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ROY's 5th birthday cause for celebration by Larry Meyer
ROY turns five this year, and it’s good cause for
celebration. “Cause” is the operative word, because the annual
awards program is all about causes. It recognizes and honors the most
outstanding of the thousands of you who have taken on causes or projects
in your community and worked diligently to make your towns better places
for everyone. “Celebration” is also underlined, because the
program showcases all the extra miles that retailers go in the name of
community service. When we came up with the idea for the awards in 1998,
we could have used financial success or some other economic indicator
as the chief selection criteria. Why didn’t we? Because community
involvement is a hallmark of our industry. It’s rare to find a retailer
who doesn’t sponsor a youth sports team, serve on a community development
board, or donate time, money or merchandise—and frequently all three
- to a worthy local project. Many times, these efforts are taken for granted. That’s
why, as the association of Michigan’s retailers, we wanted to do
something on a statewide stage to focus the spotlight on all the good
that retailers do. We honor the most outstanding as a reminder of what
you’re all doing. Frankly, the stories that have come from all the nominees
- not just the final recipients - the past four years have been incredible.
In some cases we’re talking lumps in the throat to describe what
they have done. Makes you proud to be part of this industry. Now’s the time to add your story to the list. Nominate an outstanding and deserving retailer - including
yourself - for this year’s awards (one each in the small, medium
and large retailer categories). Use the form you received in the mail,
the one in this month's issue of Michigan Retailer or use the online
form. Go ahead, help us celebrate ROY’s fifth birthday with the best retail presence yet. |
Around headquarters, MRA’s Michigan Retailer of the
Year Awards program is affectionately known by the abbreviation ROY.