For Immediate Release
June 25, 2002

LANSING — The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is seeking nominations for its Fifth Annual Michigan Retailer of the Year Awards.

The awards honor Michigan retailers who make a significant positive impact in their communities through their support of civic, charitable and volunteer programs.

"A recent MRA survey showed that 97 percent of retailers give money, merchandise or time to community organizations," said MRA Chairman and CEO Larry Meyer. "These awards recognize retailers who make the most outstanding and innovative contributions."

The program is cosponsored by Michigan Newspapers Inc., the marketing arm of the Michigan Press Association, representing 300 daily and weekly newspapers; and Michigan Talk Radio Network, which provides programming to 28 talk radio stations around the state.

Awards will be presented in three categories -- small, medium and large -- based on annual sales volume. Recipients will be selected by a panel composed of representatives from business, higher education, the news media, state government and charitable organizations. An awards luncheon will be held October 15 in Lansing.

Anyone may nominate a business for 2002 Michigan Retailer of the Year. Retailers also may nominate themselves for the award. Previous nominees who did not receive an award may be nominated again.

Nominations must be received by August 2. For more information or to request a nomination form, contact MRA's Retha Lachance, 800.366.3699 or rlachance@retailers.com. Nominations may also be submitted through MRA's website, www.retailers.com.

The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation's largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers. MRA's more than 5,500 retail business members operate more than 12,000 stores across the state.

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