For Immediate Release
July 18, 2005

The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is seeking nominations for its Eighth 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.

"When MRA surveyed Michigan retailers, we found 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 over 30 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 11 in Lansing.

Anyone may nominate a business for 2005 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 12. 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/eduandevents.html.

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