Minnesota Retailers Celebrates Feder, Link and McQuirter As America’s Retail Champions Honorees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 26, 2024

Minnesota Retailers Celebrates Feder, Link and McQuirter As America’s Retail Champions Honorees

Saint Paul, MN –Minnesota Retailers is thrilled to announce that Hillary Feder of Hillary’s (Hopkins, MN), Cherie Link of My Happy Place Boutique (Somerset, WI), and Lonnie McQuirter of 36 Lyn Refuel Station (Minneapolis) have been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as honorees in the prestigious America's Retail Champions program. These outstanding individuals are among an elite group of 45 small retailers being celebrated at the 2024 Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, D.C., this week.

NRF’s America’s Retail Champions program celebrates small retailers who are exceptional advocates for retail and the communities they serve. Hillary, Cherie, and Lonnie were nominated by their peers in Minnesota, interviewed by an NRF selection committee, and selected from hundreds of nominations for this high honor.

Hillary Feder, owner of Hillary’s in Hopkins and past Board Chair of Minnesota Retailers, embodies the spirit of dedication and community engagement. Despite the demands of running her own business, Hillary consistently goes above and beyond to champion the interests of small businesses and retailers across Minnesota. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the association's objectives and fostering collaboration among retailers.

One of Hillary's notable contributions is the development of the "Minnesota's Retail Champions" awards program, which recognizes outstanding retailers, suppliers, advocates, and communities within Minnesota’s retail industry. This program ties industry objectives to recognition, creating a platform to celebrate individuals and communities demonstrating a commitment to retail excellence and advocacy. These awards, presented annually at Retail Rally every October, showcase Hillary's passion for not only advocating for the industry but also recognizing and uplifting others who share her dedication.

Beyond her contributions to the awards program, Hillary actively engages in advocacy efforts at the Minnesota Capitol, testifying on important issues that impact retailers and small businesses. Her deep-rooted commitment to creating positive change and fostering a supportive environment for retailers to thrive is evident in her relentless advocacy work.

Cherie Link, co-owner of My Happy Place Boutique in Somerset, WI, has demonstrated remarkable dedication to fostering community growth and supporting small businesses. While Cherie's boutique is located in Wisconsin, her influence extends deeply into Minnesota, attracting a significant portion of her clientele from across the state line. Cherie has established herself as a cornerstone in her community, earning widespread respect and admiration for her unwavering commitment to mainstreet Somerset and the surrounding area. Through her dedication to creating a vibrant and thriving business environment, Cherie has played a vital role in fostering growth and revitalization in the region.

Cherie's advocacy extends beyond the walls of her boutique and into the heart of her community. Her steadfast support of small businesses has been instrumental in driving local economic development and promoting the unique charm and character of the area. By actively engaging with community members and stakeholders, Cherie has cultivated a sense of belonging and pride, making Somerset a destination of choice for residents and shoppers alike. Cherie's leadership, dedication, and passion for supporting local businesses and fostering community growth make her a true beacon of inspiration and a valued asset to the retail community.

Lonnie McQuirter, past Board Chair of Minnesota Retailers, and owner of 36 Lyn Refuel Station, has been a paragon of leadership and advocacy in the retail industry. Lonnie's unwavering commitment to the retail sector is evident through his proactive engagement on critical issues—from swipe fees to responsible retailing. Whether it's testifying at the Minnesota Capitol, advocating in Washington D.C., or collaborating with organizations like NRF and the National Association of Convenience Stores, Lonnie fearlessly represents the industry's concerns and amplifies the voices of his fellow retailers. His ability to articulate the real-life impacts of legislation on employees and communities resonates with elected officials and underscores the importance of informed decision-making.

Beyond his legislative efforts, Lonnie's dedication extends to grassroots initiatives within his local community of Minneapolis. By bringing people together and leading by example, he fosters collaboration and drives meaningful change. Lonnie's leadership inspires others to action, demonstrating a big-picture mentality and a genuine commitment to improving the retail landscape.

"We are incredibly proud of Hillary, Cherie, and Lonnie for their dedication and achievements," said Bruce Nustad, president of Minnesota Retailers. "Their recognition as America’s Retail Champions is a testament to their hard work, advocacy, and the positive influence they have on their communities. We congratulate each of them on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement."

Join us in celebrating these exceptional retailers and their contributions to our industry. Their recognition at the 2024 Retail Advocates Summit highlights the importance of small retailers in driving economic growth and community development.

Learn more:

Minnesota Retailers - www.mnretail.org
National Retail Federation - www.nrf.com
America’s Retail Champions - https://nrf.com/retail-advocates-summit-2024/americas-retail-champions-2024

Minnesota Retailers represents small, regional, and national retailers across the state, advocating for the industry and promoting retail innovation. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for retailers, partners, employees, consumers, and policymakers. For more information about Minnesota Retailers and our commitment to advancing retail in Minnesota, visit www.mnretail.org.