to organize Retail owners in Illinois to communicate as a united entity. Furthermore, advocate for our retail owners in all aspects including taking action on unjust treatment on our business owners, to organize and mobilize our members when opportunities become available.
Why the Community Retail Association?
For far too long, retail owners have operated on an individual basis when dealing with matters that arise on a city, state or federal level. In most cases, business owners have been ignored or mistreated when addressing concerns dealing with their municipalities. Why does this happen? Sadly, most owners accept the outcome they have been dealt because they simply do not have the time, knowledge, and resources to take action. The Community Retail Association will represent retail owners and can communicate as a united front. In addition, The CRA will build relationships with key individuals, elected officials and organizations that work in the retail sector.
What We Do
The CRA created a platform for its members to address any concern or conflict they are facing via online form submission or calling our CRA phone number to speak with a representative to submit a case. Once the case is submitted it will go to our committee for review.
The CRA also created an Outreach Council comprised of store owners from every aspect of retail including grocery, gas, apparel, beverage, restaurants, tobacco, and communication services. Since each retail category has different needs and concerns, the committee has a representative from all different areas of retail.
After careful review, the committee will determine what is the best action to take.
After careful review, the committee will determine what is the best action to take.
A Dual Purpose Organization
The Community Retail Association has a dual purpose: first to advocate for and represent the interests of the member businesses, and second to cultivate sustainable community – business partnerships such that our member businesses can better integrate into their local communities and have a positive impact
Civic Engagement
We believe that policy and government, particularly local government, play a critically important role in our pursuit of that purpose; the CRA intends to work closely with Elected Officials at all levels to promote and advance sustainable, effective policies.
Lobbyist Representing Us
The CRA has retained a lobbyist to help advocate for our members on all facets pertaining to the retail industry. Whether there is an unjust closure, or a policy the CRA is advocating for, our lobbyist is there to serve as the connecter between members, elected officials, or people of influence in the retail field.
Become a Member
What are the qualifications to join?
*You must own at least one business in the retail sector located in Illinois
*Business must be registered in the state of Illinois through the IL Secretary of State office
*Business must be registered in the state of Illinois through the IL Secretary of State office
What’s included in membership fee?
*Serve as the advocate entity for our members
*Communicate concerns or discrepancies to officials on city, state, and federal level
*Negotiate certain goods for a discounted price
*Consult business owners with growing their business
*Share information about business development opportunities coming from city, state, and federal level
*Organize members only events with key officials that have influence in the retail sector
*Communicate concerns or discrepancies to officials on city, state, and federal level
*Negotiate certain goods for a discounted price
*Consult business owners with growing their business
*Share information about business development opportunities coming from city, state, and federal level
*Organize members only events with key officials that have influence in the retail sector
Meet the CRA Executive Committee
Rush Darwish
Co-Founder and ABPA President
Mohammad Abdullah
CRA Chairman
Rima Sweiss
Chair-Civic Engagement Committee
Soufian abdelkader
CRA Executive Committee
Hussam Zayyad
Treasurer
Saber Sabbah
CRA Executive Committee
Tayseer Doleh
Co-Founder
Ahmad El Khatib-Chair
Community Outreach Committee
Contact Us
If you have questions, reach out to the CRA for answers. We hope you will join our group so we can stand together and advocate for retail owners in Illinois.
Phone-773-648-7800
Email- [email protected]
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Phone-773-648-7800
Email- [email protected]
Phone-773-648-7800
Email- [email protected]
Email- [email protected]
Copyright © 2022 Community Retail Assocation. A division of the Arab-American Business and Professional Association. All rights reserved