Walter Dillon Recognized with Advocate of the Year Award

St. Paul (October 2,2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Walter Dillon, former owner of KKG Kicks, with its Advocate of the Year award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

"Walter Dillon's courage and advocacy efforts have had a profound impact on our state's retail community,” president of the Minnesota Retailers Association Bruce Nustad applauded, “He turned a personal tragedy into a catalyst for positive change. His work will leave a lasting impact on communities, businesses, and future entrepreneurs."

Walter Dillon, the former owner of KKG Kicks, a collectible sneaker store in Little Canada, found himself facing a daunting challenge when his store became a victim of multiple burglaries, including one that occurred during the birth of his son. Faced with these insurmountable circumstances, he made the difficult decision to close his store that was once his dream.

However, Mr. Dillon's resilience and determination shone through as he transformed his adversity into advocacy. He played a pivotal role as a powerful voice speaking out against organized retail theft, sharing his personal experience and insights with the Minnesota legislature. His testimony was instrumental in the passage of the Organized Retail Crime definition Bill in 2023.

Reflecting on his advocacy, Walter Dillon expressed, "It's a dream come true to know that I made a difference in ending Organized Retail Theft. My work is for the next entrepreneur, the next young kid that's going to save a dollar and try to make a difference in their community."

Walter Dillon is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Advocate of the Year award. Eleven other organizations and individuals will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Entrepreneur of the Year, Retail Mentor of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Advocate Partner of the Year, Advocacy Leadership, Community Partner of the Year, Retail Collaboration, Customer Experience, Vendor Partner of the Year, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Dillon will accept the award during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Bloomington. The event features practical, game-changing, cutting-edge retail innovations, strategies, and ideas. Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

Click here to see all the 2023-2024 Minnesota's Retail Champions award winners.

About the Minnesota Retailers Association: The Minnesota Retailers Association promotes, preserves, and enhances the retail industry in Minnesota by taking a leadership position in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members. MnRA also works to enhance the public image of the retail industry by providing information, services and support that adds value to its members. www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631