Retailer of Year awards turn 10

Ten years ago, Michigan Retailers Association began the Michigan Retailer of the Year awards to honor “the best of the best”—retail businesses that make a significant, positive impact in their communities through involvement in and support of civic, charitable and volunteer programs.

In late June, MRA will begin accepting nominations for this year’s awards. If you own an outstanding community-minded retail business, or know of one, please nominate that business for 2007 Michigan Retailer of the Year.

“In this 10th year, I have no doubt the businesses we honor will be as innovative as they are large-hearted,” said MRA’s Larry Meyer, chairman and CEO. “When retailers apply their creativity and marketing skills to the causes they care about and the communities they support, great things happen.”

The awards are divided into small, medium and large categories. Nomination forms will be mailed to all MRA members. Nominations also will be accepted at MRA’s website, www.retailers.com.

The awards luncheon will be held October 23 in Lansing. Nomination forms will be due September 7, and the nominees will have until September 28 to return their more detailed nominee forms.

Also, MRA will again be recognizing Michigan Centennial Retailers as part of the Retailer of the Year awards program.

Retail businesses that began in 1907 or earlier and have not already been recognized by MRA are eligible for inclusion in this year’s program. See the back of the Retailer of the Year nomination form for the Centennial Retailer form, or nominate a Centennial Retailer online.