Bring In The Customers: Making It Easier for Shoppers to Support Your Small Business
Featuring Guest Speaker from the Michigan Retailers Association
Today’s customers have more choices than ever — and their expectations have changed. From how they discover businesses to how (and where) they shop, small businesses that succeed are the ones that meet customers where they already are and remove friction from the buying experience.
In this practical, idea-packed session, we’ll explore smart, approachable ways to attract and engage customers — both in-person and online — without losing what makes your business uniquely yours. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what it really means to “meet your customers where they are,” and how creating easy, positive experiences can drive growth, loyalty, and long-term success.
Whether you run a storefront, sell online, or do a bit of both, this session is designed to help you create customer-first experiences that make it easier to say “yes” — and keep people coming back.
Manager, Business Development
Burke Sage joined MRA in July 2000, bringing with him nearly a decade of experience in human resources and sales & marketing. Following in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, he owned a small ice cream parlor/coffee shop in the Grand Rapids area for several years. As a Manager of Business Development, his primary responsibilities are outside sales and support, as well as developing and maintaining strong referral/service partner relationships.
Vice President, Communications
Vic Veda joined MRA in 2024, following an extensive background supporting Michigan’s retailers and small businesses through work in marketing and brand consulting. Raised in an entrepreneurial, small-town Michigan household, Vic has deep roots in business, growth strategy, and community engagement. Having worked at a variety of consulting agencies servicing local, regional, national, and global organizations to support their marketing, communications, and brand strategy needs, she’s found that her passion lies most with the retailers and local businesses of the Great Lakes State.
7:45 AM - Networking & Coffee 8:00 - 10:00 AM - Workshop
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce
3rd Floor Learning Lab
Members: $15
Non-Members: $30
Have a login? Login Now
{{vm.loginInfo.errorMessage}}
Create an Account
Forgot your Username or Password?
Register as Guest
Address
Phone
{{slot.Name}}
{{ vm.EventInfo.EventSettings.NoShowPolicy }}