Heartland Express Inc. recently received top honors at the Sears Holdings' 2006 Partners in Progress awards, picking up the award for 2006 Supplier of the Year.

The prestigious Partners in Progress award is presented annually to a select group of supplier companies that provide Sears Holdings with quality products and services, from apparel, appliances and tools to marketing, facilities design and technology. Less than one percent of Sears Holdings' more than 41,000 suppliers earn the coveted award each year.
The winning companies were hosted by Aylwin B. Lewis, chief executive officer and president of Sears Holdings Corporation.
"Partners in Progress was started more than 20 years ago and is a testament to the importance we place on having strong supplier relationships," said Lewis. "The Sears Holdings culture is one that places a high priority on teamwork and a focus on customers. The Partners in Progress program allows our company to recognize those suppliers who have gone above and beyond to support Sears Holdings' in our efforts to better serve our customers and grow profitably by working together."
Mike Gerdin, president of Heartland Express stated, "We are honored to accept the Partners in Progress award and the 2006 Supplier of the Year award from Sears Holdings. These awards are a tribute to the dedication to service shown by our employees and driving force."
The Partners in Progress program recognizes suppliers for product or service quality, innovation, diversity and overall market performance. The winners were selected from nominations submitted by Sears' associates who purchase goods and services for the company in 2006.