G.I. Joe's Names Dick Bigoni as Its Manufacturer's Representative of the Year

WILSONVILLE, Ore., Aug. 10, 2005 -- Norm Daniels, President and CEO of G.I. Joe's, today announced long-time manufacturer's representative Dick Bigoni of Bigoni-Stiner & Associates as the company's 2005 Manufacturer's Representative of the Year.

The award is given annually by G.I. Joe's to the manufacturer's representative who contributes to increasing profitable sales by providing outstanding service, attention to detail, and superior follow-through throughout an entire year.

"The manufacturer's rep is important to our success because they also represent G.I. Joe's to the manufacturer. A great rep like Dick can often make the difference between being an outlet for a product and being a preferred vendor," Daniels said.

"The manufacturer's reps work hard to win this award, because it gives them 'bragging rights' among their peers and competitors for the entire year; including an assigned parking space close to the main entrance of our office," said Ron Menconi, Vice President and Director of Marketing and Merchandising at G.I. Joe's.

Chad Farthing, Automotive Buyer at G.I. Joe's, cited Dick's integrity and capacity for hard work on several important brands, including Pilot Automotive, Master Lock and Larin. "For 32 years now he has contributed to our growth with in-store service, new store set-up, and keeping us informed of new items and trends."

Norm Daniels went on to mention, "Dick is the latest in a group of independent business people who have contributed to the success of our company by professionally representing great brands and products that our customer want." Dick Bigoni thanked G.I. Joe's for the award saying, "I'm really pleased to receive this award. I've worked with Joe's since 1973 and always enjoyed the people that work there. It's been great watching Joe's grow and I hope I'm around there for a long time to come."

G.I. Joe's is a privately held full line retailer of sporting goods and automotive products, headquartered in Wilsonville, OR. They currently operate 23 stores throughout Oregon and Washington. In 2004, G.I. Joe's generated sales in excess of $210 million.