Host Team, Brigham Young University, Takes Home $5,000 Award from STIHL
BYU Clinches First Place at PLANET Student Career Days

Press Contacts:
Anita Gambill (757) 486-9151 or
Terry Kelley (757) 340-7425
All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

Provo, UT (April 4, 2006)- The 30th anniversary of PLANET Student Career Days, hosted by Brigham Young University, was nothing short of spectacular. STIHL Inc. returned to the annual celebration as the exclusive platinum sponsor, donating over $40,000 to the event. The BYU team earned great respect, clinching first place, their second title in four years. BYU Idaho and Colorado State University came in at a close second and third respectively. BYU Provo was awarded a $5,000 check from STIHL in order to cover their expenses for next year’s event at Michigan State University. Additionally, STIHL presented BYU junior, Nephi Natter, with a $1,000 educational foundation scholarship.

“The students’ hard work, dedication and enthusiasm for Student Career Days is inspiring,” said John Keeler, national training manager for STIHL Inc. “We’re so impressed with BYU. Every year, the bar keeps being raised and we’re so glad we’re able to be a part of it.”

Over 800 students representing 56 of the nation’s colleges and universities spent their week battling in 26 different individual and team landscaping competitions to vie for the elusive title. Events included personnel management, sales presentations, exterior/interior design, irrigation troubleshooting, wood construction, landscape plant installation, equipment operation, patio installation, tree climbing and many more.

“The competition brings the best of the best in the student landscape industry,” said Keeler. “We are proud to sponsor such an important event for the future leaders of our green industry.”

PLANET Student Career Days not only offers a competitive spirit, but also prepares students for careers in the growing landscaping industry, boasting one of the largest career fair forums in the country.

“We hope to help overcome some of the stereotypes people may have of the landscape-contracting profession,” said Phil Allen, BYU professor of landscape management and recipient of PLANET’s 2006 Educator of the Year. “BYU places 100 percent of our graduates in the industry, as they emerge from our programs as highly skilled professionals.”

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.

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