THOMPSONVILLE, MICH. — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., has been named recipient of the 2018 Al Kessel Outstanding Achievement Award by the Michigan Retailers Association.

Aunt Millie’s, which operates six baking plants, including four in Michigan, was honored in the outstanding business partner category. The award was presented Sept. 23 at the Michigan Grocers’ annual Summit at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville.

“Aunt Millie’s has made significant contributions to Michigan’s grocery industry,” said James P. Hallan, president and chief executive officer of the M.R.A. “They have earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers throughout the state and beyond. The award is well-deserved recognition.”

Nomination for the award came from D.J. Oleson on behalf of Oleson’s Food Stores located in northwest Michigan. In addition to supplying thousands of free buns for the annual Northwestern Michigan College barbecue hosted by Oleson’s, Aunt Millie’s was recognized for donations of buns for a fundraiser for breast cancer research and for an event benefiting the Michigan March of Dimes. The company also created a School Spirit Program helping schools earn money when bread is purchased.

Established in 1901, Aunt Millie’s was known as Perfection Bakeries for most of its history. The company was renamed in 2005 to align the business with the name of its flagship brand, first introduced in 1991.