WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – After years without an official state proclamation, Governor Rick Snyder has declared September 25 to October 5 Independent Retailers Week. The last governor to sign such proclamation was Gov. William Milliken.

In the proclamation the Snyder stated: "...the Independent Retailers in Michigan have always been dedicated to the public in their delivery of services in the market place throughout the State of Michigan by assuring customer satisfaction, providing food access and gasoline services in many communities and neighborhoods of Michigan that have traditionally been hard pressed to find such necessary services."

Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers (AFPD) members consist of grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores and gas stations. The group represents thousands of independent retailers in Michigan and Ohio, as well as, other Midwest states.

"Small business is the engine that drives the economy,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO of AFPD. “Independent retailers help keep local jobs and local dollars in our community while other corporate businesses send money to other states and other countries. This is also significant because local farmers in Michigan are working with local independent grocers pushing Michigan grown produce.”

That philosophy prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to choose three AFPD members to pilot the Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program where customers earn double the food assistance dollars when they purchase Michigan-grown produce. The Detroit stores are Metro Foodland, Mike's Fresh and Honey Bee Market.

AFPD is also preparing to donate more than 6,000 Turkeys and other items to needy families in Michigan and Ohio. In 32 years, they have donated nearly 70,000 Turkeys in Michigan and Ohio. AFPD works with 100 non-profit agencies to identify families who are in need including Forgotten Harvest.