Arena Brands Executive Inducted Into Western Wear Hall of Fame.

Business Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

John Tillotson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arena Brands, Inc., has been inducted into the Western Image Hall of Fame. The award is given to an individual "for long-lasting influence on the Western Wear Industry." Tillotson began his business career in the western wear field in 1984 when he was named Vice President of sales for the Nocona Boot Company. A few years later, he became President of the Lucchese Boot Company in El Paso. In 1996, Tom Hicks hired him to be President and CEO of Arena Brands, which manufacturers western hats, including Resistol and Stetson. Tillotson led a team that turned the hat company around. Arena Brands also owns Montana Silversmith, a western jewelry company; Acme, Dingo and Dan Post boot companies, and the Imperial Company, a top golf headwear firm as well as its own line of clothing for both men and women. Arena Brands also purchased the Lucchese Boot Company about two years ago.