Florida Woman Named National Hero Award Semifinalist for Creating a Disaster Preparedness Organization

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; $100,000 charitable contributions awarded to finalists; winner receives Volvo car for life

40 Semi-Finalists Selected; Vote at www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 15 -- While hurricanes are a way of life along the Gulf Coast, one Florida woman does not believe that devastation needs to follow each storm. Disaster preparedness leader Jackie Bell created Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) to ensure that Northern Florida communities are ready to survive turbulent coastal weather. Now, Bell has been identified as one of the nation's top 40 heroes and is in the running to be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards -- an annual, nationwide search for real-life heroes across America.

Beginning today, the American public can visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and vote for Bell. This democratic vote will decide the program finalists in Volvo's hero search. Three winning heroes will receive $100,000 for their charities. One extraordinary winner will receive a new Volvo car every three years for life.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, one of the most destructive storms in Gulf of Mexico history, Bell established herself as an emergency relief leader through her work with the Emergency Operation Center for Escambia County. She learned quickly that critical players in the recovery efforts, such as faith-based communities, were missing. As chair of the Escambia County Long Term Recovery Committee, Bell coordinated 38 social service and faith-based organizations to address the unmet needs of more than 11,000 individuals and families.

BRACE, a comprehensive disaster management program was developed from the Hurricane Ivan recovery experience. The organization is helping to make the Pensacola region the most disaster-prepared community in America by stressing preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation to residents. When FEMA ended its temporary Pensacola-area housing on October 31, 2006, almost 215 families faced immediate eviction. BRACE stepped in with Mission Homeward Bound and saw to the remaining vocational, credit and housing needs of the families.

Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.

"Once again, Volvo is inviting America itself to serve as one of the Volvo for life Awards judges," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "Last year we had an overwhelming response with more than 700,000 votes tallied. This year's heroes are top notch. It will be tough to narrow the field down and pick winners, but Volvo is confident that America is up to the challenge."

In the end, every vote counts. Ten heroes have been selected in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category. The voting period will determine three finalists in each category. Visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and learn more about what the top 40 hometown heroes are doing to make the world a better place now and in the future. Most importantly, support Bell with your vote and help bring more funding to your community.

Volvo Cars of North America leads the national initiative, honoring and rewarding local heroes with financial contributions each year. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners. One top hero in each of the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. One extraordinary winner will go on to receive the title "America's Greatest Hometown Hero," and with it, a new Volvo car every three years for life.

A fourth Volvo for life Awards category is up for grabs this year -- but only America's kids can reach it. Volvo is elevating its annual Butterfly Award to its own youth hero category -- with a $25,000 prize for the winner and $10,000 to two runners up.

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. A grand award winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit http://www.volvocars-pr.com.