Release

05/15/2009

Amway sponsors 2009 Family Fireworks Event
Support of July 4th festivities coincides with company’s 50th anniversary

ADA, Mich. – May 15, 2009 – The sky above downtown Grand Rapids this year again will be filled with a spectacular display as the Fourth of July fireworks show goes on, thanks to a lead give from Amway Corp.

The 2009 July 4 Family Fireworks event will be held that evening at Ah Nab Awen Park along the Grand River. Amway is the major underwriter for the festivities, in part because this year coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“We are excited to support the event,” said Amway Chairman Steve Van Andel. “Ever since our company was founded fifty years ago, we’ve been proud to invest in, and give back to, our hometown. It’s a big deal when we can not only celebrate our birthday, but also help Grand Rapids celebrate the nation’s birthday at the same time.”

“A 4th of July fireworks display is a proud tradition in West Michigan and throughout America,” said Amway Chief Marketing Officer Candace Matthews. “We know our employees, neighbors and friends are looking forward to the show. We’re happy to play a role in keeping our patriotic spirit alive in Grand Rapids.”

The Family Fireworks event each year offers a family fun atmosphere. Activities include an opening ceremony from a Native American drum and dance troup, a game show event, performances by local rock bands, appearances by local TV personalities, and clown antics.

“We put on an event that’s fun and engaging for young and old,” said Ed Kettle of Labor Heritage Society of West Michigan and the event’s organizer, and chief of staff to Rep. Roy Schmidt, D-Grand Rapids. “That’s why we’re thrilled that Amway is keeping our local independence celebration going for another year. Their support enables us to continue an event that we consider to be among the biggest and best in the Midwest."

"I am grateful to Amway for their support of this event,” said Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell. “Our citizens are in for a treat. I hope other companies or organizations will step forward to enable funding for this great event to remain strong for years to come.”

For full details on the Family Fireworks event, persons may contact Ed Kettle at 616-791-0007 or 616-734-9662.

About Amway
Amway is one of the world’s largest direct selling businesses. Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Ada, Michigan, USA, Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. The company also provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Amway Operations and Alticor Corporate Enterprises divisions. In its most recent fiscal year, the Amway family of companies reported annual sales of $8.2 billion. For more information, please contact Amway’s media relations staff at 616.787.7565, or via e-mail at: mediainfo@amway.com.

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