NRF Recognizes Industry Engraver as an ‘America’s Retail Champion’ Honoree

John Morman outside of Celtic Tides

GRAPHICS PRO contributor and industry expert John Morman has been named a 2024 America’s Retail Champion by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Morman and his wife Mary Jo opened Celtic Tides in Lexington Virginia in 2005 and offer a variety of heraldic items including custom engraved gifts. Morman started laser engraving in 2003.

“This is an amazing honor,” said Morman. “To be included amongst some of the most remarkable small business owners in the nation is incredible. I hope to be able to continue to speak out for truly small businesses in the future.  It’s all too easy to overlook the contributions that ‘mom and pop’ businesses contribute to their communities, and I think it’s a privilege to be part of that effort.”

Now in its seventh year, America’s Retail Champion 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.

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. One small retailer will be named the 2024 America’s Retail Champion during NRF’s 2024 Retail Advocates Summit on July 25 in Washington, D.C.

The overwhelming majority of retailers are small businesses, with more than 98% of all retail companies employing fewer than 50 people.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy and are at the heart of every Main Street throughout the country,” stated NRF executive vice president of government relations David French. “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.”

Learn more about the finalists of the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program and see a full list of honorees here.

This year’s America’s Retail Champions program is sponsored by Affirm.