MDVA Convention – MDVA hosts an annual convention in August of each year. From 1963 through 2016, conventions were held at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, Michigan. This is our premier event which brings together all segments of our industry for two days of a great combination of work and play. There are as many opportunities to build long lasting business relationships as there are to develop lifelong friendships. Families are not only welcome they are almost required! There are activities for everyone, from golfing on two of the best courses in the state, to the popular MDVA Family Olympics, to the evening entertainment to the longest Candy Line in the land! Every year, MDVA hosts an invited group of legislators and their families to join us. We invite key leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Year after year, we have an excellent group, which has included the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader, and we gather for a very productive meeting to discuss the most critical legislative issues of the day. All of this is packed into two days in some of the most beautiful surroundings in northern Michigan.
MDVA Day At The Capitol – In May of every year, MDVA holds its annual Day at the Captiol. MDVA members begin with Breakfast and a Legislative Briefing Session for a discussion of issues along with MDVA positions and talking points. We discuss strategy and identify legislators that are key to our efforts. MDVA members then deliver the annual MDVA Candy Box to each member of the House of Representatives and Senate and meet with their lawmakers. We finish with a MDVA Luncheon for Legislators where we host 50 to 60 members of the Legislature each year. This event is a key component of our overall legislative advocacy effort.
MDVA Charity Golf Outing – In September of each year, MDVA hosts its Charity Golf Outing in southeast Michigan. MDVA members and sponsors come together for an enjoyable day of golf and camaraderie. We enjoy dinner after with prizes and a discussion of the most pressing legislative issues of the day. This event allows MDVA to make a contribution each year to a local food bank.
MDVA Grass Roots Network – Members contact legislators, send in letters to editors, participate in meetings with legislators, respond to alerts and call to actions.
MDVA Sponsorship Network – Provides opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers to network with wholesalers and vendors through a number of events and activities: Directory advertisements, convention, charity golf, Day at Capitol, Candy Box, candy sample line.
MDVA Directory – MDVA publishes a directory every year that includes our membership rolls – wholesalers, vendors, and associate members – information about our association, our activities and our issues, and information about the Michigan Legislature and administration.