The National Retail Federation is recognizing Alabama Retail Association Chairman Ricky Bromberg, president of Bromberg and Co. in Birmingham, and board member Terry Shea, co-owner of Wrapsody in Hoover and Auburn, for their contributions to advocacy.

Terry Shea testifies before the U.S. House Small Business Committee. (National Retail Federation)

They are among “America’s Retail Champions.” Bromberg and Shea flew to Washington, D.C., this week to take part in NRF’s Retail Advocate’s Summit.

The America’s Retail Champions program, now in its third year, honors retailers who make their mark on public policy debates affecting the industry. Bromberg and Shea are among 41 small business retailers throughout the country to be named as a 2016 champion, and are in the running to be named as a finalist and honored as the America’s Retail Champion of the Year.

“Through the America’s Retail Champions program, the National Retail Federation is proud to host hardworking small business owners in Washington, D.C., to recognize our industry’s most engaged retail advocates,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “These men and women truly personify the American dream, and it is important that Washington lawmakers hear firsthand from retail job and opportunity creators in towns large and small across the country.”

In 2015, George Wilder, Alabama Retail immediate past-chairman, was named a Top 5 finalist for America’s Retail Champion of the Year. Wilder, owner of the Locker Room in Montgomery and Auburn, and another member of the Alabama Retail Association executive committee will travel with Bromberg and Shea to Washington from May 23 to May 25.

Members and staff of the Alabama Retail Association will meet with the Alabama congressional delegation over two days.