The American Red Cross Honors Bridgestone Global Group of Companies With Circle of Humanitarian Award

Bridgestone Recognized for Donations to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Efforts

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- The American Red Cross today proudly announced that it has presented the prestigious Circle of Humanitarian award to the Bridgestone Global Group of Companies in recognition of its generous $1 million donation during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts. The Circle of Humanitarian award, one of the highest honors of the Red Cross, recognizes companies and individuals whose contributions provide life-saving support through Red Cross programs.

"The American Red Cross is where neighbors help neighbors during their time of need," said Kathleen Loehr, interim Senior Vice President of Development for the American Red Cross. "Fulfillment of this humanitarian mission is only made possible by the support of generous donors, such as the Bridgestone Global Group of Companies, their employees and customers. The impact their gifts made in the lives of so many is truly amazing. I would like to extend our thanks to the entire Bridgestone Global Group of Companies family for their generosity."

"We are honored to be recognized by the Red Cross with their Circle of Humanitarian award. This award not only recognizes the Bridgestone Global Group of Companies but serves as an affirmation that our commitment to the communities we call home does make a difference," said Mark Emkes, chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. "The Bridgestone team was privileged to be able to support those in need during and after the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Support of the long-term growth and recovery operations of affected communities takes more than just money, but financial contributions are a critical component to any rebuilding effort. The American Red Cross provided and continues to provide invaluable assistance to those affected by the storms, funded by many who felt as we do about their good work, and we are happy that we were able to help support those efforts."

The Bridgestone Global Group of Companies donated more than $1 million to the American Red Cross Hurricanes Katrina and Rita response, with a portion of the donation coming from Bridgestone employees. In addition, more than 2,200 Bridgestone owned retail stores across the United States participated in customer donation programs.

During the course of the disaster relief operation in response to the powerful storms of the 2005 Hurricane Season, the Red Cross managed and supported almost 1,500 shelters, provided nearly 3.9 million overnight stays, served in excess of 68 million meals and snacks, connected thousands who were separated from loved ones and provided emergency assistance to more than a million families.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors for 125 years. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters, most of them fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross for help and hope. Through nearly 800 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people each year gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Almost 4 million people give blood -- the gift of life -- through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

About Bridgestone Corporation:

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in wide variety of applications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

About Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.:

Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) is the U.S. subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAH and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies also produce air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles and operate the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.