HR0595 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0595 LRB096 14215 KXB 29011 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, The Illinois Retail Merchants Association will honor Uncle Dan's the Great Outdoor Store, Chicago, as its 2009 Illinois Retailer of the Year; the annual award is given to a retailer who is not only successful in business, but committed to community and civic affairs and respected by others in the industry; and

WHEREAS, Chicago-based outdoors retailer Uncle Dan's meets that criteria through its stellar customer service, commitment to the retail industry, dedication to the environment and generosity to its communities; the business started in 1972 when two teenagers took over their uncle's dry goods store and opened a 900-square-foot Army-Navy store located on Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago's Hollywood Park neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Now known as Uncle Dan's the Great Outdoor Store, the business has grown to four locations and has become one of the Midwest's leaders in adventure gear and apparel; the company specializes in outdoor equipment and clothing for any adventure, selling everything from apparel and camping equipment to bicycle accessories and specialty gear for dogs; it also operates an interactive web site that includes outdoor resources as well as an e-club offering members email notices when new merchandise arrives and advance notice of store sales; and

WHEREAS, The stores are staffed by a diverse group of employees who share a common love of the great outdoors; service is the central focus of the business, and it is shown not only to customers, but the community around it; and

WHEREAS, Since 1972, Uncle Dan's has supported various community groups in myriad ways; the majority of its donations go to the communities in which its employees live and work and to organizations that strive to improve the environment; the company looks for programs promoting health and wellness, youth, the arts, and the environment; and

WHEREAS, Uncle Dan's has been an active member of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association for 29 years, supporting work and activities beneficial to the retail industry throughout the state of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the owners and staff of Uncle Dan's on receiving the 2009 Illinois Retailer of the Year award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the owners of Uncle Dan's as a symbol of our respect and esteem.