The House Resolution commemorates the 115th anniversary of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA), which was originally established in 1910 as the Detroit Retail Meat Merchants. Over the years, MIRA has expanded its membership to include various retail sectors such as convenience stores, petroleum stations, and automobile service stations. Following a series of mergers with similar organizations, it adopted its current name in 2019 and now represents thousands of independent retailers across multiple states in the Midwest.
MIRA is dedicated to supporting small, independent businesses through its seven pillars of service, which include business support, government relations, vendor programs, compliance, networking, community outreach, and the Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation. The association plays a vital role in local communities by providing essential goods and services, creating jobs, and contributing to local and state tax revenues. The resolution acknowledges the significant impact MIRA has had over the past 115 years and celebrates its ongoing commitment to the interests of independent retailers and their communities.