Redtree Industries, LLC

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2008

Effective May 5, 2008 Redtree Industries, LLC has completed the purchase of certain assets of Redtree Industries Inc. of Newark, New Jersey in conjunction with Gordon Brush. Redtree is a leading supplier of paint applicator products to the retail industry and has been exceeding customer expectations for over 30 years. Gordon Brush has been in business since 1951 and is a leading manufacturer of industrial and janitorial brushes. The synergy of these combined companies will bring many additional benefits to our customer as the number of high quality products will become available to them.

Following an orderly transition, Redtree Industries, LLC will operate in a modern 51,000 sq. ft. facility with Gordon Brush in the Los Angeles area of Commerce, California. The co-owners of Gordon Brush which was established in 1951, Ken Rakusin and Bill Loitz, along John Leone form the new ownership team of Redtree. Ken and Bill's successful management and growth of Gordon Brush coupled with John's experience in paint applicator products to the retail industry will allow for continued growth in Redtree's business. Redtree's reputation for excellent service, prompt delivery, and outstanding relationships with customers and vendors is one that Gordon Brush has shared throughout its existence.

For further information, contact John Leone at (267) 251-7148.

For Immediate Release

On April 7th Lloyd "The Chief" Benjamin, 89 year old founder of Precision Brush Company, passed away. He was one of the last old time brush makers who was still active in the industry. He founded Precision Brush Company in 1951 by designing and building his own metal channel strip brush machines. He always enjoyed working through mechanical problems and his life's work in the brush industry suited him well. He came to work most days including the weekends, but had given up most of his responsibilities years ago. One of his self proclaimed responsibilities was keeping the driveway clear of the Canadian Geese. On March 20th while chasing the geese with a snow shovel, he tripped and injured his head. After a helicopter flight to the hospital and a few weeks in the Intensive care unit he lost the battle.

The Chief will be remembered for his thoughtfulness toward others, his outgoing nature and his hard work and determination. Stories about his years as a pilot flying through the Himalayan mountains during WWII and the early struggles and successes starting Precision Brush will be with us forever.

Although all of us at Precision brush are saddened by our loss, we are comforted by the warm wishes, prayers and memories that have come to us from many our friends in the industry. We are proud of him and proud of the life that he lived. He was truly an inspiration to all of us.

Lloyd did not want a formal service, but he did have a fondness in his heart for the House Ear Institute where they are dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education. He suffered from hearing loss and in 1986 received a cochlear implant, which miraculously allowed him to hear again. The Benjamin family has asked that instead of flowers, donations could be made in his name to:

House Ear Institute
2100 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 483-4431

Very positive feedback from exhibitors on the Inter Brush international trade fair in Freiburg

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2009 WILLIAM CORDES INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD

The American Brush Manufacturers Association is pleased to accept nominations for of the "ABMA William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award" which is to recognize outstanding innovation of manufactured products, components or services in the Broom, Brush, Mop and Roller Industry. The award is named after William Cordes, who served as the Association's first President from 1917-1928. This award serves as a constant reminder that all new and exciting endeavors have beginnings that connect with real people. This award is to be an annual competition whereby any interested parties may submit nominations to ABMA during any calendar year for consideration. All nominations must be readily available in the marketplace during the year in which they are to be considered. Please see the contest rules for specific details.

Mr. Barry Harper , ABMA President encourages companies to enter the competition and says: " The ABMA Innovation Award competition is a great opportunity for companies to showcase their innovative products, components and services to the industry, and to the larger audience served by customers, users and consumers as well. It gives the greater industry a wonderful opportunity to see just how innovative, creative and vibrant we are as brushmakers."

Nominations will be exhibited at the 2009 ABMA Annual Convention. The 2008 award winner was Shur-Line for their Edge Like A Pro edge and trim painter.

As Peter Drucker says, "Invention is one of the critical keys to success." The "ABMA Innovation Award" recognizes those companies and individuals who pursue the path of creation and innovation in order to stay ahead of their competition in this most competitive world.

Entries for the award will be accepted until October 31 and the award presentation will be made at the ABMA Annual Convention in March 2009 at Renaissance Eden Roc at Miami Beach, FL. For more information, rules and nomination forms please visit: http://www.abma.org/innovation/index.cfm

InterBrush Newsletter – April 2008

ABMA: InterBrush 2008: Innovations in the international brush and paintbrush industry

ABMA invites you to Joint Reception at InterBrush

SHUR-LINE "Edge Like A Pro™" Ceiling and Trim Paint Edger wins ABMA 2008 Innovation Excellence Award

The American Brush Manufacturers Association awarded its third annual William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award to SHUR-LINE, for its "Edge Like A Pro™" Ceiling and Trim Paint Edger at it 91st Anniversary Meeting and Convention recently held in Carlsbad, CA. This is the second year in a row that SHUR-LINE has walked away with the coveted "Willie".

Designed to be faster and more accurate, Edge Like A Pro™ features a retractable guide for mess-free loading; easy pad removal with the push of a button; ergonomic handle to reduce fatigue; swivel handle that attaches to all standard poles; and special woven pad that paints up to 8' without reloading. Paint edges without taping.

The William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award is to recognize outstanding innovation of manufactured products, components or services in the Broom, Brush, Mop and Roller Industry. The award is named after William Cordes, who served as the Association's first President from 1917-1928. This award serves as a constant reminder that all new and exciting endeavors have beginnings that connect with real people. This award is an annual competition whereby any interested parties may submit nominations to ABMA during any calendar year for consideration. All nominations must be readily available in the marketplace during the year in which they are to be considered.

Mr. Barry Harper of Harper Brush Works, ABMA President says: "The ABMA Innovation Award competition is a great opportunity for companies to showcase their innovative products, components and services to the industry, and to the larger audience served by customers, users and consumers as well. It gives the greater industry a wonderful opportunity to see just how innovative, creative and vibrant we are as brushmakers."

Submissions for the 2009 Innovation Excellence Award are being accepted until December, 1, 2008. Submission information is available at: http://www.abma.org/innovation/index.cfm.

For more information, contact:

American Brush Manufacturers Association - ABMA
2111 Plum Street , Suite 274
Aurora, IL 60506-3268
630-631-5217 T, 630-897-9140 F, info@abma.org

ABMA Cash Basis Financial Statements
December 31, 2007

Specialty Filaments is Now Monahan Filaments

January 28, 2008 — Monahan SFI, LLC has been operating under the trade name of Specialty Filaments since the acquisition of the assets of Specialty Filaments, Inc. Today, we are pleased to announce that the products and services of the company will be marketed under the name Monahan Filaments. Future advertisements and correspondence will now bear this name.

Our website is now www.monahanfilaments.com and our email address domain is monahanfilaments.com. To smooth the transition, both the Specialty Filaments website and current email addresses will redirect to the correct site. There will be no need to change your vendor or customer records to reflect this change unless they are still referencing Specialty Filaments.

We at Monahan Filaments thank you generously for the support you have given us over the last year, and we look forward to serving your future needs as part of the Monahan family of companies. The name is our new identity, but the goal of being your supplier and strategic partner for today, tomorrow and the future remains.

BLOOMINGDALE, NJ — Harold Demarest, one of the only importers of a bamboo cane used for fly-fishing rods, died this week, just shy of his 96th birthday.

But friends and family still gathered Wednesday for a birthday party, his wife said.

"We celebrated his 96th birthday and had the cake and 97 candles with one to grow on as we've done every year," Eileen Demarest said Thursday.

Mr. Demarest, president of Charles H. Demarest Inc., died Monday. He had been in the family import business for seven decades. The company is one of two firms nationally that import a bamboo cane used for high-end fly-fishing rods. Charles H. Demarest Inc. was sold to Brush Fibers in 1982.

Eileen Demarest gave this glimpse of her husband's life: He was born in 1911 to a family of six, attended Montclair Academy in Montclair, and earned his bachelor's degree in business and economics from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. He started working at his father's import business in 1934, and eventually took it over. The only interruption came when he spent time as a civilian flight instructor and naval officer from 1942 to 1945. He later helped at a volunteer business organization. He was recently inducted into the hall of fame at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.

His wife said the two loved to travel, visiting all seven continents and eating all types of foods but asking questions later. She added that he was dearly loved by all. "He left a mark on every life that he touched," she said.

Mr. Demarest is survived by his wife, three children from a former marriage, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Earl C. Winzig, former co-owner and Vice President of Young & Swartz, Inc., died Thursday after a long illness in his Amherst home. He was 85.

Mr. Winzig was born in Buffalo and graduated from Seneca Vocational High School. He served in World War II with the Army Air Forces and was stationed in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, Mr. Winzig worked for 60 years as co-owner of Young & Swartz, Inc., a family- owned brush manufacturing and wholesale distributor established in 1866.

A ham radio operator and longtime member of the Amateur Radio Association of the Tonawandas, Mr. Winzig was featured in The Buffalo Evening News in 1948 for creating a home-built television set.

Mr. Winzig was past master of Transportation Lodge 842, Free & Accepted Masons; past high priest and secretary of Tonawanda Keystone Chapter 71, Royal Arch Masons; and a member of the Buffalo Consistory, Ismailia Shrine Temple and the Legion of Honor.

He was a dedicated member of Trinity Old Lutheran Church in Amherst.

Survivors include a son, David E.; a daughter, Sharon A.; and a brother, Raphael E.

A memorial service was hald in Trinity Old Church, 3445 Sheridan Drive, Amherst.

He had many industry friends and his service and companionship will be missed.

LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire, December 21, 2007 -- Felton Brush Inc. a specialty design and manufacturing company of industrial components, announced today that the company has completed its acquisition of Spring Machine and Tool Company of Manchester, NH.

"The customer base of Spring Machine will not only enjoy the same level of responsiveness and quality performance they have experienced for years, but will also benefit from the additional technical resources and capital investment capabilities of Felton," said Daniel J. Boehm, President of Felton.

"By joining forces with Felton, we will have the operational and financial support to allow the company to compete more effectively and to prosper for years to come," said James Spring, owner and founder of Spring Machine. "Felton and Spring have nearly 200 years of combined history in our local marketplace, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them."

All of the Spring Machine employees will be joining Felton and the entire operation will be relocated to Felton's facility in Londonderry, NH. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"This acquisition is also part of our ongoing strategy to expand the technical capabilities of our company," added Mr. Boehm. "With the addition of Spring's automated CNC machining centers and highly skilled staff, Felton is one step closer to offering fully integrated, highly-engineered assemblies to our core markets."

About Felton Brush

Founded in 1852, Felton is the oldest industrial brush manufacturing company in the United States and the largest manufacturer of custom brush products. Today, Felton designs can be found in automobile shift levers and seat belt mechanisms; aircraft windows and seats, sports arenas and recreational equipment; postage meters, machine guards, vacuum cleaners and a wide range of agricultural equipment. With a manufacturing facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment, Felton is poised to help customers meet an ever-changing competitive environment well into the future. For more information, visit www.feltonbrush.com.

DONALD T. STEPHENS Donald T. Stephens, age 71 of Atlanta, formerly of Chicago, passed away in October. Don was the beloved husband of 49 years to Julieann nee Hegland. Loving father of Cathy (Steve) Pruchniak, Karen (Rande) O'Halloran, David (Becky) Stephens, Kristin (Jim) McConnell & Michael (Sharon) Stephens. Cherished grandfather of 13. For more information please contact the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL. 708-857-7878. Don was the former owner of Atlanta Brush Company and a long time ABMA member and friend to the industry.

For Immediate Release

Date: 11 06 07
Subject: ABMA Announces 2008 Innovation Award Candidates
From: David Parr, Executive Director

The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) is pleased to announce the following candidates for the coveted William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award, which is given to recognize outstanding innovation of manufactured products, components or services in the Broom, Brush, Mop and Roller Industry. The award is named after William Cordes, who served as the Association's first President from 1917-1928. This award serves as a constant reminder that all new and exciting endeavors have beginnings that connect with real people. The 2008 candidates are:

Click here for the complete listing.

For Immediate Release

Date: 9 28 07
Subject: 2008 ABMA Convention Moves to Jan 30- Feb 2
From: David Parr, Executive Director

The American Brush Manufacturers Association announces that the 2008 Annual Convention is moving to January 30 - February 2, 2008. ABMA Convention Committee Chair and association VP Mark Godfrey stated the association, in cooperation with the La Costa Resort and Spa, worked together to move the convention for 2008 to an earlier time frame to create a larger separation between ABMA's keystone annual event and the important InterBrush tradeshow being held in Freiburg Germany April 16-18, 2008. As originally scheduled, ABMA and InterBrush would have been only 4 weeks apart, but with the new schedule for ABMA Jan 30 - Feb 2, 2008 attendees should comfortably be able to attend both important industry events as they are now separated by 2-1/2 months.

Incentives Announced to Accommodate the Change
In addition, because of the earlier start date, ABMA is pleased to announce that it will offer the following incentives to encourage attendance at the 2008 Annual Convention:

1. Room Rate reduction to $215/night. Stay at this world class resort for a fraction of the $500 per night rack rate.
2. Complimentary spa membership during the Annual Convention

Even More Reasons To Go to ABMA
Don't miss 2008's important educational session titled; "I Didn't Like It at First, But It's Starting to Grow on Me" featuring Product Innovation and Branding from Sundberg-Ferar's Curt Bailey and Ted Bott. Sundberg-Ferar helps companies develop a competitive advantage through the quick introduction of innovative, attractive and cost effective products, which serve to build brand awareness and loyalty. Compete on something other than price!

Also to be introduced at ABMA for 2008 - Technical Presentations during the Suppliers Display. Stick around to hear cutting edge and useful information to augment your skill set.

The 2008 Annual Convention will also feature the Finished Goods Display, great networking opportunities, tours, social components, committee meetings and all of the other special events that make an ABMA Convention so important to the industry.

So mark your calendars:

Complete convention information is available at: http://www.abma.org/convention/index.cfm

Specialty Filaments Announces New Sales Account Manager

Specialty Filaments, based in Middlebury, VT, is a leading manufacturer of synthetic filaments for the brush and monofilament industry. "Mel is a valuable addition to our sales team and we feel his enthusiasm, market knowledge and key contacts throughout the industry will greatly assist both our company and customers as we move forward," said Jon Monahan, President of Specialty Filaments.

Mel can be reached at 803-446-1697or mchavis@specialtyfilaments.com

WEILER CORPORATION COMPLETES NEW OFFICE ADDITION

The new building includes two floors of office space, along with conference rooms, a new board room and a large, divisible training room. Both the board room and training rooms feature state-of-the-art Vistacom audio/visual systems, allowing touch-screen control of lighting, window shades and presentation screens.

The attractive new lobby on the first floor provides convenient access for visitors, and visitor parking is now available on both sides of the entrance. The building is handicap accessible and includes elevator access to all floors.

The basement of the new building includes an engineering workroom, storage and an underground parking garage.

Along with the new office building, Weiler recently completed a 17,000 square foot addition to its distribution center. These two additions bring the total square footage of the Cresco plant to 240,000.

About Weiler Corporation
Weiler Corporation, an ISO 9001 manufacturer of power brushes, specialty abrasives and maintenance products, provides world-class service and surface conditioning solutions. For additional information, contact: Weiler Corporation, One Weiler Drive, Cresco, Pennsylvania 18326-0149 • Toll free (800) 835-9999 • Fax: (570) 595-2002 • www.weilercorp.com • info@weilercorp.com.

ABMA Mourns the Passing of Stanley R. Welty, Jr. of Wooster Brush

Wooster, OH —Stan Welty Jr., former president of The Wooster Brush Company, died Tuesday, September 4 at his residence in Wooster, Ohio. He was 78. Stan will be missed by all of us at Wooster Brush and the entire community of Wooster.

Welty joined Wooster Brush in 1982 after several years as a board director. He served as the company's seventh president from 1985 to 1998. After his retirement following 16 years of service, he continued to be an active member of the board of directors until his death.

During Welty's tenure at the helm of Wooster Brush, the company went through exponential growth, including four building expansions. When Welty was named to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce "Wall of Fame" in 1997, he said it actually was a recognition of all of the Wooster Brush staff.

"Stan Welty was truly one of our community's greatest citizens," said Stanley Gault, former chief executive officer of Rubbermaid. "Not only was he a highly successful business leader, he was equally successful with his deep and effective involvement in the Salvation Army, United Way, The College of Wooster, and the United Methodist Church of Wooster. I lost a great friend with the passing of Stan Welty."

The United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties named an award-The Stanleys' Cup-in 2002 in honor of Welty and Gault. It is presented to companies that actively promote volunteerism, share their expertise with the community, and whose leaders are actively involved in the community.

Born in Warren, Ohio, on June 18, 1929, Welty graduated from Wooster High School and then went on to earn a B.S. in Business Administration at Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee. He served four years during the Korean War in the U.S. Air Force before beginning his career in the industry. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from Tusculum.

Surviving are his wife Janet; children Kay Welty, Susan Baker, and Stanley R. Welty III; his children's spouses; and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Wooster Corps, 437 South Market Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691.

Draper Knitting Company to be Featured on the Discovery Channel

The History Chanel was at Draper Knitting to film for 3 days in January working on a story about EcoSpun, a fiber made from 100% Post Consumer Recycled Polyester (recycled soda bottles). Our part of it is taking the fiber and making a fabric out of it that then is made into a jacket. We have been doing this for 10 years.

This story will air on the History Chanel on Sunday, September 16th at 11:00AM Eastern time. Tune in and enjoy!

ABMA Mourns the Passing of Clifford O. Heaton of Spiral Brushes, Inc.

HUDSON, OH — Clifford O. Heaton, a long time resident of Hudson, 67, died August 11, 2007.

Born in Akron, he was a Charter Member of Hope Community Church, ABMA, a past member of the Hudson Rotary, and had served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was the President of Spiral Brushes, Inc.

Preceded in death by parents, Otis Frank Heaton, Alleen Fisher Heaton; and son, Clifford O. Heaton III. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan (Edwards) Heaton; daughters, Tina (Dennis) Mohr of Pittsfield, Mass., Lisa (Duane) Spicer of Akron, Gini (Lane) Summers of Pickerington, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and sister, Nancy Johnson of Atwater.

Friends may call at the Redmon Funeral Home Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Pastor Jerry Witt will conduct services Wednesday 10 a.m. at Hope Community Church, 3033 Middleton Road, Hudson, Ohio 44236. Interment Northlawn Memorial Gardens with military service provided by American Legion Falls Post 281. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Hope Community Church. Mr. Heaton's video tribute may be viewed at http://www.funeralplan2.com/redmon/deathnot?id=104802.

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal from 8/12/2007 - 8/13/2007. For more information please click here.

Confusion Surrounds Germany's Brush Trade Press Brossapress or Brush Scene or Both?

Specialty Filaments Announces New Director of Sales and Marketing

Specialty Filaments, based in Middlebury, VT, is a leading manufacturer of synthetic filaments for the brush and monofilament industry. “We are excited to have Brian join our team of professionals,” said Jon Monahan, President of Specialty Filaments, “and we look forward to expanding the core filament business in both existing and new markets.”

Brian can be reached at 843-352-4217 or bcrawford@specialtyfilaments.com.

ABMA Mourns the Loss of James Harris of Elder & Jenks HARRIS, JAMES, of Bayonne on Saturday July 7, 2007.Beloved husband of Cynthia (nee Drapola) Harris, Loving father of James Michael Jr., & Lauren Antoinette, Cherished son of Irene (nee Wortnowski) Harris, & the late Marion Harris, Dear brother of Jean Lander, Joan Circkirillo, & Helen Gricko. Also survived by many nieces, nephews & great-nieces & great-nephews. Relatives & friends are invited to attend the funeral from STANLEY FRYCZYNSKI & SON FUNERAL HOME, 32-34 E. 22nd St., Bayonne on Sat. July 14. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 am from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Entombment, Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bayonne Community Mental Health, 601 Broadway, Bayonne OR The Windmill Alliance, 141 Broadway, Bayonne, 07002. Visiting 7-9 & Friday 2-4 & 7-9.

In January the History Channel was at Draper Knitting for 3 days of filming and developing a story for a series they call Boneyard focusing on ECO and post consumer recycling. According to Kristin Draper, Vice-President: "We are happy to say that we finally have an air date of Thursday, September 6th at 9:00PM EST". Please tune in.

ABMA Announces Technical Presentations to be Unveiled at the 2008 ABMA Suppliers Display - Inaugural Presenters Sought

The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) is proud to announce that Technical Presentations will be incorporated into the ABMA Suppliers Display during the Annual Convention, beginning with the 2008 Annual Convention to be held March 12-15, 2008 at the La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA.

Click here for entire press release.

ABMA 2007 Wage Rate Survey

2004 Wage Survey Results

Weiler Corporation's Custom Designed Wide Face Brushes for Tube End Deburring Offer Cost-Effective Solutions

BHHMA Announces Departure of CEO Allen Johnson

Management Promotion at Harper Brush Works, Inc.

ANSI Announces Improved Site License Service

Gordon Brush Announces Acquisition of JEK, Inc.