For Immediate Release

August 8 , 2007

The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is searching for Michigan Centennial Retailers—retail businesses that have been in operation for 100 years or more.

As part of the 2007 Michigan Retailer of the Year Awards, MRA will recognize retail businesses that began in 1907 or before. Since 2000, the first year of the program, 80 retailers have been honored.

“For businesses to survive and thrive despite the dramatic changes of the past century is a remarkable achievement,” said MRA Chairman and CEO Larry Meyer. “It’s fitting to celebrate their enduring contributions to their communities in Michigan.”

Michigan Centennial Retailers will be recognized at the Tenth Annual Michigan Retailer of the Year Awards luncheon to be held October 23 in Lansing. The awards honor Michigan retailers who make a significant positive impact in their communities through their support of civic, charitable and volunteer programs.

To notify MRA of a Michigan Centennial Retailer, use the online nomination form available on retailers.com or contact MRA’s Laura Adkins at 800.366.3699 or ladkins@retailers.com.

Nominations must be received by September 28. Eligible retailers will be contacted and asked to provide additional information about the history of their business.

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.