For Immediate Release
October 14, 2003

LANSING — Retail businesses in operation for 100 years or more were honored by Michigan’s retail industry during its Retailer of the Year Awards luncheon on October 14 in Lansing.

Recognized as a Michigan Centennial Retailer, and joining 46 others honored since the program was established by the Michigan Retailers Association in 2000, are:
• Smith Floral and Greenhouse, Lansing, Founded 1903
• Herter Music Center, Bay City, 1903
• DuPuis et Fils Jewelers, Jackson, 1903
• Weber’s Floral & Gift, Sault Ste. Marie, 1901
• Ina Store, Inc., Tustin, 1897
• Carlson’s Jewelry & Gifts Inc., Cadillac, 1893
• Johnson’s Studio & Camera, Cheboygan, 1892
• West Branch Flour Mill, West Branch, 1892
• Lokker Rutgers, Holland, 1892
• Newberry News, Newberry,1886
• Sempliner’s Bridal Salon, Bay City, 1873
• Rogers Jewelry, Cheboygan, 1868

"Retail businesses that last 100 years aren’t lucky or simply good—they’re exceptional. They demonstrate excellent customer and community service and deserve statewide recognition," said Larry Meyer, chairman and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association.

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 nearly 6,000 business members operate more than 13,000 stores across the state.