Retailer of Year
panel of
judges
enjoys tough job
continued from page 1
You’ve read the names and seen the photos of the
Michigan Retailers of the Year. You’ve heard about their generous
contributions of time, money, energy and creative ideas to their communities.
But you may not know much about how each Retailer of the
Year is selected. An inside look at the selection process demonstrates
why this competition, which is getting underway for 2003, is a great experience
for all involved.
“Before I served on this panel, I had no idea how
much retailers were doing in the community—not just the winners but
all the nominees. I can’t believe the fabulous work they’re
doing,” said Brenda Sternquist, a member of the selection panel.
The annual competition was established in 1998 to recognize
retail businesses that make a significant positive impact in their communities
through their involvement in and support of civic, charitable and volunteer
programs.
The competition, sponsored by MRA and co-sponsored by
Michigan Newspapers Inc. and Michigan Talk Radio Network, presents awards
in three categories—small, medium and large—based on the company’s
annual sales volume.
The selection process begins months before the awards
are given in October. In May, members of the selection panel confirm their
participation. The panel is composed of leaders in business, higher education,
the media and charitable organizations.
Members of the selection panel include:
• Nancy Barker, vice president of university relations and
marketing at Northwood University
• Louis Hallacy II of LMH Consulting Services and former longtime
executive director of the Holland Chamber of Commerce
• Sandra Katt, senior development officer at the Van Andel
Institute
• Rick Blanchard, assistant business editor at The Detroit
News
• Claude Martin, the Isadore & Leon Winkelman professor
of retail marketing at University of Michigan’s Business School
• Brenda Sternquist, professor of merchandising management
at Michigan State University
• Dennis Toffolo, Oakland County director of community and
economic development
• David Scott, CEO of Michigan Talk Radio Network
• Mike MacLaren, executive director of the Michigan Press
Association.
“We present our judging panel with quite a task in
evaluating the many excellent nominees,” said MRA CEO and Chairman
Larry Meyer. “They’re a talented group, and we’re fortunate
they are personally invested in making the program a success. They also
provide continuity by returning to the panel each year.”
In late June, members are invited to submit their nominations.
Anyone may nominate a retailer for Michigan Retailer of the Year using
the nomination form. Retailers
also may nominate themselves for the award. Nominations must be submitted
by August 2.
“Retailers who were nominated in previous years but
did not receive an award are encouraged to enter the program again,”
said Meyer. “The number of outstanding nominees always exceeds the
number of awards.”
Nominees are then asked to complete a detailed form, due
by August 30 this year. The form poses 10 questions that help the selection
panel make its choices. Nominees describe in detail their company’s
overall community-giving and volunteer activities.
Nominees also submit at least two letters of recommendation
from community leaders attesting to the worthiness of the nominee and
the community impact of the nominees’ work.
The criteria used to select winners have been developed
with care, and emphasize “innovative approaches, positive outcomes
and the number of people helped rather than simply the amount of money
contributed,” said Meyer. “We also look at the ways retailers
encourage employees and others to become involved in community giving
and volunteerism.”
When all materials are received, panel members are sent
copies to review each entrant with a scoring sheet based on the detailed
form.
“Each judge approaches the task in his or her own
way,” said Sandra Katt, who has worked in philanthropy for 25 years.
“I look particularly for the range of people benefited—whether
the program reaches a diverse group of people. I also like to see the
potential for replicating the project in other communities,” she
noted.
David Scott looks for “not just a financial commitment
but a personal commitment to service to the community” as well as
“unique, creative approaches with significant impact.”
The committee then meets in September to share scores,
discuss the reasoning behind them and, finally, select the recipients.
“There is significant discussion at this meeting,
because there are so many great retailers to consider,” said Scott.
“It’s fun, but it can be really tough to choose. By the end
of the meeting, however, there is clear consensus.”
“Frankly, I think most of us would give double prizes
(or more) almost every year,” added Nancy Barker. “But isn’t
that a great problem to have!”
Winners in the three categories will be announced shortly
before an awards luncheon, which will be held in Lansing on October 14.
The event is open to all MRA members; representatives of the groups the
recipients have helped or served, the selection panel, legislative leaders
and the media attend as well.
“The awards luncheon is a very moving experience,”
said Scott. “After reading the entrants’ materials, it’s
quite emotional and uplifting to meet and talk with the winners and the
people they’ve helped.”
“We don’t hear enough good news stories like
this one,” Scott said.
All the panel members say they feel honored to be a part
of the annual competition. “Judging the field each year absolutely
renews one’s faith in human nature,” said Barker.
Dennis Toffolo, panelist and former president of Hudson’s,
concurs. “Having been a retailer myself for 28 years, I feel tremendous
pride in our retail community as I work on this committee. I want retailers
to know, we really appreciate what you’re giving back to your communities.”
In less than four months, the 2003 Retailer of the Year
will be announced.
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