NRF recognizes top small retail exec

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has named Gary Cammack, owner of Cammack Ranch Supply in Union Center, South Dakota, as the 2016 America’s Retail Champion of the Year.



The award was presented Tuesday, May 24, at NRF’s annual Retail Advocates Summit as small retailers from across the country were honored for their advocacy on behalf of the industry while in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress on a variety of public policy issues.



“Gary is a true grassroots advocate and as a leader in the retail industry, he ensures that retail’s voice is heard in a wide range of policy discussions," NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “By staying involved with all levels of government, Gary is helping to advance the public policy agenda for retailers, their employees and customers in communities large and small across America.”



Cammack was selected by a committee of small retailers and state retail association executives from a group of five finalists who also included Ricky Bromberg of Bromberg & Co. Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama; Hillary Feder of Hillary’s in Hopkins, Minnesota; Jeff Joyce of Mieras Family Shoes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Gary Novotny of Gary Michael’s Clothiers in Lincoln, Nebraska.



The America’s Retail Champions program, now in its third year, honors retailers who make their mark on public policy debates affecting the industry. More than 100 retailers, ranging from small and mid-size store owners to online sellers, were nominated based on engagement in public policy discussions on issues ranging from patent reform and online sales tax to data security and workforce issues.



Participants will meet with members of the House and Senate on Capitol Hill Wednesday, May 25, to discuss the retail industry’s public policy agenda and priorities.