The world’s largest retail trade association has recognized Tina Wilcoxson, who owns Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport, as one of “America’s Retail Champions.” Wilcoxson is one of three Maine business owners to win the distinction from the National Retail Federation for her “advocacy and engagement” on behalf of the retail industry.

She is now in the running to be named “America’s Retail Champion of the Year.” The awards ceremony takes place July 28-29 in Washington, D.C. Retail champions “are Main Street business owners who are strong industry advocates at all levels of government,” according to the federation. “The program brings up to 50 small U.S. retailers to Washington, D.C., where they share their stories with members of Congress.”

Wilcoxson, who lives in Cumberland with her husband, Todd, employs 22 people at Royal River Natural Foods, located at 443 U.S. Route 1. She grew on a potato farm in Limestone, and aside from a year in New Mexico, has lived in Maine her entire life.

She believes in the products available at Royal River Natural Foods.

“Luckily for me, I have access to local and organic foods all day every day and my husband loves to cook, so we eat very well,” Wilcoxson said.

Wilcoxson answered questions regarding her advocacy for the business, and the retail industry itself, for Tri-Town Weekly

Q: How long have you owned Royal River Natural Foods? What prompted you to begin this business

A: Royal River has been in business for 21 years and I have been here for 19. I think I have done every job there is to be done here beginning as the body-care buyer and ending as the owner. I became the owner two years ago and it felt very much like taking over the family business. When I made the purchase, the previous owner’s son congratulated me and said, “It is nice to know it is staying in the family.” I know Ruth Finch began the business so she could provide her family and the community with good organic and local food and I feel the same way. After growing up in a farming town, I also love working with local farmers, it keeps me connected to my roots.

Q: How important is it for people to eat natural foods? Is this a growing phenomenon?

A: I think eating a healthy diet (along with exercise) is the most important thing we can do for our long-term health and happiness. And, eating organically is not only good for us, but the planet, our water supply, the bees – the list goes on. I think people are more aware perhaps but they also have a lot more choices. It would have been difficult to purchase organic and local foods 30 years ago unless you were growing your own or were lucky enough to live in a community with organic farms.

Q: How have you been a strong retail industry advocate, and at what level of government?

A: I have been actively involved as a board member of the Retail Association of Maine for seven years and am currently the board chair. As a business owner and a member, I have testified at state hearings regarding issues pertinent to business and I have also been to D.C. to meet with our elected officials regarding issues around debit card fees and the Affordable Care Act. I will be going to Washington again this month along with fellow business owners to meet with our senators and representatives.

Q: What are the top issues confronting retailers?

A: There are many issues right now ranging from town matters on minimum wage or bag fees to national issues like E Fairness. All brick-and-mortar stores must collect sales tax and online businesses are not under this obligation. We are hoping to get a bill passed through Congress to even the playing field. Many retailers I know provide excellent customer service to patrons only to have the sale lost to an online merchant to avoid sales tax. This is just not right.

Q: How do you think Maine is doing regarding support of the retail industry?

A: Maine can be a challenging place to do business. While there has been some progress made on issues like lowering the income tax, there continues to be efforts to raise and expand sales taxes. Municipalities are starting to address issues at the local level that traditionally have been addressed at the state level. Since small retailers provide the most jobs in Maine, we do have a voice. Getting involved in local chambers or state organizations like RAM is important, if for no other reason than to be informed about changes to laws regarding your business.

Q: What about Freeport? How helpful are the organizations that are in place?

A: I think both the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce and Freeport Economic Development Corp. do a good job of keeping businesses informed. I am a member of the Freeport chamber but am not as active as I should be because of my duties as board chair of RAM but I do read and look forward to the newsletters and emails. I recently received a call from Freeport Economic Development Corp. with questions regarding the proposed bag fees in Freeport and also with questions in helping a local egg farmer get licensed. I think they probably do a little bit of everything and do it well.

Tina Wilcoxson