ADVISORY/C.R. Bard, GDITT and Newton County Chamber Break Ground for New National Distribution Center.

News Editors

ADVISORY...for Wednesday (July 30)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

    What: The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism, Office
        of Science & Technology; Newton County Chamber of Commerce and
        C.R. Bard, Inc., will break ground for its newest national
        distribution center. This will mark the first phase in the
        development of a 411,184 sq. foot facility located on a
        38-acre lot in the Lochridge Industrial Park. The new facility
        will create 130 new jobs for Georgians. C.R. Bard is a
        multinational medical device company headquartered in New
        Jersey.

        The ceremony will feature remarks from officials including:
        James L. Natale, vice president; president, Corporate
         Healthcare Services, C.R. Bard
        Joseph A. Cherry, vice president, Operations, C.R. Bard
        Carol Henderson, senior project manager, GDITT, Office of
         Science & Technology
        Aaron Varner, chairman, Newton County Board of Commissioners
        Michael Whatley, councilman, Covington City Council

    When/Where: July 30, 2003
                1:00 P.M.
                Lochridge Industrial Park located on Hwy 142
                Driving Directions:  From Atlanta take I-20 East to
                Hwy 142/Hazelbrand Rd Exit #93.  Go south on Hwy 142
                about 1/4 mile and turn into the Lochridge Industrial
                Park on Lochridge Blvd.

    Editor's Note: Photo & Video Opportunities Available


    Contact: Please contact Shani St. John or Ellen Schneidau at
        404-875-1444 to receive additional information and event
        photography.