NRF also takes a prominent role in educating members of the press about the retail industry, as a source for unbiased statistics and expert analysis on key issues of concern to the retail industry. You will frequently see NRF experts quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, and on network and leading cable television and radio news programs.

Within the industry, NRF conferences bring together the top minds and leading companies for timely educational workshops, prominent speakers and access to cutting-edge vendors. The NRF Annual Convention & EXPO — Retail's BIG Show, is the premiere gathering for the retail industry, drawing over 12,000 insiders to New York City every January. NRF also hosts annual conferences honing in on specific fields, including retail advertising, loss prevention, internal audit, employment law, finance, customer relationship management, government affairs and information technology.

Membership in NRF is open to both large and small retailers alike; in fact, there's a place here for virtually all of the businesses and formats within the retail realm. Online retailers and traditional retailers with an online presence will find a valuable partner in Shop.org, NRF's division for online retailers. The National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR) offers advocacy, public relations and educational conferencing for members of the chain restaurant community. The Retail Advertising and Marketing Association (RAMA) is dedicated to helping retail marketing professionals advance in their careers. And the Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) works to enhance a retailer's ability to develop store level business solutions and provides industry standards designed to improve efficiency while lowering costs.

In addition to this website, NRF keeps members current on the latest industry news through its monthly STORES Magazine, numerous newsletters, members-only mailings, and offers free subscriptions to several electronic publications.

Many of NRF's most important activities occur "behind the scenes," where the foundation is set for major industry initiatives, information is exchanged and networks established. Specialized NRF committees enable retailers to take an active role in formulating NRF positions and actions, and providing a forum for communication on vital topics. I hope you will consider participating in one of these forums.

NRF is also committed to addressing the needs of the industry through the NRF Foundation, the research and education arm of the National Retail Federation. This non-profit foundation conducts industry research, develops education and workforce development programs, and promotes retailing as a career destination.