Safety News

For More Information:
Bill Harley - bharley@opei.org
Rebecca Hickl-Fiedler - rhfiedler@opei.org
703-549-7600

OPEI Announces OPEI Education & Research Foundation

Alexandria, VA, October 2005 - The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is excited to announce the formation of the OPEI Education and Research Foundation.

The foundation was established to encourage educational and research activities and to provide information and guidance to the public about the safe and proper use of outdoor power equipment and related economic and environmental impact. One of the foundation's priorities is an extensive consumer safety education and awareness program for safe and proper use of outdoor power equipment.

The following are serving on the foundation's board of directors:

• Chairman and Secretary Treasurer, Michael S. Ariens, Chairman, The Ariens Company,
• Vice Chairman, John S. Shiely, Chairman, President and CEO, Briggs and Stratton Corporation,
• Director, Michael Hoffman, President and CEO, The Toro Company,
• Director, Steve M. Bly, Senior Vice President, Operations, Echo, Inc.,
• President, William G. Harley, President and CEO, OPEI.

For more information on the foundation's mission and outdoor power equipment safety information, visit www.opei.org/foundation/.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is the leading international trade association committed to advancing the outdoor power equipment industry in the areas of public safety, environmental responsibility, business development and advocacy. Founded in 1952, OPEI represents the manufacturers of outdoor power equipment and their suppliers. For more information on OPEI, please visit www.opei.org. For more information, contact Bill Harley or Rebecca Hickl-Fiedler at 703-549-7600.

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