Sharpie News Releases

BRISTOL, Tenn., March 22, 2007 – One of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr, is making a bold statement on and off the track as he prepares for the Sharpie® MINI 300 NASCAR Busch Series race this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS).



The new Sharpie/Dale Earnhardt, Inc. relationship will officially kick off Saturday when Dale Jr steps behind the wheel of the new DEI No. 8 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, co-sponsored by Sharpie and Budweiser.

Race fans will get a glimpse of the race when Sharpie introduces the first-ever Dale Jr No. 8 Sharpie marker, rolling out in stores now. Dale Jr will unveil the marker and new paint scheme Thursday, March 22, at 5 p.m. at BMS’s Tower 8, where he will sign Sharpie’s giant autograph wall. Dozens of children representing Speedway Children’s Charities will join him, lending their signatures and support to the Sharpie “Autographs for Action” campaign to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities with $10,000 in funds and supplies.

Sharpie New No. 8 Paint Scheme

"Dale Jr runs a limited number of Busch Series races each year, and we feel very fortunate it will be with DEI and Sharpie in the Sharpie MINI 300," said Howard Heckes, president of Sanford, L.P., the maker of Sharpie products.

“We’ve had some success at Bristol,” said Earnhardt, “so we’re really looking forward to adding the Sharpie race to our program and taking Sharpie and Budweiser to Victory Lane. Sharpie has such a great presence and history at Bristol, and I hope we can add to that.”

The Sharpie MINI 300 is Dale Jr's second Busch race this season. Dale Jr is a former winner at Bristol, going to Victory Lane in the 2004 Sharpie 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.

Bold Bristol Billboard

DEI and Dale Jr’s new Sharpie partnership also includes a bold new addition to the Bristol Motor Speedway landscape - a giant three-story billboard covering Tower 8 and featuring Dale Jr’s larger-than-life likeness. The banner, which also includes an image of the Sharpie No. 8 paint scheme and the new No. 8 marker, will be unveiled Thursday along with the No. 8 marker. It will become a permanent fixture at BMS throughout the 2007 race season.



Dale Jr, DEI and Sharpie

The Dale Earnhardt Jr No. 8 Sharpie marker is the only marker endorsed by Dale Jr. Available in black fine point and imprinted with his autograph and No. 8, it is rolling out now in select stores nationwide where office products are sold.



Sharpie markers are available in 39 colors and a variety of tip sizes – from Sharpie Retractable markers with one-click convenience to Sharpie MINI markers for perfect portability to Sharpie Accent highlighters for bold highlights.



Dale Jr. is in his eighth full season of NASCAR Nextel Cup competition at DEI with 17 victories, including the 2004 Daytona 500. In the Busch Series, he has 22 wins and two championships. He is one of only three drivers to win the "Most Popular Driver" award four consecutive times, and the only third-generation NASCAR champion. He follows his legendary father, Dale Earnhardt, a seven-time Cup champion, and grandfather Ralph Earnhardt, who was a champion in NASCAR's Sportsman Series.



For more information on the Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Dale Jr and Sharpie partnership, visit www.sharpie.com.

About Sharpie Autographs for Action

Autographs for Action annually seeks one million autographs as part of its program to give away $1 million in funds and supplies for community groups, charitable organizations and schools nationwide (go to www.sharpie.com). Sharpie will donate $10,000 in funds and supplies to Speedway Children’s Charities as part of the Bristol autograph drive.



About Speedway Children’s Charities

Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) provides funds to organizations that meet the direct needs of children. From mentoring programs to camps for special needs children, SCC best affects children's lives by supporting organizations that work tirelessly to see that children's needs are met and that no child is left behind regardless of illness, social environment, or disability.

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OAK BROOK, IL – Bling in the holidays with Sharpie® to create one-of-a-kind crafts, gifts, cards, decorations and more. Here’s how to ho-ho-ho your way through the holidays with Sharpie:



My Tube

Choose from among Sharpie’s 34 bold colors to decorate a roll of solid colored wrapping paper (tissue, crepe, foil, vellum, craft paper - gift bags too). Use a stencil or cookie cutter, trace a hand, shoe, leaf, key or other object to create a personalized motif. Tip: Use the wrapping paper tube as a gift box to hold artwork, then wrap the tube using your new Sharpie “signature” gift wrap.



Sharp Cookie

Give the gift that won’t get lost – Sharpie personalized markers imprinted with the name of your choice on the marker barrel. Use personalized Sharpies to make a statement or as a calling card with business associates. Smart shoppers give personalized Sharpies as gifts for friends, family, co-workers – great for those hard-to-buy-for teens. For a stocking stuffer with a personal touch, go to sharpie.com to order.

Sharp Bookie

Sharpie-created bookmarks are a good bet for gift-giving. Make your mark by doodling the usual suspects - dogs, stars, hearts, swirls - or exercise your inner artist and take a stab at recreating art from one the masters (go online to download inspirations). Tip: Use the Sharpie as the bookmark. Just clip it to the page.

Color Me Sharpie

Use a Sharpie to embellish a pair of socks, t-shirt, sneakers, cloth headbands, belts, backpacks, aprons, pictures frames, and more. Kids can make special keepsakes for mom; teens can “Write Out Loud!” their favorite expressions; moms can create a “family” of T’s – one for everyone in the brood.



Ring in the Bling

Use a Sharpie Metallic silver marker to ring in the New Year. Add some bling to the New Year by creating a silver celebration of party ware – decorate glassware, placemats, votive holders, candlesticks, party hats, favors and more. Tip: Use a paper tablecloth, then give guests a pack of Sharpies as table favors so they can write their resolutions as they count down the New Year. Use Sharpie Metallic silver to personalize holiday cards too.



Keeper Cards

Design your own “keeper card.” Use Sharpie markers to create personalized greeting cards, the kind that won’t wind up in the waste basket. Kids can create personalized cards for classmates. Kids Tip: Whip up a mod mosaic in minutes by holding a bundle of Sharpies in your hand and drawing circles on circles.



For more information on the above Sharpie-inspired creations, see the attached instructions, or go to sharpie.com.



About Sanford®, Maker of Sharpie®

For more than 40 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent markers long-associated with the autograph experience. Sanford, maker of Sharpie, is a Newell Rubbermaid company, a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, DYMO®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com for more information.

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Kathy Ireland and the Sharpie® brand honor educator and mother of two as nation's top Signature Mom



September 2006 More than 30 years ago in the quiet town of Palmyra, Mo., Kay Pugh made a life-changing decision the day her daughter, Alysha, was born. Pugh, then a business woman, put her career on hold after finding out that her daughter would face a variety of illnesses. From birth through the first six years of Alysha's life, Pugh was at her daughter's side.

"When you have a sick child, it changes your perspective on life," said Pugh. "After my husband and I made it through those first few delicate years of Alysha's life, I knew I had another choice to make. I could continue working or stay home with my family. The choice I made to become a teacher enabled me to do both."

With a family tree of educators - six of Pugh's nine siblings work in the education system - teaching seemed a natural career fit, but the choice meant taking a significant pay cut and two more years in school to earn an additional degree. Now, more than 25 years later, Pugh knows she made the right decision. Pugh's daughter, Alysha Barnett, also chose the teaching profession as a career path. Today, the two women teach in adjoining classrooms at Palmyra High School. "It couldn't feel more right," said Pugh.

Now, Pugh is being recognized for her contributions as a mother, teacher and more. After a national search to recognize stand-out moms with unique parenting styles, Pugh was named Sharpie's 2006 Signature Mom. Barnett wrote the winning essay that described her mother's commitment to family and teaching. "My mother Kay is a woman who lives unselfishly," wrote Barnett, mother of two. "She gives so willingly of her time, whether it's with my children, her students or the kids at church. She's amazing. She deserves to be recognized for all that she's done for me, our family and her students."

Barnett's essay was ultimately selected for top honors by Sharpie's ambassador, Kathy Ireland - former supermodel-turned-entrepreneur and mother of three. "Signature moms stand out because they make parenting work for them, not against them," said Ireland. "I do believe we as women can have it all, just not all at the same time. Each mom is amazing in her own way, and Sharpie and I want to celebrate and learn from these moms. Today we celebrate Kay Pugh, who made hard choices but ultimately did it her way, creating a win-win for her family, her students and herself."

Pugh's choices and Barnett's essay support the trend that today's moms are focused on creating a balance between family and career. According to a recent survey by the Sharpie, 54 percent of moms say spending enough quality time with their kids is among the most important attributes of good parenting.

Both Pugh and Barnett agree today's moms need to stay true to their instincts when it comes to deciding what's best for their child. "A Signature Mom recognizes that each child is unique, just as the role models who surround them have their own individual parenting and teaching styles," said Pugh.

To celebrate Pugh's new "Signature" status, she has been awarded a spa weekend getaway for two to a resort in Santa Barbara, where both Pugh and Barnett will get to meet Ireland in person. In fact, both women are among the 95 percent of moms who, according to the survey, agree that taking time for yourself and treating yourself every so often is part of being a good mom.

In addition to providing the spa weekend, Sharpie is also donating $10,000 in school supplies and funds to Palmyra High School, where both Pugh and her daughter teach. The funding comes as part of Sharpie's annual Autographs for Education program, which seeks to collect one million signatures in exchange for $1 million in school supplies and funds, including college scholarships.

Because of the Sharpie brand's longstanding commitment to education, moms (and dads) everywhere can still participate in the 2006 Autographs for Education program by visiting sharpie.com with their kids to create their own virtual signature. For more information about other Sharpie Signature Mom contest winners, and details about the Sharpie Autographs for Education program, visit sharpie.com.



About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie® brand products

For more than 40 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent markers long-associated with the autograph experience. Sanford, maker of Sharpie markers is a Newell Rubbermaid company, a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well-known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, DYMO®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.

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Grand Prize Winning Essay:



Kay Pugh, Palmyra, Missouri - submitted by Alysha Barnett

"Geometry and Calculus tutoring sessions, rebounding one-hundred free throws at a time, pasta prepared before every basketball game, a surprise sixteenth birthday party, singing to me at night - this is a short list of things I remember. My mom, Kay, is committed to God, family and education. She has taught high school math for twenty-four years and always has time for others. She takes my children to the park for walks, picnics, and tennis. She also teaches them math - they are only four and five! I am very proud to nominate her!"

Finalists in the Sharpie Signature Mom Contest:

Virginia (Ginny) F. Ireland, Sidney, New York - submitted by Doreen Hitt

"It is her heart that makes my mother a Signature Mom, and the reason that my five siblings and I look up to her with such appreciation. While juggling the troubles of working and caring for her own family, my mother took over a charity program that provides clothes and toys to hundreds of needy children. She still runs this program fifteen years later, and her selflessness has resounded in all of her children's lives, and she is well loved, not just for being an outstanding mother to us, but for being one to our whole community."

Jaime McDonald, Bethel, Connecticut - submitted by Kiyo Akiyama

"Jamie McDonald is my special cheerleader but she is also a 'mom' to a group of 13 students called her Advisory. She is friend, advocate, and disciplinarian. She bakes cupcakes for birthdays, buys Christmas gifts and Valentines or achievements like a driver's license. She always did sweet things for me, but she feels the need to do these things for her students. Initially I was jealous watching her give them attention but then realized how lucky they were to share my mom. I don't know about their home lives, so maybe my mom's cupcakes and attention is all they have."

Elaine Valencia Kellam, Frisco, Texas - submitted by Mary Kellam

"My Mother-In-Law is an incredible, generous, classic, loving lady that I will always love and be indebted to in more ways than I can describe. She is involved in many charities (she is on the board of three), she has a child with Asperger's that she guides through a socially difficult world, has her own interpreting business to help Hispanics in the court system AND she still has time to help me with my two children. I am blessed and am so grateful to God and this special Signature mom (who actually ALWAYS has a Sharpie in her purse.)"

Candace Evett, Benton Harbor, Michigan - submitted by Kristen Evett

"My mom is a phenomenal mom and grandma! While working full-time, she raised two kids, attended college classes, and received a bachelor's degree showing her children that anything - at any age - is possible. She volunteers at a local hospital, is extremely active in her church, mentors young students in her grandson's elementary school, and is a substitute teacher. She has been a taxi driver, backup catcher, art critic, sounding board, cook, 'domestic engineer,' and all around cheering section. I consider myself lucky to have her in my life and consider her to exemplify being a 'Sharpie' mom."

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OAK BROOK, Ill. – February 14, 2006 – Walt Disney World Co. and Sharpie, a division of Sanford LP, a Newell Rubbermaid company, announced today a strategic alliance that joins Sharpie® markers with the magic of the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Sharpie’s agreement with Walt Disney World Co. includes marketing and promotional rights, sponsorship of several popular Walt Disney World Resort events and experiences, and on-site promotional presence for the Sharpie® marker brand at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

“Sharpie is a natural fit for Walt Disney World Resort given the millions of autograph seekers who frequent the resort each year,” said Rory Leyden, president of Sanford North America, Sharpie’s parent company. “Sharpie also draws parallels to the Disney brand strategically. Both Sharpie and Walt Disney World Resort offer experiences that deliver on the promise of fun and family.”

Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort and president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, added: “We are excited to align ourselves with a brand so many of our families recognize and have enjoyed with their children for years. We welcome Sharpie as our newest alliance partner.”

As part of the agreement, Sharpie will become the title sponsor of the resort’s Kidcot Fun Stops at Epcot® theme park, where craftspeople from around the world teach children how to create one-of-a-kind face masks and enjoy arts and crafts. Sharpie also becomes the title sponsor for Walt Disney World Resort’s annual art event, “Festival of the Masters.”

In addition, Sharpie joins as a participating sponsor for well-known, annual events such as the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, ESPN The Weekend, ABC Super Soap Weekend, the FUNAI Golf Classic on the PGA TOUR, Grad Nite celebrating high school graduates each spring, and Disney’s Magic Music Days, which provides high school bands nationwide the opportunity to showcase their talents at Walt Disney World Resort. Sharpie® markers also will enjoy greater visibility with key branding and displays at Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex.

Consumer promotions in connection with the partnership are in development and will include the chance to win a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package and a full complement of Sharpie® products.

About the Walt Disney World® Resort

The Walt Disney World® Resort is a contiguous 47-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park); two water adventure parks; 32 resort hotels; 99 holes of golf on six courses; two full-service spas; Disney's Wedding Pavilion; Disney’s Wide World of Sports® complex; and Downtown Disney®, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, the resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, and currently employs approximately 57,000 Cast Members.

About Sharpie® permanent markers

Sharpie® is the popular brand of permanent markers long associated with the autograph experience. Sanford L.P., maker of Sharpie® markers for more than 40 years, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization. Sanford offers a full stable of recognizable brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.

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OAK BROOK, IL - Some golfers flex to hit the long ball, while other players seek to perfect a precision short game.  But when it comes to putting - now that is a skill few can truly master.  Sharpie, well-known as the autograph pen and golf ball marker of choice, today announced the kick off of the Sharpie Mini Tour, a putting competition appearing for the first time at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship and at three other PGA TOUR events throughout 2005. 

The Sharpie Mini Tour will invite fans to try and sink a "mini" putt for a chance to hit the links in 2006 with the PGA TOUR's Chad Campbell in Hawaii.  The program supports the launch of the Sharpie Mini marker, a 12-color, "pint-sized" marker series with a clip - just right for professional to novice golfers. 

"Like a lot of the guys on the PGA TOUR, I use Sharpie Mini markers to mark my golf balls and sign autographs," said Campbell.  "I look forward to playing in Hawaii with the winners of the program and getting a chance to see their putting skills - maybe I'll even pick up a tip or two."

Individuals participating in the Sharpie Mini Tour can also put their autograph on education.   Sharpie "Autographs for Education" is a nationwide program to collect one million autographs from everyday people in exchange $1 million in school supplies and funds across the country. Signatures placed on giant autograph walls at each event will be counted toward the goal.

A winner and guest from each of four "qualifying" tournaments will win a trip to Orlando, Fla. for the putting competition finals - the Sharpie Mini Tour Championship. 

Sharpie Mini Tour qualifying events include the following PGA TOUR tournaments:

• EDS Byron Nelson Championship - May 12-15, Irving, Texas (Qualifying)
• Booz Allen Classic - June 9-12, Potomac, Maryland (Qualifying)
• Ciailis Western Open - June 30-July 3, Lemont, Illinois (Qualifying)
• Buick Championship - August 25-28, Cromwell, Connecticut (Qualifying)

Sharpie Mini Tour Championship  Week of October 20, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 



A Sharpie Mini Tour sweepstakes found at www.sharpie.com also offers an opportunity for the chance at a round of golf with Campbell in Hawaii. Both the Sharpie Mini Tour contest and sweepstakes grand prizes include a three-day, four-night stay in Hawaii and golf with Campbell.  For full rules and details, go to www.sharpie.com.

Sharpie Mini markers are available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide in twelve bold colors: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime, aqua, purple, plum, navy and burgundy.  The suggested retail prices for 2-, 8- and 12-packs are $5.93, $11.73 and $17.78, respectively.  

About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®

Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers long-associated with the autograph experience and an Official Sponsor of the PGA TOUR.  Sanford, maker of Sharpie, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, FoohyTM, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.

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OAK BROOK - Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers and part of the Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL) portfolio of leading brands, today unveiled its integrated marketing campaign featuring Sharpie "Mini" markers, a new 12-color, "pint-sized" marker series with a clip - perfect for life's "mini" moments.

The multi-million dollar campaign includes network and national cable television, print, online and in-store advertising, as well as mobile marketing starting today and running through the end of August.

"Sharpie Mini delivers big on bold and colorful writing like its predecessors," said Rory Leyden, president of Sharpie. "These markers extend the ultimate in convenience with a cap clip that can be attached to just about anything.  From a student's backpack or driving school instructor's rearview mirror, to a coach's whistle lanyard or an astronaut's suit, Sharpie Mini markers can easily go anywhere you need them to."

McCann-Erickson Worldwide of New York developed the Sharpie Mini creative that continues the successful "Write Out Loud" campaign launched in 2003.  Two 30-second television spots, each made up of two 15-second "mini" vignettes, will headline the campaign.

The first spot, "Moon/Helmet," takes Sharpie Mini where no marker has ever gone before.  The first vignette shows an astronaut pulling off the cap of his Sharpie Mini worn around his neck and writing "Doug Was Here" on a flag.  Doug then proudly plants the flag on the moon's surface. The spot then transitions to a youth football game, as a frustrated coach tackles the need to literally draw out the game winning play, with a Sharpie Mini of course, on the back of the center's helmet. 

The second spot, "Frisbee/Driver," begins with a young man in a park who spots an attractive woman.  Without hesitation, he grabs the Sharpie Mini that is clipped to his bag, writes his phone number on a frisbee and tosses it towards the woman.  To his dismay, a leaping dog intercepts the flying love note in mid-air, thwarting his attempt at a date.  The spot then changes to a teenager who is using a Sharpie Mini to color in a scratch on a car's bumper.  The viewer then learns that this teenager is taking a driving test.  After filling in the scratch, the student driver gets back in the car, hands the Sharpie Mini to the instructor and takes a second shot at pulling out of a parking spot.  This time, he hits the car in front of him.  The angry instructor grabs another Sharpie Mini marker, conveniently hanging from the car's rear view mirror, only this time he uses a different color marker to match the paint of the second wounded car.

Both spots end with the announcer saying "Sharpie Mini," followed by Sharpie's familiar signature tagline - "Write Out Loud!"

In addition to television advertising, the marketing campaign includes, print and online advertising, more than 15,000 point-of-purchase displays, 250 mobile marketing events through 2005, sponsorship of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 97 Sharpie Ford and title support for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series premier race, the Sharpie 500, August 27 in Bristol, Tenn. 

The brand is also kicking off the Sharpie Mini Tour at the PGA TOUR's EDS Byron Nelson Championship May 9 in Irving, Texas. The program, benefiting the nationwide Sharpie "Autographs for Education" effort, will visit select PGA TOUR golf events across the country this summer and fall.  The Sharpie Mini Tour will invite participants to mark their golf ball with Sharpie Mini markers and try to sink a "mini" putt for a chance to hit the links in 2006 with the PGA TOUR's Chad Campbell in Hawaii. 

Sharpie Mini markers are available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide in twelve bold colors: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime, aqua, purple, plum, navy and burgundy.  The suggested retail prices for 2-, 8- and 12-packs are $5.93, $11.73 and $17.78, respectively.  

About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®

Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers first introduced in 1964.  Sanford, a business unit of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL) and marker of Sharpie markers, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, FoohyTM, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.

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OAK BROOK, Ill.- Sharpie® and Paper Mate®, highly recognized brands of writing instruments, today announced that 2000 Olympic team wrestler and two-time NCAA champion Cary Kolat will spearhead the Sharpie and Paper Mate grassroots marketing effort in amateur wrestling as its National Marketing Manager, Wrestling.  In this role, Kolat will manage advertising, public relations and event marketing activities targeting the fans of youth, high school and college wrestling.

By tapping Kolat's knowledge of the sport, Newell Rubbermaid can now leverage its Paper Mate and Sharpie products with the strong loyalty of wrestling fans. The company intends to expand upon its efforts in amateur wrestling, including sponsorship of major tournaments such as the Dapper Dan Classic in Pittsburgh, Pa., and intensify its focus with Kolat's help. Prior to his latest assignment, Kolat held several marketing positions with the company.

"I know it takes dedication to succeed in wrestling, and Paper Mate and Sharpie are committed to supporting wrestling," said Cary Kolat, national marketing manager, wrestling for Sharpie and Paper Mate. "I'm happy to take the lead in showing wrestling enthusiasts what these great brands have to offer."

Many wrestling experts believe Kolat is one of the all-time best amateur wrestling champions.  In high school, Kolat was a four-time Pennsylvania State Champion with a 137 - 0 record from 1988 to 1992.  He was also the 1990 World Champion for the under 18-age group.  In college, he competed at the NCAA Division I level earning All-American status four times and twice winning individual NCAA National Champion titles.

Internationally, he represented the United States from 1997 through 2000. He won a bronze (1998) and silver medal (1997) at the World Championships and was a member of the 2000 Olympic Team that competed in Sydney, Australia.  Since this time, Cary has served as coach at several colleges and universities.  Cary's complete biography and wrestling accomplishments can be found at www.carykolat.com

"Cary brings solid knowledge of Sharpie and Paper Mate, combined with an understanding of wrestling that will be a powerful asset," said Charlie McCaffrey, vice president and general manager for Paper Mate.  "From the classroom to the scorer's table at meets, Sharpie and Paper Mate products are part of wrestling now.  With Cary's insider's perspective, we will continue to foster our relationship with students, teachers and families nationwide."

Paper Mate and Sharpie are planning to unveil a comprehensive wrestling plan later this year, including major sponsorships and promotions for 2005 and 2006 geared toward the athletes and their families.

For more information on Sharpie or Paper Mate, go to www.sharpie.com or www.papermate.com, respectively.

About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie® and Paper Mate®

Sharpie and Paper Mate are popular brands of writing instruments.  Sanford, maker of Sharpie and Paper Mate, is a business unit of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, FoohyTM, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Visit sanfordcorp.com for more information on the full family of Sanford brands.

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2004 NASCAR® NEXTEL Cup Champion Kurt Busch and Fox Analyst Larry McReynolds judging Sharpie's "creative camping" contest at Bristol Motor Speedway

OAK BROOK, Ill.- Nearly 100,000 fans will make the Bristol Motor Speedway campgrounds their home away from home during race week this week.  This year Sharpie is challenging race fans to get creative with camping, while No. 97 Sharpie Ford driver Kurt Busch and FOX's Larry McReynolds pitch in to judge the first annual "Get Caught Camping" contest prior to the Sharpie Professional 250 Saturday.

Campers should be on the look out for Sharpie "Get Caught Camping" crews Thursday as they distribute 2,500 Sharpie banners in the campgrounds.  The campsite with the most creative display of the Sharpie banner wins a chance to meet Busch and McReynolds, four tickets to the 2006 Sharpie Professional 250 race weekend (includes both Busch and NEXTEL Cup series races) and a video feature on their camp site on the BMS infield NEXTEL Vision Jumbotron.

"Come rain or shine, heat or freezing cold, I'd put NASCAR fans up against any other sport, especially the fans at Bristol, for knowing how to pull together a tailgating," said Larry McReynolds, FOX's NASCAR Analyst.  "There is nothing like Bristol anywhere else in the country.  Who wouldn't want to come back next year for one of the biggest events in the NASCAR series.  With the help of the best fans in all of sports, this should be a lot of fun."

The first-ever program is among a series of activities Sharpie is offering to race fans at BMS and throughout the year.  For more information other program, go to sharpie.com.

About Sharpie Retractable

With a retractable writing tip and no caps to lose, Sharpie markers are now easier and more convenient to use.  Sharpie Retractable is available in eight colors: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime and turquoise.  The suggested retail price for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-packs are $4.89, $7.33, $9.78, and $19.56, respectively.  Available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide, Sharpie Retractable joins other significant writing innovations that target a wide range of enthusiasts from the hobbyist to the do-it-yourselfer.

About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®

Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers long-associated with the autograph experience.  Sanford, maker of Sharpie, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, FoohyTM, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.

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(BELLWOOD, Ill.) - What's all the rage for the first day of school?  It's not the latest digital gizmo, but a leap forward in everyday supplies - pens, pencils, markers and school boxes.  Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Accent®, uni-ball®, FoohyTM, EXPO® and Eldon® today unveiled "cool tools for school" that are sure to add pizzazz to backpacks this fall.

"We want to help make the first day impression one that will last throughout the year," said Rory Leyden, President of Sanford North America, makers of the "coolest tools for school."  "From our self-advancing mechanical pencil -- the Paper Mate AdvancerTM, to new Sharpie Retractable markers with one-handed click action, these products are sure to be the best in the class."

Introducing "Cool Tools for School" - Class of 2004:

Paper Mate®

AdvancerTM Mechanical Pencil

There will be a quiet heard in classrooms across the country this fall with the absence of mechanical pencils click, click, clicking. Advancer, a headliner in Paper Mate's back-to-school writing instrument offering, minimizes lead breakage using its patent pending lead advance system based on a retracting tip and spring mechanism.  Parents can also rest assure that the Advancer's No. 2 lead works on all standardized and electronically scored tests.  Never again will you sharpen or click your pencil.  The new Paper Mate Advancer is a leap forward in mechanical pencils  "advancing" lead on its own.  Available in .5mm and .7mm lead sizes, this mechanical pencil comes in business (red, blue and charcoal) and fashion (orange, yellow, purple, red and green) colors.  The Advancer is available in 2-, 3-and 5-pack options for the suggested retail prices of $2.38, $3.57 and $5.95, respectively.

Tandem®

Paper Mate Tandem recognizes student's daily challenge of never having enough time by delivering a cutting edge, fashion forward tool to put a little more time on the clock.  The pen and highlighter combo saves time for students by eliminating the hassles of scrambling to find a highlighter and pen when you need it most.  Paper Mate Tandem has a comfort grip that twists to extend and retract the pen tip. The ballpoint pen features Paper Mate's patented Lubriglide® ink system for smooth lines and intense color, while the Accent® Highlighter delivers smear resistant ink for use on a wide variety of documents, such as ink jet printouts.  The highlighter unit may also be replaced with a refill when needed, so the Tandem can be used again and again. Tandem is available in blue, silver, purple, red and green ergonomic barrels with black and blue/black ink at the suggested retail price of $5.19 per combo.

Sharpie®

Sharpie Retractable

Sharpie, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is "singled handedly" changing one of the boldest, most sought after school supplies.  The new Sharpie Retractable marker family is a fine point permanent marker series with no caps to lose and can be operated single-handedly - just click and write. The marker tip is protected from drying out by using a patented Safety Seal ValveTM system that closes tight when the marker tip is retracted. Sharpie Retractable markers are nontoxic and approved by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute.

Available in 8-colors, including: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime and turquoise in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-packs at the suggested retail price of  $2.44, $4.89, $7.33, $9.78, $19.56, respectively.

Sharpie Earth Tones

Based on the hottest color trend reports, Sharpie introduces five ultra-rich earth tone colors - olive, burgundy, navy, marigold and plum. The new Sharpie Earth Tone markers are nontoxic and approved by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute.  Available in assorted 5-, 8- and 17-packs at the suggested retail price of $5.95, $9.19 and $19.72, respectively.

Accent®

Accent Retractable

Just click and highlight.  The Accent Retractable's easy push button offers highlighting with simply one hand.  The patented Safety SealTM  prevents drying out and eliminates the hassle of frequent capping and uncapping while using your highlighter. Accent highlighters are nontoxic and approved by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute.  Available in five fluorescent colors of yellow, pink, orange, green and blue, Accent RT is offered in 2-, 3- and 5-pack options at the suggested retail prices of $3.09, $4.45 and $7.29, respectively.

Liquid Accent

Liquid Accent is now available in four new colors (red, berry, indigo and coral) - bringing the family to 10 colors. Monitor vibrant ink supply through the transparent barrel. This pen style highlighter features a versatile loop for clipping to a backpack or belt loop.  Liquid Accent highlighters are sold in 5- and 10-packs at the suggested retail price of $7.75 and $14.95, respectively.

Foohy™

Foohy Glitter Markers

What do you get when you mix bold, vibrant colors with glitter?  The answer -- Foohy Glitter Markers - great new tools that make school projects and crafts sparkle with no pumping or shaking required.  These markers are nontoxic and approved by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute. Available in 8-packs that include aqua, purple, orange, pink, red, blue, yellow and green, Foohy Glitter Markers are sold at a suggested retail price of $5.63.

Foohy Gooshy Grips

These fun writing accessories are the perfect opportunity to spice-up an ordinary pen or pencil with a wild, cushiony feel.  Available in bright, glittery colors, including red, orange, purple, aqua, blue, light blue, fluorescent orange, fluorescent pink, fluorescent yellow and fluorescent green, these comfy grips make your pen or pencil stand-out.  Foohy Gooshy Grips are available in 10-packs at a suggested retail price of $1.85.



 

EXPO®

Marker w/ Built-In Eraser

The new EXPO dry erase markers feature a built-in replaceable eraser, that makes it easier and quicker to clean-up small changes on the dry erase board.  Its one-of-a-kind gripped cap allows for easy uncapping and recapping while the contoured barrel makes writing easy and more comfortable. New EXPO markers are available in both chisel tip (for larger dry erase surfaces) and ultra fine tip (for calendars and smaller dry erase surfaces) and include black, blue, red and green color options. Chisel tip markers are sold in 2-, 3- and 4-packs for the suggested retail price of $5.14, $7.70 and $10.27, respectively while ultra fine tips are sold in 2-, 3- and 4-packs for $4.44, $6.66 and $8.89, respectively. Chisel tip markers are sold in 2-, 3- and 4-packs for the suggested retail price of $5.14, $7.70 and $10.27, respectively while ultra fine tips are sold in 2-, 3- and 4-packs for $4.44, $6.66 and $8.89, respectively.

Uni-ball®

Fusion™

Fusion pens have clear ink in their barrels, but write in one of seven brilliant colors, including midnight, sky blue, amethyst, rose, citrus, ruby and emerald.  With their .6mm tip and contemporary styling, the pen series provide a smooth, bold line that's fun.  The new Fusion colors are available in 2-packs (green and red) and 4-packs (green, red, citrus and blue) at the suggested retail price of $4.79 and $9.25, respectively.

SpaceMaker®

Swirls School Box

Here's an alternative to standard school material boxes with added functionality.  Introducing the SpaceMaker Swirls School Box - featuring an eye-appealing swirl lid design.  The Swirls School Box also has a snap shut latch that ensures your school supplies will remain safe and secure - while looking good doing it.  Available in four color options - metallic apple, flip purple, metallic sky and metallic gold - Swirl School Boxes are sold for the suggested retail price of $2.49.

About Sanford

Sanford, a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE:  NWL), is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments. The Sanford portfolio includes brands such as Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Accent®, FoohyTM, EXPO®, Parker®, Waterman® and uni-ball®, among others.  Sanford makes more than 6,000 products ranging from markers, pens, pencils and professional art products, to correction, fine writing instruments and office organization. Headquartered in Bellwood, Ill., the Company has approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.

For more information on Sanford and its family of brands, please visit www.sanfordcorp.com or call 800.323.0749

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(Bellwood, Ill.) -- Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers and part of the Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL) portfolio of leading brands, is singled-handedly changing bold and expressive writing with the launch of its marketing campaign unveiled today. The multi-million dollar campaign that runs the end of July through August focuses on a new innovative marker series from Sharpie that may be operated using a single hand - just click and write.

"Sharpie Retractable markers are just like a pen - but even bolder, and they can write on virtually any surface," said Rory Leyden, chief marketing officer for Sanford, makers of Sharpie.  "There is a higher standard individuals expect from their Sharpie marker - we're looking to reinvent that standard."

McCann-Erickson Worldwide in New York developed the sequel to the Sharpie "Write Out Loud"  campaign started in 2003.  The 15- and 30-second television spots are slated to air late July and August on national cable networks.

The spot, "Baby," features a busy family managed by "Mom," who is frantically getting her kids ready for conceivably the first day of school.  Unfortunately her son will only stop crying when Mom is holding him.  Each time she attempts to put him down, he cries in a humorous series of howling and calm, and howling and calm.  But being the mother that she is, she simply cradles the baby in her left arm and grabs a red Sharpie Retractable marker with her right hand.  The baby is quiet.   The announcer says, "Got a free hand?  Grab a Sharpie Retractable, in eight colors.  One click and you can write on almost anything."  The spot ends with Mom clicking the Sharpie Retractable closed after shutting the baby's door for a supposed nap - no such luck since the baby lets out a wail, followed by Sharpie's  signature tagline - "Write Out Loud!"

In addition to television advertising, the marketing plan includes more than 20,000 point-of-purchase displays, 250 mobile marketing events through 2004 and the brand's fourth year title sponsorship of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series race in Bristol, Tenn., the Sharpie 500.

Sharpie is also continuing its successful community grass-roots campaign this summer and fall, Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education," where the brand widely known for autographs partners with sports figures and celebrities in select markets across the country to donate school supplies and funds. The program will visit Cleveland, Milwaukee, Tampa and Seattle, benefiting select community-based education organizations and schools for a total of up to $30,000 in cash and school supplies.

Last summer, Sharpie debuted the program with wide receiver Terrell Owens, former San Francisco 49er and now Philadelphia Eagle.  The tours of community programs and schools also featured former St. Louis Rams defensive-end Grant Wistrom and now Seattle Seahawk, Rod Smith of the Denver Broncos and Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers. Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent markers, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.

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BELLWOOD, Ill - Amid the frenzy of March, basketball fans across the nation have spoken by highlighting their most memorable moment in men's college basketball history.  Today, Accent Highlighters announced the winning moment for its online campaign - none other than the miraculous jump shot in the 1982 University of North Carolina/Georgetown championship.

"Basketball has routinely contributed to some of the greatest moments in sports history," said Richard "Digger" Phelps, legendary Notre Dame coach and broadcast analyst.  "Great moments make great basketball, and I'm proud to have kicked off this program and been involved with Accent so we can recognize those moments - and, more importantly raise funds for The V Foundation."

To demonstrate a love for the sport and support for The V Foundation, more than 17,000 basketball enthusiasts and sports writers cast their votes, which helped raise the $25,000 that Accent will donate in the University's name. 

"The University of North Carolina is honored that Accent will be making its donation to the V Foundation in recognition of our famous alumni's game-winning shot," says Steve Kirschner, Director of UNC's Athletic Communications. "Dean Smith is the winningest coach in college basketball history and a strong supporter of the V Foundation, so it is only fitting that the greatest moment in college basketball history be one that clinched a national championship for Coach Smith."

Hoops fans across the nation entered their own top moment for consideration or selected from the 10 finalists, which were identified by more than 100 sports writers across the country through an online poll. Based on results from the initial survey, the following moments were top picks for sports writers:

• 35% - N.C. State's last-second win over Houston in the 1983 championship game
• 22% - Christian Laettner's jumper to beat Kentucky in '92 East Regional Final
• 14% - Texas Western, with five African-American players, defeat Rupp's Kentucky team

"UNC has historically produced talented players and been a leader in the college hoops arena," said Greg Stoner, president of Sanford, makers of Accent.   "We're thrilled to donate $25,000 in this fine institution's name, especially since it's for such a great cause."

About Sanford®

Accent Highlighters, introduced in the early 1960s, to this day remain one of the most popular brands of information organization tools for home, office and school.  Made by Sanford, a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), the company is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, including such well known brands as Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO® and uni-ball®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products and fine writing instruments.  Headquartered in Bellwood, Ill., the Company has approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.  For more information on Sanford and its family of brands, please visit www.sanfordcorp.com or call 800.323.0749. 

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was established in 1993 by ESPN and legendary basketball coach and broadcaster, the late Jim Valvano.

The Foundation is dedicated to funding research to locate the causes and develop the cures for the more than 100 diseases that are cancer.  To date, The V Foundation has raised more than $32 million and funded more than 190 cancer research grants.  The V Foundation is nationally recognized for the efficiency with which it operates, directing 85 cents of every dollar raised to research.  Join us in the quest to make Jim Valvano's final dream a reality - that victims will become survivors and that this disease that claims the lives of so many of our loved ones, will devastate no more.  For additional information about The V Foundation, visit our website at www.jimmyv.org or contact The Foundation at 1-800-4JimmyV.

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ORLANDO, FLA., - Chad Campbell, 29, a Sharpie sponsored golfer, came from a four-shot deficit in the final round at the Bay Hill Invitational to take his second PGA tour win in his young career.  After playing with legend Arnold Palmer for the first two days of the event, Campbell went on a tear putting for birdie on every hole in the final 18.

"I have a great team around me and I appreciate their support," said Campbell.  "I am excited to bring home the victory for the team and for my sponsors like Sharpie."

Campbell, who finished with an 18-under - 270 stroke showing, is currently in the Masters and adds Bay Hill to his season-ending win at the Tour Championship last year.  

"Chad showed that he is bold in his play at Bay Hill, just like the brand he represents every weekend on the tour," said Greg Stoner, president of Sanford, makers of Sharpie markers.  "We're proud to be associated with such a fine golfer and, more importantly, an exceptional person."

Sharpie has been sponsoring the rising star since 2002, along with another PGA stand-out David Toms since 2001.

From professional to novice golfers, the 17 different colors of Sharpie markers are widely used on golf balls for personal identification.

About Sanford®

Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent markers since 1964, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL). The Company is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO® and uni-ball®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products ranging from markers, pens, pencils and professional art products, to correction, fine writing instruments and office organization. Headquartered in Bellwood, Ill., the Company has approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Sanford and its family of brands, please visit www.sanfordcorp.com or call 800.323.0749.

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