For Immediate Release

October 11, 2005

LANSING — Ten 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 11
in Lansing.

Recognized as a Michigan Centennial Retailer, and joining 64 others honored since the program was established by the Michigan Retailers Association in 2000, are:

• Raymond Hardware, Port Sanilac – Founded 1850
• Schaefer & Bierlein Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Frankenmuth – Founded 1850
• Graafschap Hardware, Holland – Founded 1860
• Sieb Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Monroe – Founded 1868
• Star of the West Milling Co., Frankenmuth – Founded 1870
• Bond Decorating, Iron Mountain – Founded 1891
• Gilbert Chocolates, Jackson – Founded 1900
• DeVries Jewelry, Grand Rapids – Founded 1901
• A.B. Milkins Co., Wyandotte and Monroe – Founded 1905
• Willi’s Sausage Company, Inc., Frankenmuth – Founded 1905

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