For Immediate Release

January 29, 2007

LANSING - With a record number of scholarships available, the Michigan Retailers Association expects a record number of applications this spring for its annual college scholarship competition.

At least 36 scholarships of $1,000 will be available to MRA members, employees and their children for the 2007-08 academic year. The record number-11 more than last year-reflects the fact that Michigan Retailers Foundation, which funds the scholarship program, recently achieved its fundraising goal of surpassing $1 million in assets.

Legacy scholarships, created in the name of major contributors to the foundation, will be awarded to 10 of the 36 students. New for 2007 is a third Target scholarship, so named because of the contributions of Target Corp. and MRA board member Joe Swanson, mid-Michigan district team leader at Target.

Awards are $1,000 for public and private university and college students and $500 for those attending community college. Recipients are selected for their above-average academic performance and extracurricular activities. Financial need is not a consideration.

Those eligible to apply are high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are dependent sons and daughters of owners or full-time employees of MRA-member businesses. Part-time employees who are full-time students can also apply.

Applications must be submitted to Scholarship Program Administrators by April 2. Students are encouraged to complete the application process online at www.retailers.com (the access code is MIRA). Students may also contact Retha Lachance at 800.366.3699 or rlachance@retailers.com by March 15 to request an application by mail.

MRA's annual scholarship program is funded by interest earned on the assets of Michigan Retailers Foundation.

Retailers are encouraged to consider the foundation in their giving plans. To contribute, contact MRA's Lachance at 800.366.3699. Contributions to the non-profit Michigan Retailers Foundation are tax-deductible.