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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

OPEI ANNOUNCES NATIONAL POWER EQUIPMENT DEALERS' CONVENTION

Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 2001 -- At EXPO 2001, OPEI President and CEO, Bill Harley, announced the first-ever pre-EXPO convention for dealers. Planned as a two-day event, the National Power Equipment Dealers' Convention will be launched just prior to EXPO 2002 on July 17, 2002 in Louisville Kentucky and it will include a well-rounded schedule of events that will both educate and entertain.

Harley said, "Our goal is to provide a top-quality, educational opportunity for dealers so they can keep their businesses up-to-date and growing." Although planning is still in the early stages, extremely positive feedback has been received through surveys of potential stakeholders including dealers, manufacturers, related associations and leading trade press. Moreover, surveys indicated that dealerships would send between two and four employees each, leading to a well-attended convention.

Plans to develop a high quality, comprehensive education program consisting of three tracks with four seminars each. Tentatively, the following topics will be covered; parts and service; marketing; business management; commercial equipment; HR training; e-commerce; technology; and succession planning. There will also be a keynote speaker and educational round tables at a lunch hosted by OPEI. And OPEI fully understands that all work and no play is too dull, so the convention will be kicked off on July 17 with a "Dealer Day of Fun." The intent is to provide an exclusive opportunity for dealers to meet and network with each other in a relaxing setting. A variety of activities are being considered including a golf tournament, Caesar's Casino, tours of local attractions, and Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Thrill Park. Later that evening, they can all come together to relax, share stories and network at the opening reception. The next day, July 18, will be a full day of seminars, capped off by a dinner for registrants and guests. And when it's over, it won't really be over because it will be time to attend EXPO 2002, July 19-20, 2002.

The idea of National Power Equipment Dealers' Convention is receiving enthusiastic support from interested parties: Mike Ariens, Chairman, Ariens Company said, "As manufacturers, we're eager to provide dealers with a vary special program in an effort to instill in them the kind of confidence they need to grow profitably and more customer-wise in a challenging and ever-changing industry." Ariens continued, "This means educating them and providing them with the tools we've been advocating for a long time, for example: EDI."

From a dealer perspective, this convention is expected to fill a long-time need: that is, quality educational meeting that focuses on the ope dealer. According to Dan Cain, Executive director, North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA), "This whole concept is an idea whose time has finally come. Dealers should welcome this outstanding networking and educational opportunity. And, there's no question that, in the years to come, those dealers who participate in this type of program will be the ones who are still in business."

EXPO 2002 will take place on July 19-21, 2002 in Louisville Kentucky. The show is owned and sponsored by OPEI and managed by Sellers Expositions, 22 Pearl Street, Suite 300, New Albany, IN 47150, 1-800-558-8767, fax: 812-949-9600.

OPEI is a trade association whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of powered lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry related services. OPEI's domestic members manufacture in excess of 95% of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products.

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