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Bass Fishing Icon Visits Exmark Employees

Hank Parker to Continue Marketing Relationship with Exmark in 2009

Beatrice, Neb. (February 12, 2009) – Bass fishing icon Hank Parker recently praised Exmark employees in the company's manufacturing plant, citing the high quality of mowers rolling off the production line. Parker, who has been called the Michael Jordan of fishing, was in Beatrice, Neb., on Jan. 28 to tour Exmark's headquarters and help introduce Exmark's 2009 Outdoor Tour and marketing campaign to employees.

"On my plant tour, I saw the pride and Midwestern work ethic of employees who are putting everything they have into manufacturing the greatest mowers on the market," said Parker, who talked with nearly 400 Exmark employees. "As a spokesperson, the only thing I have is my credibility, so it is fun to work with an innovative company where quality is priority number one."

Exmark debuted the Outdoor Tour in 2008, after market research indicated that the majority of current Exmark owners were also outdoor enthusiasts. In 2009, Exmark will participate in more than 35 outdoor sports tradeshows, introducing its mowers to hunting, fishing and boating fans. The tour includes a gear giveaway sweepstakes featuring more than $24,000 in top-notch outdoor products, and an Exmark Arcade where kids and adults alike can try their hand at Wii™ and PlayStation® 2 games.

"We have a responsibility to our employees and channel partners to grow our business, even in difficult times," said Daryn Walters, director of marketing for Exmark. "Although we are facing a challenging economy, investing in marketing in this down time is the right thing to do. When things turn around Exmark will be in an even better position to compete and earn our customers' business."

Parker's television show, "Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine" has been going strong for more than 20 years and currently airs on the Versus Network. A 2003 inductee into the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Parker is a two-time Bassmaster Classic Champion (1979 and 1989).

The Exmark Outdoor Tour and marketing campaign also features professional hunter Bill Jordan. To learn more about the 2009 Exmark Outdoor Tour, visit exmarkoutdoors.com.

Exmark's Jim Earnhart gives Hank Parker an overview of a zero-turn mower frame. Also pictured: Exmark employees Daryn Walters, Mike Christensen, Davy Taff (The Powell Group), Don Usher and Jeff Rudder.

Exmark's Mark Atterbury takes Hank Parker on a plant tour. Also pictured: Davy Taff (The Powell Group).

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Note to Editors: All media inquiries or requests for photos should be directed to Wendy Fitch, Public Relations Account Executive, Bailey Lauerman; (402) 514-9425. For other questions, please contact Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc., Industrial Park N.W., P.O. Box 808, Beatrice, NE 68310-0808; (402) 223-6300.

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