Phone-773-648-7800      Email- [email protected]

Our Mission

The Community Retail Association is a network of Illinois retail business owners working together to ensure equity and inclusion at the city, state, and federal levels. Our mission is to organize retail owners in Illinois to communicate as a united entity. We advocate for our members in all aspects, including taking action against unjust treatment of our business owners and mobilizing our members when opportunities arise. Additionally, we consult with store owners on maintaining compliance with regulations and provide strategies to enhance relationships within the neighborhoods they serve, fostering a supportive community that benefits both businesses and residents alike.

Why the Community Retail Association?

The CRA addresses the longstanding communication gap between store owners and city officials, whether due to language barriers or mistrust. We serve as a hub to tackle critical issues that store owners face. For far too long, retail owners have operated individually when dealing with matters at the city, state, or federal level, often experiencing neglect or mistreatment. Many business owners accept these outcomes because they lack the time, knowledge, and resources to take action. Additionally, we consult with store owners on maintaining compliance with regulations and provide strategies to enhance relationships within the neighborhoods they serve, fostering a supportive community that benefits both businesses and residents alike

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.

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.

Consulting Business Owners

We consult with store owners on maintaining compliance with regulations and provide strategies to enhance relationships within the neighborhoods they serve, fostering a sppportive community that benefits both businesses and residents alike

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

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

Meet the CRA Executive Committee

Rush Darwish

Co-Founder and ABPA President

Mohammad Abdullah

CRA Chairman

Hussam Zayyad

Treasurer

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]
Phone-773-648-7800      Email- [email protected]
Phone-773-648-7800
Email- [email protected]
Copyright © 2022 Community Retail Assocation. A division of the Arab-American Business and Professional Association. All rights reserved

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