November 2025

Prepared and Distributed by The Midwest Hardware Association, Inc.
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MHA would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!


Best of luck with your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday sales!

Minnesota Paid Leave

Notify Employees by December 1, 2025

What is it? Paid Leave is a new program launching for Minnesotans in 2026. It provides paid time off when a serious health condition prevents your employee from working, when your employee needs time to care for a family member or a new child, for certain military related events or for certain personal safety issues.


Notify Employees by December 1st, 2025

Employers must notify their employees about Paid Leave by informing employees individually and by hanging a workplace poster.


Read the full article here

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The Penny Shortage

As of the writing of this article, we are beginning to receive member questions regarding the penny shortage and what can be done about it. Below is a link to a recent article from the American Bankers Association on this topic that you may find of interest. Once we receive official government guidance on the penny shortage, we will pass along guidance to you in future eHELPS newsletters. Thank you!


Read the ABA article here

MHA/RFS Payroll Service

Running a business is demanding. Payroll shouldn’t slow you down.


With our team, you get accurate payroll processing, expert tax management, transparent pricing, and real support from real people—not a call center. We keep your payroll compliant, on time, and effortless, whether you have 1 employee or 500.


We proudly serve all types of businesses—retail, healthcare, construction, hospitality, professional services, nonprofits, and more. No matter your industry, we deliver reliable, stress-free payroll solutions that let you focus on growing your business.


Ready to take payroll off your plate and reclaim your valuable time?


Contact Lead Payroll Specialist Tina Marchel at tinam@midwesthare.com or call 715-254-9604 today!


Already a client? Love our services? Refer us to your friends, colleagues, or neighboring businesses! We’re always ready to help more employers simplify payroll and save time.


Learn more here!

Sales Trends August 2025

Here are the most recent Illinois, Minnesota-Dakotas, and Wisconsin hardware store sales trends, gathered from association members using the MHA's monthly accounting services. The figures derived for each region include sales data from the following number of stores:


Illinois - 14 stores

Minn.-Dakotas - 33 stores

Wisconsin - 45 stores

Calendar of Events



Ace Spring Convention

February 24 - 26, 2026 in Louisville, KY


Do it Best / True Value Spring Market

March 6 - 8, 2026 in Denver, CO


Orgill Spring Market

February 5 - 7, 2026 in Orlando, FL