For Immediate Release

July 26, 2007

The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is seeking nominations for its 10th annual Michigan Retailer of the Year Awards, which honor the retail businesses that make the most outstanding contributions to their local communities. In conjunction with the awards, the Association for the first time also will recognize Michigan retail businesses helping the larger community by taking steps to combat global warming.

Each year MRA selects a Michigan Retailer of the Year in the small, medium and large retailer categories, honoring those who make a significant positive impact in their communities through their support of civic, charitable and volunteer programs.

This year, recognition also will be given to all “Greentailers”—retail businesses that take actions, small or large, to reduce the use of energy produced by oil, gas, coal and other carbon-based fossil fuels.

The awards are cosponsored by the Michigan Press Association, the non-profit organization that represents approximately 300 daily and weekly newspapers.

Recipients of the Michigan Retailer of the Year Awards will be selected by a panel composed of representatives from business, higher education, the news media, government and charitable organizations. An awards luncheon will be held October 23 in Lansing.

Anyone may nominate a retail business for 2007 Michigan Retailer of the Year and notify MRA of a retailer working to protect the environment against global warming. Nominations may be submitted through MRA’s website, www.retailers.com, and must be received by September 7. For more information or to request a nomination form, contact MRA’s Laura Adkins at 800.366.3699 or ladkins@retailers.com.

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 5,500 retail business members operate more than 12,000 stores across the state.