Giving Voice To Indiana Retailers

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INDIANA – Smaller retailers in Indiana need to have more of a voice at the statehouse. That’s the message from the new Executive Director of the Indiana Retail Council.

Melissa Coxey was named to that position earlier this month. She says she has big shoes to fill following the retirement of former executive director Grant Monahan.

Melissa Coxey

“He has done an amazing job telling the story of Indiana retail. We know that there is more of a story to tell. That’s why I would like to reach out across the state to smaller retailers that traditionally have not had a voice at the Statehouse and get them involved in policy in a way they haven’t in the past,” Coxey said to Gerry Dick with Inside Indiana Business.

Coxey says retailers are the top employers in Indiana.

“I think there are so many innovators across the state of Indiana that can be brought to the table to have a voice with respect to their regulation,” Coxey continued.

Coxey used to serve as legal counsel to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. She also used to work at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP Indianapolis and served nearly 10 years as a commissioner and staff attorney at the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. It was her previous work with the council that attracted her to the position.

“One of the things I love about working with Indiana retailers is its the perfect intersection between my professional and personal life. Indiana retailers impact our lives in such a profound way,” Coxey said.

Monahan retired last fall after working with the Indiana Retail Council for the last 40 years. He will still have an advisory role with the council through the summer.