Eau Claire, Wis. - Menards received the Special Recognition for Best Regional Retailer award earlier this month at the 2008 ENERGY STAR Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Menards was selected for the award from more than 12,000 ENERGY STAR partner organizations for their commitment to energy efficiency.

Menards, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2003, was recognized for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by educating consumers and team members about energy-efficient products. Menards integrated ENERGY STAR into all facets of its marketing strategy - from product selection and in-store signage to Television, Radio, and Print advertising. Key achievements include participating in national ENERGY STAR campaigns, building a Web page with strong environmental messaging, launching an educational ENERGY STAR e-mail campaign, implementing independent promotions featuring ENERGY STAR and sponsoring grand opening materials that feature ENERGY STAR information.

"We are proud to receive the Special Recognition for Best Regional Retailer award from the ENERGY STAR Program." said Jeff Abbott, Menards Company Spokesperson. "Our close partnership with ENERGY STAR shows our company's commitment to help Menards guests use energy more efficiently. We understand that promoting ENERGY STAR products and practices is an important step in protecting the planet and environment."

The 2008 Special Recognition award recognizes organizations that have made significant

contributions towards advancing energy efficiency in specific areas of the marketplace. Across

the U.S., top companies and organizations continue to promote energy efficiency through

participation in ENERGY STAR. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR,

saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those

of more than 27 million vehicles.