Recognizing Advocacy in Action: Sean Brownlee at NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit

Service, Small Business, and Community Resilience

Community service drives the mission of the Community Emergency Response Volunteers of the Monterey Peninsula, and it is central to the leadership of Sean Brownlee, CERV Advisory Board Member and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. In Washington, D.C., Sean joined the National Retail Federation’s Retail Advocates Summit, where small business leaders meet directly with lawmakers to elevate policies that strengthen local economies and resilient communities.

Sean Brownlee at the United States Capitol during NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit

Retail Voices on Capitol Hill

For more than a century, the National Retail Federation has convened retailers of all sizes to advocate for small business growth, job creation, and innovation. The 2022 Summit brought together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to share real-world perspectives on supply chains, workforce development, and the health of Main Street.

As CEO of Ravenox, Sean participates in national advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and small businesses. His engagement in Washington reflects the same values he practices locally with CERV—service, readiness, and long-term community resilience. For a full recap from Sean’s perspective, read the companion article on his official site: Retail Advocacy in Action.

Celebrating Retail Champions

The Summit also spotlights the America’s Retail Champion program, which honors small businesses for year-round advocacy. Congratulations to the 2022 honorees and finalists, including It’s Nola Snacks founder Margaret Barrows, recognized alongside other outstanding leaders shaping the future of retail.

2022 America’s Retail Champion Margaret Barrows of It’s Nola Snacks with NRF’s John Gold

Recognizing Lawmakers who Support Main Street

During the Summit, Sean joined retailers in recognizing members of Congress who champion small business and local jobs. These “Hero of Main Street” acknowledgments highlight bipartisan efforts to keep entrepreneurship strong nationwide.

Presenting a Hero of Main Street Award on Capitol Hill

Recognizing bipartisan support for small business and U.S. manufacturing

How the Retail Experience Educates Policymakers

The Summit’s The Retail Experience showcases retail innovation in technology, workforce development, logistics, and customer experience. The interactive exhibits give lawmakers a practical view of retail’s impact on jobs and local economies.

Ravenox products featured at NRF’s Retail Experience Showcase

Get Involved—Your Voice Matters

Retailers and community leaders are the most effective advocates for local jobs and economic growth. Stay informed, connect with your legislators, invite them to tour your business, and share how policy choices affect your employees and customers. Personal stories move policy forward.

For additional photos and a detailed recap, visit Sean’s official site: Retail Advocacy in Action.