July 6

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Association CEO Announces Retirement

July 6, 2006

Norfolk, VA - After leading the Retail Alliance since 1992, President/CEO Donald Porter has announced his retirement, effective June 2007.

Porter has a long career in the retail industry, with more than 40 years of service on the boards of Retail Alliance and its predecessor organizations. In 1978, while president of the Portsmouth Retail Merchants Association, Porter played a key role in the merger between the Portsmouth and Norfolk Retail Associations. This move set the stage for the current Retail Alliance, which serves all of Hampton Roads.

In 1992, Porter became president of the Retail Alliance, and in 1996, was designated chief executive officer. As president/CEO, Porter oversees retail services such as training and resources for retailers, legislative advocacy on behalf of retailers, and business products, including sales agent for Equifax, check guarantee and pre-employment screening tools.

“Donald has provided Retail Alliance with exceptional leadership that has contributed to our success as an association,” said Chairman of the Board Thomas Vaughan. “His coming retirement means that our board has the challenge of finding a new leader for the Retail Alliance, someone who can carry our association forward as we continue to seek innovative ways to serve retailers and the community.”

Before joining Retail Alliance, Porter operated the Center of Music stores throughout the region. He has also been active in civic affairs for many years. He is past president of Portsmouth Kiwanis, past chairman of the Norfolk and Portsmouth United Way campaigns and past chairman of the Virginia Retail Merchants Association. He currently serves as chairman of Virginia Commerce, an organization that promotes self-insured workman’s compensation throughout Virginia.

The Retail Alliance board of directors has formed a search committee and is currently accepting applications for the position of president/CEO. For more information, contact...

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