APRIL 13, 2007

Secretary Land gives first corporate
award for support of organ donation

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today honored Meijer Inc. with Michigan's first corporate Shining Star award for its exceptional commitment to organ donation.

Meijer President Mark Murray accepted the award during a ceremony at the company's store on 28th St. and Cascade in Grand Rapids. It capped a successful weeklong observance spearheaded by Land to promote Michigan's new "Show Us Your Heart" campaign and raise awareness of the critical need for organ donors.

"Michigan is fortunate to have an exemplary corporate citizen like Meijer," Land said. "By encouraging employees to give the gift of life, Meijer offers hope to the more than 3,100 Michigan residents awaiting lifesaving transplants. While the demand for organs still exceeds the supply, Meijer's leadership charts a bright path for the future. I applaud the company for going the extra mile in its commitment to our state."

Meijer created an internal Web page that educates employees about the need for donation and provides a convenient link to Michigan's Organ Donor Registry. Meijer also is taking advantage of other employee communication tools such as newsletters and a companywide letter to heighten awareness.

Murray pointed out that partnerships and community service are ingrained in the company's core values.

"Meijer is a homegrown company that continues to invest in Michigan," Murray said. "But our investment goes beyond bricks and mortar. It's the people who make our company - and state - so special. That's why we're proud to work with Secretary Land to encourage organ donation. It's a compassionate, selfless act that saves lives. Keeping Michigan strong, vibrant and healthy is a goal we all share."

Walker-based Meijer operates more than 170 stores across the Midwest and employs over 30,000 people.

Land created the Shining Star award in 2005 for individuals and organizations such as hospitals and donor groups that excel in promoting donation. She introduced a corporate recognition for Meijer because of its enthusiastic approach to the cause.

The "Show Us Your Heart" campaign asks people to join Michigan's Organ Donor Registry. Go to www.Michigan.gov/organdonation and click on the registry link.

Registrants receive a sticker with a heart logo to affix to the front of their driver's license or state identification card. The sticker signifies a person's wish to be a donor and is an immediate alert to medical personnel or emergency responders. Anyone who signed up prior to Jan. 1 should re-enroll to receive the heart sticker.

Other highlights of the weeklong initiative included Tuesday's "Buddy Day," when nearly 300 Gift of Life and Michigan Eye-Bank volunteers visited more than 130 Secretary of State offices to share their stories about donating and receiving organs.

More than 95,000 Americans require transplants. Unfortunately, many die each day due to the unavailability of organs.

Visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information.