For Immediate Release

October 10, 2006

LANSING - Five 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 10
in Lansing.

Recognized as a Michigan Centennial Retailer, and joining 75 others honored since the program was established by the Michigan Retailers Association in 2000, are:
• Chris Engel Greenhouses, Detroit - Founded 1883
• Mapes Furniture Company, Sunfield - Founded 1892
• Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, Frankenmuth - Founded 1894
• G.B. Russo & Son International Grocery, Grand Rapids - Founded 1905
• Frankenmuth News, Frankenmuth - Founded 1906

“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.