Jason Emmons Takes First Place at the ECHO Chain Saw Carving Championship at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Chicago, IL (October 07, 2009) - Pro Carver Jason Emmons of Branchville, IN captured first place at the 5th Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Championship October 2-4 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® in New Mexico, beating out three time winner Bob King.

Emmons and King (Edgewood, WA) are members of ECHO National Chain Saw Carving Team, which was showcased at this year’s Championship to see who would be judged the superior carver and to raise money for the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico.

Emmons and King competed against team members Mike Bihlmaier (Marengo,IL) and Mark Colp (Lakeport, CA) for cash prizes and the prestigious ECHO Carving Cup. They had 22 hours to produce masterpiece sculptures under the theme: “The Great American Southwest”.

Mark Colp won the “Peoples’ Choice’ category for the second year in a row.

The sculptures were judged on Sunday and auctioned with proceeds benefiting the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. The Foundation grants “wishes” to children who have a life threatening medical condition. The team raised $17,720.

You can see video coverage of the event at http://www.youtube.com/echocarving. The competition in Albuquerque was intense. King has won the championship three years in a row. Colp has competed in all four prior Championships, while Mike Bihlmaier and Jason Emmons have competed in two Championships. You can learn more about this year’s Championship and prior events at www.echo-usa.com/carvingcontest.

ECHO Incorporated Acquires Kwik Products Inc.

Chicago, IL (September 09, 2009) - Kwik Products Inc. (KPI), an Arizona based manufacturer and distributor of easy load trimmer heads and trimmer line, has been acquired by ECHO Incorporated (ECHO) of Lake Zurich, IL.

“This transaction is a good opportunity for both parties,” says Dan Obringer, President of ECHO. “For ECHO, this is a perfect fit from a vertical integration standpoint, as Kwik is a major source of our line and heads. KPI will benefit from ECHO’s financial resources and access to lawn and garden markets. This is definitely a win-win situation.”

KPI will continue to operate out of Phoenix, AZ as an independent company, led by current president, Fernando Iacona. The company has served the outdoor power equipment industry with innovative trimmer heads and line for 12 years.

“We will continue to serve all our customers as we have in the past, providing innovative, high quality products and excellent customer service,” says Iacona. “It’s business as usual for us but we are very excited about the future opportunities this transaction offers to grow our business.”

ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high-performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency demands of commercial and residential customers in the arborist, industrial, landscaping and residential markets, ECHO products have led the industry with a proven standard of performance for more than 35 years. ECHO also markets chippers and chipper/shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.echo-usa.com. To learn more about Kwik Products visit www.kwikproducts.com

Master Chain Saw Carvers Race Against Time and Each Other Under Sea of Balloons To Raise “Wishes” for Kids

Chicago, IL (August 27, 2009) - The 5th Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Championship is returning to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® in New Mexico October 2-4 to carve for the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. And there’s a new twist. This year the Championship pits the highly competitive ECHO Carving Team against the clock and each other.

Mike Bihlmaier (Marengo,IL), Mark Colp (Lakeport, CA), Jason Emmons (Branchville, IN), and Bob King ( Edgewood, WA) have appeared as members of ECHO’s national carving team since 2005 when ECHO first formed the team. The company started the ECHO Carving Series and Championship the same year.

This year’s championship showcases the ECHO team members to see who will be judged as the superior carver. The four professional carvers will compete for cash prizes and the prestigious ECHO Carving Cup. They have 22 hours to produce masterpiece sculptures under the theme: “The Great American Southwest”.

On Sunday, October 4th the sculptures will be judged and then auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. The Foundation grants “wishes” to children who have a life threatening medical condition. Last year’s auction raised $34,700 for the Foundation, granting wishes to seven children.

The competition in Albuquerque should be tense. King has won the championship three years in a row. Colp has competed in all four prior Championships, while Mike Bihlmaier has competed in two championships and Jason Emmons one. You can follow the team as the tension ramps up at www.echo-usa.com/carvingcontest or on the team’s Facebook page. You may reach their page via the Championship link on the ECHO web site.

The Balloon Fiesta remains a perfect visual venue for the Championship. With 700 participating balloons, Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S. Over 400,000 visitors are expected during the event’s opening weekend October 3rd and 4th, which is the same weekend as the ECHO Carving Championship. Visit www.balloonfiesta.com for more details.

ECHO INCORPORATED is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. www.echo-usa.com

MEET THE TEAM

BOB KING
Bob is a three time winner of the ECHO Carving Series Championship. He won the Championship in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and is a member of ECHO’s Chain Saw Carving Team. He is a professional carver and has been carving for almost fourteen years and works at his trade five to seven days a week depending on the weather. Bob lives in Edgewood, WA. His favorite wood is western red cedar and his favorite subject is realistic wildlife. He considers his best work to date the piece he carved at the 2008 ECHO Carving Series qualifying event in Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada.

JASON EMMONS
Originally from Indianapolis, Jason is a full-time carver now based out of his studio, Bear Hollow, in St. Croix, IN and a member of the ECHO Carving Team. He has been carving for about ten years and credits his wife Cindy, whose family operates a saw mill and lumber yard, as the inspiration to become a chain saw carver. Emmons' most challenging carving project to date is also the one he's most proud of. "I carved a dog memorial for a customer in New York," he recalls. "The project took about 10 hours from start to finish. Because the dog had passed away, it was a very personal, emotional and sentimental project for the customer and so the pressure was really on." He competed in the 2006 ECHO Championship.

MARK COLP
Mark is also a member of ECHO’s Chain Saw Carving Team and has participated in every ECHO Carving Series Championship. He has been carving for 31 years and has been a professional chain saw carver since high school. He jokes that he has never filled out a job application. You could say chain saw carving runs in his blood. Mark’s father is a pro chain saw carver and was one of the pioneers in the trade. “I grew up with chain saw carving,” says Mark. “And I still learn a lot from my Dad.” Mark lives in Lakeport, CA. His favorite wood is redwood and his favorite subject is nautical, especially carving dolphins. He considers his best work to date three jumping dolphins, which won first place at a Washington competition in 2005.

MIKE BIHLMAIER
Mike, an ECHO Carving Team member, does all his carving and finishing work at his home in Marengo, IL, and considers chain saw carving a labor of love, not a job. Mike, who started out competing in snow sculpting, was inspired to become a professional chain saw carver after seeing carvers at various county fairs. To Bihlmaier, carving is more of an art form than a skill and likens the craft more towards classical sculpture than traditional wood carving. Mike asserts that he hasn’t carved his hardest piece yet, but one of his most challenging projects so far was 22-foot red-tailed hawk on a 3-sided pillar that he carved out of white oak for a country club. Mike has competed in two prior ECHO Chain Saw Carving Championships.

ECHO wins Manufacturer of the Year Award

Chicago, IL (July 01, 2009) - ECHO Incorporated recently was awarded “Manufacturer of the Year” from the Engine Equipment Training Council (EETC). The award was presented at the EETC’s 13th annual conference held April 16th – 18th in Portland Oregon. The award recognized ECHO for its strong support of the EETC with regards to membership and supplying training equipment and product donations for EETC accredited schools over the past 10 years. The EETC was founded to raise the expertise of technicians in the power equipment industry. It also developed and maintains the Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Certification Program.

Prior to the event a special workshop was held for small engine instructors to learn the about the latest information and technologies in the industry today. Ron Jensen, Senior Manager Warranty and Training at ECHO Incorporated, and Mike Hudson, Product Training Specialist at ECHO Incorporated, gave a two hour presentation covering a new state-of-the-art Ignition System Analyzer offered to ECHO dealers: the Oppama PET-9000. This presentation covered classroom theory along with hands-on training using live, running engines. In addition, Mike Hudson prepared an exhaust emission presentation highlighting the changes in emissions on handheld power equipment. Both programs were given to the instructors to use for their teaching curriculum at their schools. About 15 High School, Vocational and Technical College instructors attended this presentation.

ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high-performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency demands of commercial and residential customers in the arborist, industrial, landscaping and residential markets, ECHO products have led the industry with a proven standard of performance for more than 30 years. ECHO also markets chippers and chipper/shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.echo-usa.com.

ECHO SRM-265T Named Organic Gardening 2009 Editors’ Choice Award Winner
The Gardening Industry’s Most Coveted Award Honors the Best Gardening Tools and Gadgets

EMMAUS, PA (April 30, 2009) – The ECHO SRM-265T High Torque String Trimmer is a recipient of the 2009 Organic Gardening magazine Editors’ Choice Award, the most prestigious award in the gardening industry, given annually to products in recognition of their outstanding innovation in design, materials and/or performance.

Organic Gardening Executive Editor Scott Meyer and his staff of editors and test gardeners revealed the award winners in the February/March 2009 issue of Organic Gardening.

The Organic Gardening Editors’ Choice Awards, bestowed annually since 2005, honors the products that Organic Gardening editors have chosen as the best of the year based on months of trial testing by teams of highly experienced test gardeners. With no set categories for the awards and no set number of recipients, the products and the testing process drive the award categories.

The ECHO SRM-265T was one of 8 innovative products that have been honored with a 2009 Organic Gardening Editors’ Choice Award.

The ECHO SRM-265T trimmer features 50% more cutting torque than the standard ECHO SRM-260 or SRM-261 trimmers, making it ideal for trimming and cutting in thick regional grasses and brush applications. The SRM-265T features a powerful, smooth-running 2-stroke 25.4 cc Power Boost Vortex™ engine along with i-30™ technology for a 30% reduction in starting effort. And heavy-duty engine vibration reduction systems with padded handles increase operator comfort. It is also equipped with a harness ring located on the shaft, providing an easy, convenient connection for a harness. Additional features include a 59-inch, 4-layer flex cable drive to provide additional strength in handling tough trimming and cutting applications, a 16.9 fl. oz. see-through fuel tank for long run time, and a debris shield with a built-in cut-off knife for optimum line length.

“Organic gardeners are very conscious about their consumption—they want to buy only high-quality tools and other gear that are genuinely useful, versatile, and durable so they aren’t replacing them every season,” Meyer says. “We used these items hard in a variety of conditions so our readers can trust that they will work in their gardens for years to come. This is a vital service Organic Gardening provides for its readers because they rely on our more than 65 years of experience in gardening and product evaluation to help them make smart choices.”

The Organic Gardening Editors’ Choice Awards are the gold standard against which all gardening products are measured, and provide a seal of approval that can help put a gardening company or product on the proverbial map.

All winners must excel under extensive field-testing conducted by Organic Gardening’s team of editors and test gardeners, who take new products into their gardens to put them to the test. This process ensures that the performance of the winners is truly worthy of distinction and meets the guiding principle behind the program: gear that is of real value to the readers of Organic Gardening magazine.

The complete list of Organic Gardening 2009 Editors’ Choice Award winners will be officially announced to the general public in the magazine’s February/March 2009 issue, on newsstands January 13th.

About ECHO Incorporated:
ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high-performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency demands of commercial and residential customers in the arborist, industrial, landscaping and residential markets, ECHO products have led the industry with a proven standard of performance for more than 30 years. ECHO also markets chippers and chipper/shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.echo-usa.com.

About Rodale Inc.:
Rodale Inc., which was recognized by the trade publication Advertising Age as Publishing Company of the Year for 2006, is the authoritative source for trusted content in health, fitness, and wellness around the world, reaching more than 70 million people globally. The company publishes some of the best-known health and wellness lifestyle magazines, including Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health, Runner's World, Best Life, Bicycling, Running Times, Mountain Bike, and Organic Gardening, and is also the largest independent book publisher in America with a collection of international titles, including The South Beach Diet and The Abs Diet franchises, and Al Gore's New York Times bestseller An Inconvenient Truth. Rodale's broad range of media platforms includes magazines, books, video, and extensive web sites. For more information on how to grow a beautiful, productive garden the natural way, go to www.organicgardening.com.

ECHO Incorporated and Shindaiwa Incorporated to Merge Operations

Tokyo, Japan (March 16, 2009) - Yamabiko Corporation, the recently formed parent company of Kioritz Corporation and Shindaiwa Corporation, announced plans to merge the two companies and operate as Yamabiko. Initially, Yamabiko Corporation was created as a holding company on December 1, 2008 to take advantage of management integration, sourcing, engineering, manufacturing and other efficiencies.

The new plan is to expand the scope of the merger to include streamlining all functions. “We have already made significant progress in gaining synergy with the two companies since our 2007 alliance,” said Chuck Kitazume, President and CEO of Yamabiko. “However, continued weakening of world markets, rising costs and declining exchange rate between the dollar and yen dictate that we accelerate the consolidation process.” Operations of both companies will be merged in Japan by October 1, 2009.

This consolidation will also impact the North American operations of both companies. Shindaiwa Incorporated of Tualatin, OR will transfer sales and marketing responsibilities for Europe, Asia and the Middle East back to Japan as of April 1, 2009. Eventually, all Shindaiwa operations will be merged with ECHO Incorporated, subsidiary of Kioritz Corporation, in Lake Zurich, IL. Consolidation of the U.S. operations should be completed by October 1, 2009.

“Both ECHO and Shindaiwa are well respected premium brands in the outdoor power equipment industry. The merger of these operations will result in an efficient organization with lower costs, allowing both brands to be even more competitive in the North and South American markets,” said Yasushi Asamoto, Chairman of Yamabiko Corporation.

Kioritz Corporation and ECHO Incorporated are global manufacturers and marketers of forestry and agricultural machinery, as well as outdoor power equipment. Shindaiwa Corporation and Shindaiwa Incorporated are global manufacturers and marketers of welding machines and generators, agricultural and forestry machinery, and outdoor power equipment. All are members of the Yamabiko Group.

ECHO’s Revolutionary BRD-280 Bed Redefiner Wins Dealer’s Choice Award

Chicago, IL (December 1, 2008) - ECHO’s new BRD-280 Bed Redefiner was recently awarded the Dealers Choice Award – handheld category – recognizing innovation and new technology at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, KY.

Based on a hand held design, the revolutionary BRD-280 allows landscapers to perform routine flowerbed and garden edge maintenance without the “bulk” of wheeled machines or the time consuming, hard work associated with the use of shovels. It’s also significantly less expensive and easier to use than a wheeled unit.

“Bed edges erode over time and need to be redefined,” explains Gary Lalla, ECHO Product Manager. “The BRD-280 cuts a crisp, beveled groove, leaving a professional manicured look.”

The unique 6-fingered blade with carbide tips creates the crisp beveled groove and is powered by a 28.1cc Power Boost Vortex™ engine.

An extra benefit is the high impact oversized nylon shield that keeps debris contained within the landscaper bed, eliminating cleanup.

The BRD-280 will be available through ECHO dealers in time for spring season. To view the product in action and see usage tips, visit www.echo-usa.com.

ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high-performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency demands of commercial and residential customers in the arborist, industrial, landscaping and residential markets, ECHO products have led the industry with a proven standard of performance for more than 30 years. ECHO also markets chippers and chipper/shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.echo-usa.com.

Chain Saw Carving Champ Bob King Wins the ECHO Cup For the Third Time – Event Raises $34,700 for Make-a-Wish Foundation®

Chicago, IL (October 10, 2008) - Pro-carver Bob King captured the ECHO Cup for the third consecutive year at the ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series Championship held October 3-5, 2008 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Mark Colp won the People’s Choice category.

Eight world-class chain saw carvers from across the U.S. and Japan competed in the 4th ECHO sponsored Championship after placing in the top rankings of one of four qualifying events. They competed in New Mexico to raise money for the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico and to win cash/ prizes totaling more than $75,000.

The final sculptures were judged on Sunday, October 5th and then auctioned with all proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. The event raised $34,700. The organization grants “wishes” to children who have a life threatening medical condition. Eight wishes were identified for funding from proceeds at the Championship.

The carvers had 20 hours over three days to produce masterpiece sculptures based on their interpretation of the theme “Launching Dreams”. The pieces were judged and ranked on how well the carver interpreted the theme, the difficulty of the design, and craftsmanship. Visit www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries to view the beauty of the pieces and the unique style each carver chose to build a competitive advantage.

First Place: Bob King of Edgewood, WA with his piece “Innocent Dreams”

Second Place: Terry Ahola of Grands Pass, OR with his piece “Make a Wish”

Third Place: Dayton Scoggins of Heidelberg, MS with his piece “Soaring Dreams”

Fourth Place: Hiromu Kurita of Ichihara City, Chiba, Japan with his piece “Future in the Sky”

Additional competitors were: Zoe Boni of Ridgway, PA with her piece “Dream Launcher”; Mark Herrington of Wilkeson, WA with his piece “Sacred Calling”; Jeff Samudosky of Columbia, CT with his piece “Sweet Dreams”; and Mark Colp of Lakeport, CA with his piece “Sky Dreamer”

The Fiesta is a perfect visual venue for the Championship. With more than 600 participating balloons, the Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S. Visit www.balloonfiesta.com for more details.

Major co-sponsors of this year’s ECHO Championship included Bosch Power Tools and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.

ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high-performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency demands of commercial and residential customers in the arborist, industrial, landscaping and residential markets, ECHO products have led the industry with a proven standard of performance for more than 30 years. ECHO also markets chippers and chipper/shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.echo-usa.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States. Visit www.Yamaha-motor.com

ECHO Incorporated Announces Dan Obringer as President

Chicago, IL (October 7, 2008) - ECHO Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, announces that effective December 1st Dan Obringer will become President of the company. He succeeds Yoshi Nagao, who will return to Japan as President of Kioritz Corporation, the parent company of ECHO.

Serving as ECHO’s Vice President and Senior Vice President of Administration for more than 13 years, Obringer becomes ECHO’s first American President. “During his tenure, Dan has been instrumental in helping the management team plan and execute strategies that have consistently grown ECHO’s sales and profitability,” says Chuck Kitazume, current President of Kioritz Corporation. “We believe Dan is well qualified to lead the ECHO organization as our first American President and continue ECHO’s record of success.”

Also effective December 1st, Steve Bly will be promoted from Sr. Vice President of Operations to Executive Vice President. Bly joined ECHO 12 years ago as Vice President of Manufacturing and currently serves on the board of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the major international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment.

Obringer resides in Glenview, IL and Bly in Oakwood Hills, IL.

ECHO Incorporated, based in the Chicago suburb of Lake Zurich, IL, designs and manufactures commercial-grade outdoor power equipment. ECHO is the number one brand used by professionals and a favorite among homeowners who value superior performance. ECHO is a subsidiary of Kioritz Corporation of Japan.

Master Chain Saw Carvers Unite Under A Sea Of Balloons To Raise “Wishes” For Make-A-Wish® Foundation Of New Mexico But Only One Will Win The ECHO Cup

Chicago, IL (September 16, 2008) - The 4th Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series Championship at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® promises some tough competition from an interesting mix of contenders from across the U.S. and Japan.

Competing October 3 – 5 in New Mexico will be Terry Ahola of Grands Pass, OR; Zoe Boni of Ridgway, PA; Mark Colp of Lakeport, CA; Mark Herrington of Wilkeson, WA; Kurita Hiromu of Ichihara City, Chiba, Japan; Bob King of Edgewood, WA; Dayton Scoggins of Heidelberg, MS; and Jeff Samudosky of Columbia, CT.

The eight world-class chain saw carvers gained seats in the ECHO sponsored Championship by placing in the top rankings of one of four qualifying events. The will compete in New Mexico to raise money for the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico and to win cash/ prizes totaling more than $70,000. While each brings home a prize bounty, only one wins the prestigious ECHO cup.

Returning this year is two-time winner Bob King and one-time winner Dayton Scoggins. King and Mark Colp are both members of ECHO’s national chain saw carving team, who compete worldwide under the ECHO banner and serve as ambassadors for the company.

This year the carvers will have 20 hours over three days to produce masterpiece sculptures. The final sculptures will be judged on Sunday, October 5th and then auctioned with all proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. This year’s carving theme mirrors the Fiesta’s ----“Launching Dreams” and ECHO has set a goal of raising two wishes per auctioned sculpture. One “wish” is $5,000.

The Fiesta is a perfect visual venue for the Championship. With 700 participating balloons, the Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S. More than 400,000 visitors are expected opening weekend October 4 and 5, which will also play host to two famous balloon races- the 52nd Coupe Aeronautique Gordon Bennett and the America’s Challenge. Visit www.balloonfiesta.com for more details and schedules.

Major co-sponsors of this year’s Championship include Bosch Power Tools and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. Visit www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries to read and see more about this year’s Championship and prior events. You can see the 2007 Championship at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo on You Tube! Follow the link http://www.youtube.com

ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high-performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency demands of commercial and residential customers in the arborist, industrial, landscaping and residential markets, ECHO products have led the industry with a proven standard of performance for more than 30 years. ECHO also markets chippers and chipper/shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.echo-usa.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States. Visit www.Yamaha-motor.com

A Time For Fall Toys

Buffalo, MO (August 20, 2008) - As the August heat transforms into cooler nights and what to me is the best time of the year, fall begins to reveal itself ever so lightly. With it comes the stirring of outdoor fall chores to come, dreams of fall hunting and of course, great times with the family as the holidays loom on the horizon.

With the extreme costs of heat whether by propane, natural gas or oil, budgeting has never been more important for all of us. Saving our hard earned dollars with good planning, the right tools and accessories has never affected us more.

Any writer likes a little bit of a scoop, the first sighting or testing of a new product that lends itself to our country lifestyle, and that is just what this column is about.

Fireplaces and wood stoves are not only a great place to enjoy a glass of wine with your bride, but they can save untold dollars in savings for oil, propane or electricity, if that is the way you heat your home. Getting the wood cut, dried and split requires some time outside, that if planned right, can be a great experience and a source of good neighbors working together and wonderful memories. To do the work you need a good chain saw, no you need a great chain saw, one that starts easy and is tough enough to take mistakes we all will make.

This week we started and finished a 5.5 acre project to install an Oak Savanna and to clear cedar from a 1.5 acre rock glen, so we had a good opportunity to test a new ECHO chain saw just hitting the market this fall. The CS-530 touts some good changes including the bold orange color, which I appreciate, it makes the saw much more visible, and an auto style, easy access air filter. Always working in dusty conditions, a chain saw is more susceptible to poor air intake than most power tools so the small, top mounted auto-style air filter is a blessing for those of us that spend untold hours with chain saws in hand and need top performance.

The ECHO CS-530 has a hefty 50.1 cc, high performance, commercial engine equipped with a the Slope Advance Ignition System that senses engine speed for optimum power, and did I mention ECHO chain saws are very easy to start, and start often, always when you need it.

Coming standard with a 20" bar, the matched power of the 50.1 CC engine provides the right mix for larger trees and needed full power passes through tough trees. One of my personal favorites is the black oak, grown with a dose of hardness that can frustrate the best of cutters, the ECHO CS-530 held tough and completed the cut with great efficiency. Keeping chains sharpened will make every cut easier and is a task a good chain saw aficionado must learn to master in the field during those breaks needed by all of us.

Chain tension is made very easy by the side access adjustment, and we all know they will stretch especially when they are new, so a quick adjustment saves a problem later on like a chain jumping. Another good feature is the dual post chain brake.

Sooner or later you will experience kick back, a condition where the chain and bar are pinched causing the chain saw to kick back towards the operator. When that happens the chain brake will contact your hand shutting down the chain rotation. It happens so fast you will not even realize it. The best protection is constant awareness of what you are doing so kick back conditions are eliminated or minimal. Never cut over your head, kick back potential then is at a critically dangerous level. There is a Kick Guard you can install on the end of the bar that prevents contact with stones, other trees or any objects and will save you creating new words for the English language when you ding up a new or sharp chain. Once you hit a stone or metal object, game over, stop and sharpen or replace the chain. I always have several chains in the woods with me for each saw. When I do change the chain, I always turn the bar over ensuring equal wear of the bar groves and take all chains to the dealership for professional sharpening after several of my on-the-stump filings.

Chain saws in the country are as much a needed tool as a good lawn mower, sometimes even more. Making the right selection is very important as it must be there when you need it. With two major ice storms, and tornados in the last two years, mine are used hundreds of hours each year. Then, they are called on to perform the added jobs of habitat work such as mid-story thinning, edge feathering and clearing fence lines, trails and roads.

The saw arrives with all the tools to maintain the adjustments, a bottle of fuel mix oil and very good brochures. The manual with the ECHO CS-530 comes with a great set of do's and don'ts and an excellent set of illustrated how to's in cutting and felling large and small trees. There is even a special section on hinge cutting and bound trees and limbs that have tension on them making the selection of cuts critical to safe saw use.

I would add to any chain saw purchase a chain saw case, extra chains and of course the safety equipment you must have in the woods; a safety helmet with hearing and eye protection, safety chaps, good gloves, and good boots. In my opinion, Crew Boss makes the best brush pants money can buy for working in the woods and a long sleeve shirt made for hard work.

Best of all, ECHO saws have a 5 year warranty, and all saws are certified to the EPA's highest engine durability rating available - 300 hours. Other competitors are rated at 50 hours.

Check out all the ECHO products at www.echo-usa.com or call 1-800-432-ECHO for the dealer nearest you, if you work with a chain saw ECHO may be a great choice to be in your hands.

Courtesy Craig Alderman, Quail Unlimited

ECHO Carver Carves at NASCAR Event

Chicago, IL (June 25, 2008) - ECHO Carving Team member Mike Bihlmaier showcased his talent at the NASCAR® Nationwide Series Milwaukee Mile races held the weekend of June 21-22. Mike was invited as part of Popular Mechanic’s Road Show events. Crowds of on-lookers were amazed how non descript logs became bears, otters, and other creatures at the tip of Mike’s ECHO chain saws. ECHO is also the official supplier of the outdoor power equipment used by the racetrack’s grounds and safety crews; click here to learn more. ECHO Chain Saw Carving team members make appearances all across the country; click here to learn more about them and view their schedules.

ECHO and Milwaukee Mile

Chicago, IL (May 12, 2008) - The famous phrase, “Gentlemen start your engines!” may refer to automobiles but to the grounds and safety crews at the Milwaukee Mile racetrack in suburban Milwaukee, WI, it refers to ECHO engines. ECHO Incorporated is the proud supplier of outdoor power equipment to these crews. Seven safety trucks and the grounds maintenance crews will be fully equipped with ECHO equipment ranging from blowers to hedge trimmers to chain saws. The staff at Milwaukee Mile sure is happy with the dependability of its ECHO equipment.

Kyle Burow, Operations Manager at the Milwaukee Mile says, “It’s been great to team up with ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment. Superior performance and reliability is what the Milwaukee Mile Safety team demands in high-pressure situations and we have found it in the ECHO equipment. The increased production of our grounds crew this year is directly related to the addition of the ECHO equipment. The U Turn® trimmer heads are extremely easy to use and have decreased equipment down time needed to reload string. I can not ask for anything more out of our ECHO equipment.” And Jerry Schak, Assistant Safety Director simply states, “These blowers are the cat’s meow.”

The Milwaukee Mile hosts many car races week in and week out including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, IndyCar Series, and the WI Governor’s Cup Race featuring NASCAR drivers Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch. Click on the Milwaukee Mile’s web site for schedule and other information.

Parent Companies of Echo and Shindaiwa Announce Joint Holding Company

Chicago, IL and Portland, OR (April 14, 2008) - Kioritz Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, parent company of ECHO Incorporated, Lake Zurich, IL and Shindaiwa Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan, parent company of Shindaiwa Incorporated, Tualatin, OR have announced plans to form a joint holding company which will own and operate the two companies.

The two companies entered into a business and shareholder alliance on May 21, 2007, the purpose of which was to investigate mutual means of addressing today’s increasingly competitive global environment through product and operational synergies. “After working closely together for nearly one year, we were pleased to uncover more opportunities than initially expected. We are certain the formation of this holding company will be good for Shindaiwa employees and business partners,” said Mr. Y. Asamoto, President and CEO of Shindaiwa Corporation.

To better understand and act upon possible operational improvements, various joint working committees were formed this past year to exchange ideas and consider ways of cooperation. Selective trading of existing products has already started and joint development and advanced engineering will commence soon. The companies have also begun cooperation on various operational matters including purchasing, production, computer systems, and logistics. “Through our joint efforts during the last year we have identified many ways of improving our combined performance. The joint holding company will better position both brands to successfully compete in a dynamic global marketplace,” explains Mr. Chuck Kitazume, Kioritz Corporation President and CEO.

The joint holding company is subject to approval of shareholders at meetings to be held on June 27, 2008 and compliance with all governmental and Tokyo Stock Exchange regulations and requirements. Existing shares of Kioritz and Shindaiwa common stock will be exchanged for shares of the newly formed holding company on or about December 1, 2008.

Kioritz Corporation and ECHO Incorporated are global manufacturers and marketers of forestry and agricultural machinery, as well as outdoor power equipment. Shindaiwa Corporation and Shindaiwa Incorporated are global manufacturers and marketers of welding machines and generators, agricultural and forestry machinery, and outdoor power equipment.

ECHO Carving Team Members Throw Down The Gauntlet In Challenge To Reach The ECHO Carving Series Championship This Fall In New Mexico

CHICAGO, IL (March 25, 2008) - The four members of the ECHO Carving Team have set their sites on once again capturing a seat in the Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series Championship, scheduled to occur this year under the canopy of the world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Mike Bihlmaier of Marengo, IL; Mark Colp of Lakeport, CA; Jason Emmons of Branchville, IN; and Bob King of Edgewood, WA have appeared as members of ECHO’s national carving team since 2004 when ECHO first formed the team. The company started the ECHO Carving Series and Championship the same year.

The four hope to be chosen after qualifying in one of four events leading to the Championship to be held October 3 – 5, 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over that weekend, eight world-class chain saw carvers will compete for cash, prizes and the ECHO cup. Last year all four team members made the finals, with team member Bob King capturing first place for the second year.

This fall the eight pro-carver finalists will have 20 hours to produce masterpiece sculptures. The final sculptures will be judged on Sunday, October 5th and then auctioned with all proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation of New Mexico. This year’s carving theme mirrors the Fiesta’s ----“Launching Dreams” and ECHO has set a goal of raising two wishes per auctioned sculpture. One “wish” is $5,000.

The ECHO team can expect a competitive pro-carver field of more than 75 contestants attempting to reach the Championship by participating in the series. Each ECHO qualifying event produces two pro-carver finalists. Any duplicate winners will be filled with at-large contestants based on a point system. The four qualifying events leading to the Championship are:

Cole Chevy Mountain Festival Carving Invitational, Bluefield, WV (May 23-25)

The National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival, Addison, PA (June 12-14)

The Oregon Divisional Championship, Reedsport, OR (June 12-15)

The Chetwynd International Chain Saw Carving Championship – Invitational 2008, Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada (June 12-15)

Visit www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries over the next few months to follow the team’s progress and the series. You can see the 2007 Championship at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo on You Tube! Follow the link http://www.youtube.com

The Fiesta is a perfect visual venue for the 2008 Championship. With 700 participating balloons, the Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S. More than 400,000 visitors are expected opening weekend October 4 and 5, the same weekend as the ECHO Championship. Visit www.balloonfiesta.com for more details and schedules.

Master Chain Saw Carvers Will Compete Under A Canopy Of Ballons This Fall To Raise “Wishes” For Make-A-Wish Foundation

CHICAGO, IL (March 25, 2008) - The 4th Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series Championship is traveling to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this fall to garner “wishes” for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico.

On the Fiesta grounds October 3 - 5, eight world-class chain saw carvers from four qualifying events will compete for cash, prizes and the ECHO cup. They have 20 hours to produce masterpiece sculptures. The final sculptures will be judged on Sunday, October 5th and then auctioned with all proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation of New Mexico. This year’s carving theme mirrors the Fiesta’s ----“Launching Dreams” and ECHO has set a goal of raising two wishes per auctioned sculpture. One “wish” is $5,000.

The Fiesta is a perfect visual venue for the Championship. With 700 participating balloons, the Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S. More than 400,000 visitors are expected opening weekend October 4 and 5, the same weekend as the ECHO Championship. Visit www.balloonfiesta.com for more details and schedules.

Each ECHO qualifying event produces two pro-carver finalists. Any duplicate winners will be filled with at-large contestants based on a point system. The four qualifying events leading to the Championship are:

Cole Chevy Mountain Festival Carving Invitational, Bluefield, WV (May 23-25)

The National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival, Addison, PA (June 12-14)

The Oregon Divisional Championship, Reedsport, OR (June 12-15)

The Chetwynd International Chain Saw Carving Championship – Invitational 2008, Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada (June 12-15)

The eight finalists traveling to New Mexico will receive a $1,000 travel stipend, hotel and meals plus a $100 incidental expense card, and ground transportation while at the event. Cash and prize packages are still under development but the eight finalists will win cash and prizes matching or exceeding the 2007 Championship bounty of $42,000.

Visit www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries over the next few months to follow the progress of the series. You can see the 2007 Championship at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo on You Tube! Follow the link http://www.youtube.com

ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series And Championship

CHICAGO, IL (March 12, 2008) - The 2008 4th Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series Championship is traveling to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico this fall. The Fiesta is a perfect visual venue for the Championship. With 700 participating balloons, Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S. 400,000 visitors are expected opening weekend October 4 and 5, the same weekend as the ECHO Championship. Visit www.balloonfiesta.com for more details.

On the Fiesta grounds October 3 - 5, eight world-class chain saw carvers from four qualifying events will compete for cash, prizes and the ECHO cup. They have 20 hours to produce masterpiece sculptures. The final sculptures will be judged on the 5th and then auctioned with all proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation. This year’s carving theme mirrors the Fiesta’s ----“Launching Dreams.” Visit www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries over the next few months to follow the progress of the series.

The four qualifying events are:

Cole Chevy Mountain Festival Carving Invitational, Bluefield, WV (May 23-25)

The National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival, Addison, PA (June 12-14)

The Oregon Divisional Championship, Reedsport, OR (June 12-15)

The Chetwynd International Chain Saw Carving Championship – Invitational 2008, Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada (June 12-15)

Each qualifying event produces two finalists. Any duplicate winners will be filled with at-large contestants based on a point system. The eight finalists traveling to New Mexico will receive a $1,000 travel stipend, hotel Thursday through Sunday night, most meals plus a $100 incidental expense card, and ground transportation while at the event. Cash and prize packages are still under development but all eight finalists will win cash equal to or exceeding the 2007 Championship bounty. One special prize to kick off the competition is a balloon ride for the eight finalists over Albuquerque on Friday morning. Watch the ECHO web site as the prize packages evolve.

You can see the 2007 Championship at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo on You Tube! Follow the link http://www.youtube.com

ECHO’s ‘Get Tough and Win Tough Stuff’ Spring Giveaway Offers Professional Users and Dealers Big Chances to Win

CHICAGO, IL (January 30, 2008) - Professional users who purchase ECHO products with an MSRP of $299 or more from a participating dealer between February 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008 may win one of more than 850 prizes in the ‘Get Tough and Win Tough Stuff’ Spring Giveaway.

Prizes include one 2008 Ford F-150 4x2 Harley-Davidson Special Edition truck and two Yamaha Grizzly 700 Utility ATVs and lots of ECHO product, including ECHO’s newest high performance trimmer, the SRM-280T.

The three participating dealers whose customers win the truck and ATVs also win the same prizes.

For details on how to enter, for Giveaway rules and to locate participating ECHO dealers, professional users are encouraged to visit www.echo-usa.com/gettough. Interested dealers may contact their ECHO distributor for participation requirements.

Crary Appoints Nilson New President

WEST FARGO, ND (December 4, 2007) - Crary Industries, Inc., subsidiary of ECHO Incorporated, announced it has appointed Keith Nilson as President, effective December 1, 2007. He replaces Chuck Crary, who steps down as president and becomes Chairman of the Board for Crary Industries, effective immediately.

Nilson joined the company in 2004 as Vice President of Operations and is a seasoned executive with deep experience in manufacturing. He has held executive positions at Kohler Co. in Wisconsin and BTD Manufacturing in Minnesota. He holds a BS in Engineering from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and MBA from Northwestern University.

Nilson expressed his enthusiasm stating, “Crary Company has been a true innovator in all the markets we serve, from Crary Air Reels and CWS to Lockwood Potato Planting and Harvest equipment to ECHO Bear Cat outdoor power equipment. Our real strength, though, is in our relationship with our dealers and customers.”

Crary praised the choice of Nilson saying “I am excited to see Keith take over the leadership of Crary Industries. He is a proven leader with great ideas and direction. Our employees, customers and the company will all flourish under his leadership.”

Nilson and his wife Karen live in Fargo. They have five sons.

ECHO Incorporated purchased TerraMarc in April 2006 and renamed the company Crary Industries, Inc. The company specializes in agricultural products such as potato harvesters and the Bear Cat chippers/shredders. To learn more about Crary Industries visit www.craryindustries.com

Headquartered in Lake Zurich, IL, ECHO Incorporated designs and manufactures commercial-grade outdoor power equipment and markets Crary’s chippers and shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. The company is the number one brand used by professionals and a favorite among homeowners who value superior performance.

President of Crary Industries Becomes Chairman of the Board

WEST FARGO, ND (December 4, 2007) - Chuck Crary, President of Crary Industries Inc.- a subsidiary of ECHO Incorporated - stepped down as president and became Chairman of the Board effective December 1st. Keith Nilson, formerly Vice President of Operations at Crary Industries, replaces him.

“Crary Company has been successful beyond what I imaged when we started it and this is attributable to God’s blessings and wonderful employees,” explains Crary. “Twenty eight years is a long time for one person to lead a company. I feel very comfortable turning over the President’s role to Keith so I can explore other opportunities without having the day to day responsibility.”

Chuck Crary started the West Fargo, ND company in 1979, with his cousin, as a small machining shop for area agricultural businesses. The company doubled its size every five years until it was acquired in 1999 by the investment firm KRG Capital Partners, LLC. KRG combined Crary Company with three other companies to form TerraMarc Industries, a company specializing in agricultural products such as potato harvesters and the Bear Cat chippers/shredders.

Nilson joined Crary Industries in March 2004 as Vice President of Operations. He and Chuck Crary have seen the company’s workforce grow from 116 employees in 1999 to 225 employees in 2007. The company’s manufacturing facility has grown from 6,000 sq. ft. in 1981 to today’s 202,000 sq ft. operation.

ECHO purchased TerraMarc in April 2006 and renamed the company Crary Industries. To learn more about Crary Industries visit www.crary.com

Headquartered in Lake Zurich, IL, ECHO Incorporated designs and manufactures commercial-grade outdoor power equipment and markets Crary’s chippers and shredders under the ECHO Bear Cat name. The company is the number one brand used by professionals and a favorite among homeowners who value superior performance.

Carver Bob King Retains Championship At ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series

LAKE ZURICH, IL (October 12, 2007) - The roars you may have heard from the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo recently did not come from a lion, a tiger, or a bear. They were chain saws used during the 2007 ECHO Chain Saw Carving Series Championship held October 6-8. And for the second year in a row, chain saw artist Bob King, of Edgewood, Washington walked off with the prestigious ECHO Carving Cup. King and seven other professional carvers competed in unseasonable, sweltering heat and humidity, spending nineteen competitive hours over three grueling days creating their unusual art.

This year’s theme: “The Great Wild North – A Celebration of the Legendary Animals of North America”, produced a wide range of sculptures but it was King’s, “All Creatures Great and Small” that took home the prize. The sculptures were judged according to five criteria including theme; degree of difficulty; craftsmanship; design and artistic impact; and correctness of form/state of completion. The “People’s Choice” award went to Brad Sharp, Rio Dell, California for his sculpture entitled, “Just Out of Reach”. Complete results follow:

King took home a prize package valued at almost $7,800 including cash, the ECHO Carving Cup, and a variety of Cannon carving bars. The total cash and prize package for the event totaled almost $34,000. Co-sponsors included Cannon Carving Bars, Holiday Inn – Countryside/LaGrange, Oregon Bar and Chain, and the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo. All sculptures from the competition will remain on permanent display at the Zoo.

“ECHO is a proud sponsor and long-standing supporter of this unique art form. Action from this year and past Championships can be viewed by visiting www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries.

ECHO Power Equipment Takes Cutting Edge Initiative with Quail Unlimited

EDGEFIELD, SC (August 15, 2007) - “When you chart new territory, you want to partner with leaders and innovators who accept the challenges of our nation’s conservation efforts and ECHO is that leader with Quail Unlimited,” strongly states Rocky Evans, President of Quail Unlimited (QU).

“We are so proud to announce today the long term corporate sponsorship of ECHO Incorporated, the exclusive and official chain saw and power tool provider of QU, its chapters and partners in conservation. ECHO’s commercial grade tools are the leader in engine powered handheld products, which are critical to the needs of all conservationists and private land owners who must maintain our wildlife habitat,” adds Evans. “With our uniquely heavy work in mid-story forest management, brush control, access and egress roads, controlled burns and other ground projects, ECHO’s expertise and exceptional equipment quality will get our jobs done faster and more efficiently.”

Through its dedicated chapter members coast to coast, QU is leading the charge to restore the natural habitat of wild quail and upland wildlife, working with private landowners as well as state and federal agencies across the country with unprecedented partnerships, explains Evans. By putting on local events and fundraisers, QU chapters raise conservation dollars that are then used for on-the-ground projects in their area, he adds.

“ECHO has accepted a leadership role in conservation that elevates their brand above all the rest and we want our members, partners and sponsors to know the support ECHO brings to the table. Following that initiative, we are exceptionally pleased to further announce that ECHO will be the official power tools of the new QU-Kubota Habitat Improvement Teams (HIT) and an official sponsor of the HIT teams. This is truly a day to remember for conservation,” declares Evans.

ECHO also is providing significant support of QU regional and local grant programs and the national campaign “Flight to the Future, “ as well as funding wild quail and upland wildlife research.

“ECHO’s constant drive for exceptional equipment performance under the hardest of conditions is a natural fit with the nation’s leading quail and upland wildlife conservation organization whose tireless efforts need the right tools,” adds Joe Fahey, Vice President of Marketing. “Environmental conservation is a fundamental element of ECHO’s corporate philosophy and we are proud to partner with such a dedicated conservation group as Quail Unlimited.”

Quail Unlimited (QU) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the restoration of habitat for wild quail and upland wildlife. Its almost 300 chapters nationwide raise local project dollars for on-the-ground projects, including private and public land management with banquets, auctions, sporting clay events and more. QU has a highly trained staff of biologists, state and regional directors and dedicated members that work with private landowners and state and federal agencies to restore quail populations. In 2006, Quail Unlimited chapters and partners invested over $4.4 million dollars in quail habitat improvements. For more information on QU, wildlife habitat and membership go to the website at www.qu.org.

ECHO-Sponsored Jamie Fischer Continues To Be A World Champion

LAKE ZURICH, IL (August 9, 2007) - Jamie Fischer, who in 2005 broke his own World Record in Men’s Boom Run, retained his Boom Run title at the Lumberjack World Championships for the sixth consecutive time this year. Fischer has been the World Champion Boom Runner since 2001. He continued a strong showing at the event held each year in Hayward, Wisconsin, by placing second in Men’s Log Rolling.

While competing at the Stihl International Log Rolling Association Championships of Log Rolling and Boom Running, Fischer captured a silver medal in both Men’s Boom Run and Men’s Log Rolling.

Parent Companies of ECHO and Shindaiwa Build Alliance for the Future

CHICAGO, IL (May 29 2007) - Kioritz Corporation of Japan, parent company of ECHO Incorporated, and Shindaiwa Corporation, parent company of Shindaiwa Incorporated, have announced a business and shareholder alliance. The alliance provides the two international corporations the opportunity to investigate mutual means of addressing today’s increasingly competitive global environment through product and operational synergies.

“Increased consolidation within the outdoor power equipment industry, the rising cost of product development, and the need to meet changing worldwide environmental standards all contributed to the formation of this alliance,” explains Mr. Chuck Kitazume, Kioritz President and CEO.

“In recent years, the industry’s competition has intensified, including the entry of low-priced products from China and other developing countries,” adds Mr. Y. Asamato, President and CEO of Shindaiwa Corporation. “Substantial investment and advanced technology will be required to meet these new competitive challenges.”

“It is too early to say where this alliance will go long term,” adds Mr. Kitazume. “We do know there are opportunities for cooperation in product development, sourcing, and manufacturing.” Partnership between the two companies is not new. Kioritz has been supplying chain saws to Shindaiwa for the Japanese and European markets since 2001. This alliance formalizes and strengthens an ongoing partnership.

While working jointly on various projects, ECHO and Shindaiwa will maintain their unique identities in the marketplace and remain autonomous companies.

ECHO Incorporated, Lake Zurich, IL, is a subsidiary of Kioritz Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, a global manufacturer and seller of forestry, agricultural, and outdoor power equipment. Shindaiwa Incorporated, Portland, OR, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shindaiwa Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan, a global manufacturer and seller of welding machines and generators, agricultural and forestry machinery, and outdoor power equipment. Both companies are publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Kioritz / Shindaiwa Alliance

CHICAGO, IL (May 21 2007) - Today it was announced in Japan that Kioritz Corporation (Kioritz), the parent company of ECHO Incorporated has entered into a business and shareholding alliance with Shindaiwa Corporation (Shindaiwa).

Kioritz and Shindaiwa, both publicly traded companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, are leading global manufacturers of premium outdoor power equipment including trimmers, chainsaws, power blowers, hedge clippers and related products.

In addition to initial mutual investments of approximately $2 million in each other’s common stock, the alliance will focus on working together to develop and implement future mutually beneficial product and operational programs.

2007 ECHO Carving Series

CHICAGO, IL (May 11 2007) - Don’t Miss Out on the 2007 ECHO Carving Series! The 2007 ECHO Carving Series will be bigger and better than ever, so be sure to follow the Qualifying Events leading to the Championship on our web site. This year’s Championship will be held Oct. 6-8 at the world-renowned Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo located just outside the Chicago city limits. The theme is “The Great Wild North”. And the sculptures carved during the Championship will have a home at one the most visited zoos in the world! The prize payouts are the highest yet with over $25,000 in cash alone - including a minimum payout of at least $2,000 for 6th through 8th place - not to mention the chance to go home with the prestigious “ECHO Carving Cup” trophy.

The four qualifying events are:

As in the past, the 1st Place and 2nd Place Pro Division carvers at each of the four qualifying events will earn a spot to compete at the Championship. Should there be any duplicate winners at the four qualifiers a point system for at-large competitors will be used. Accumulate points by placing 3rd, 4th, or 5th at the qualifiers and the at-large competitor(s) with the most points are in.

ECHO Carving Team Carves for Kids During Daytona Beach Bike Week

CHICAGO, IL (February 27, 2007) - Members of the ECHO Chain Saw Carving Team will display their unique skill and carve for a well-known charity during the 2007 Daytona Beach (Florida) Bike Week, March 2 through 11.

Sculptures will be auctioned on-line post Bike Week by WHTQ 96.5FM Classic Rock Radio of Orlando, FL., with all proceeds benefiting Camp Boggy Creek, a year-round fully-functioning medical facility that provides a camp experience for seriously ill children and their families. The auction will run on-line March 12 through 31 via the radio station’s web portal at www.whtq.com.

Chain saw carving is a multi-sensory event. From the roar of the chain saws to the scent of the wood, it’s something you won’t want to miss. You can follow the carver’s progress via the WHTQ web site.

Three carvers will appear at the following hot spots:

ECHO Incorporated is a proud sponsor and long-standing supporter of this unique art form and is the leading supplier of professional-grade, high performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use. To learn more about ECHO’s Carving Team and Bike Week sponsorship, visit www.echo-usa.com/bikeweek. To learn more about Camp Boggy Creek, visit www.boggycreek.org.

Bob King wins 2006 ECHO Carving Series Championship

LAKE ZURICH, IL (August 30, 2006) – Bob King of Edgewood, Washington has won the 2006 ECHO Carving Series Championship held during the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on August 25-27. Sponsored by ECHO INCORPORATED, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, the ECHO Carving Series is a showcase competition between award-winning chain saw sculptors. Eight competitors from four qualifying events competed for the championship.

King narrowly beat out Dayton Scoggins by five points with his piece titled, “Spooked” under the event theme, “The Sporting Life”. Scoggins took second place and also won the “People’s Choice” award with his piece titled “Sportsman’s Paradise.”

All eight finalists labored over 20 hours during the weekend wowing the crowds with their unbelievable talent causing quite a difficult judging process. Judging criteria included: theme interpretation, degree of difficulty, craftsmanship, design and artistic impact, and correctness of form/anatomy proportion/state of completion. Complete results are below.

King took home a prize package valued at almost $14,000 including cash, the ECHO Carving Cup, and a Ducks Unlimited Yamaha Grizzly 660 4x4 ATV in Advantage Max4™ Pattern.

Attendees had an opportunity to go home with one of seven sculptures, as each piece was auctioned on Sunday with the proceeds split between the carver and Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation efforts. The eighth sculpture will be held in reserve for auction at the Ducks Unlimited’s Wisconsin State Chapter banquet held in January 2007.

The total cash and prize package for the event totaled almost $34,000. Co-sponsors included Ducks Unlimited, Yamaha Motor Sports, ECHO Bear Cat Chippers and Shredders, Cannon Chain Saw Carving Bars, Oregon Chain, Winchester Shotguns, Tucker-Rocky ATV Accessories, Whitewater Apparel, John Marshall Designs, Primos Duck Calls, Citgo, and Avis Rent-A-Car.

ECHO is a proud sponsor and long-standing supporter of this unique art form. Action from this year and past Championships can be viewed by visiting www.echo-usa.com/carvingseries.

ECHO INCORPORATED is the leading supplier of professional-grade, high performance hand-held outdoor power equipment for commercial and residential use.