Tampa, FL, July 17, 2024 – Toffee to Go announced today that Co-Founder, Lisa Schalk has been named a 2024 America’s Retail Champion by the National Retail Federation. The program honors small retailers from across the country who speak out on public policy debates affecting the retail industry at the national, state and local levels.
“We are extremely proud of the success we have built over 22 years at Toffee to Go with my Co-Founder and husband Jim Schalk. As part of our responsibility and dedication to small business, we are honored to bring the voice of retail to DC to advocate for policies that affect us all. We share this honor with all those small businesses that dedicate their lives to their communities and work hard to create jobs and great working environments. So proud to be recognized as a National Retail Federation, America’s Retail Champion, ” Lisa Schalk said.
Lisa and Jim will travel to Washington DC to meet with Congressional leaders and to attend NRF’s 2024 Retail Advocates Summit, the retail industry’s premier advocacy event July 25.
Retailers were nominated by state retail associations and their peers based on engagement in public policy discussions. Forty-four retailers from 27 different states were selected as champions for the program and five were named as finalists. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy and are at the heart of every Main Street throughout the country,” NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French said. “The 2024 America’s Retail Champion honorees represent the breadth and depth that the retail industry offers to millions of customers on a daily basis.”
The overwhelming majority of retailers are small businesses, with more than 98 percent of all retail companies employing fewer than 50 people.
This year’s America’s Retail Champions program is sponsored by Affirm, the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth.
Learn more about the finalists of the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program and see a full list of honorees here.
About Toffee to Go
Toffee to Go, founded by Lisa and Jim Schalk, has been delighting customers for over 22 years with their handcrafted toffee. Originating from a cherished family recipe, the business is renowned for its premium ingredients and exceptional quality. Recognized as one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" and a finalist for the National Retail Federation's "America's Retail Champion Award", their gluten-free and Kosher-certified toffee is shipped nationwide. It is a favorite for personal and corporate gifts alike. With a deep love for Tampa Bay, they offer delicious desserts at their retail store Toffee to Go & More. Their mission is to make every day a little sweeter.
About NRF: The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one
in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
Media Contact
Theo Prodromitis
Out Front Brands
813.906.9910
theo@outfrontbrands.com
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