CHICAGO, May 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grainger, the leading broad line
supplier of facilities maintenance products in North America, today donated
$50,000 to the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC) in Jackson,
Tenn. The donation, which is part of the Grainger Rebuilding America(SM)
program, was given to help local, small businesses rebuild from the
devastation caused by the F4-grade tornado that swept through the city's
central business district on May 4, 2003. In total, the tornado damaged more
than 300 businesses, government facilities, and historic buildings in Jackson.
Local Grainger representatives presented the check to Meg Goodman,
Executive Director of the JDDC, Saturday night during the Shannon Street Blues
Festival at the West Tennessee Farmer's Market. The JDDC is a not-for-profit
organization that has been committed to enhancing the viability of small
business in Jackson's historic downtown area for 11 years.
"We are grateful to Grainger for this gift and its commitment to Jackson,"
said Goodman. "This donation will help local businesses get back on their
feet and will enhance our efforts to restore the beauty and prosperity of
Jackson's downtown area."
For many years, Grainger has been committed to helping citizens devastated
by disasters by providing needed supplies and materials that help them get
their facilities back up and running.
In addition to the $50,000 donation to the JDDC, Grainger also made a
$4,000 donation of product, including protective eyewear, disinfectant, and
batteries to the American Red Cross Jackson Area Chapter to help them rebuild
in the wake of the tornados.
"From hurricanes and ice storms to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001,
Grainger helps businesses rebuild after disasters," said Brian Bannon,
Grainger Regional Branch Services Vice President. "We hope this money helps
communities in Jackson get back up and running again soon." Grainger has
served local businesses in the Jackson community since Oct. 2001 from its
location at 1951 DR F Wright Dr. The company has six other branches in
Tennessee.
The JDDC will distribute the $50,000 through a grant process open to
locally operated and independent Jackson businesses. Awards will be made
based on criteria such as loss of income, loss of physical property and lack
of adequate insurance among others. Additional standards used by the Small
Business Administration to determine loan eligibility may also be considered.
For more information about the grant process, business owners should contact
Meg Goodman at the JDDC, at (731) 427-7573.
About Grainger
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), is the leading broad line supplier of
facilities maintenance products in North America. Grainger serves customers
through a network of nearly 600 branches, 16 distribution centers, and four
Web sites. Sales for 2002 were $4.6 billion. For more information, visit
Grainger online at http://www.grainger.com .
About the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation
Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is dedicated to the economic
development of downtown Jackson. By recruiting upscale residential and
business investments, supporting small business development, and promoting the
cultural arts, the JDDC improves the quality of life for Jacksonians.
SOURCE W.W. Grainger
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Related links:
http://www.Grainger.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/953850.html
CONTACT:
Michael E. McGrew of Grainger,
+1-847-535-4196, mcgrew.m@grainger.com , or Meg Goodman of JDDC,
+1-731-427-7573, mgoodman@jacksontn.com
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