Chemical Industry Leader Jon Huntsman, Satirist/Author P.J. O'Rourke To Speak At SDA Annual Meeting & Industry Convention.

Business Desk

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2001

Jon M. Huntsman, one of the chemical industry's most respected executives, and nationally known author and political satirist P.J. O'Rourke are two of the featured speakers at the 2002 Soap and Detergent Association Annual Meeting and Industry Convention, set for Jan. 23-27, 2002, in Boca Raton, Fla.

The beautiful Boca Raton Resort & Club will once again play host to SDA's annual gathering, the premier forum bringing together manufacturers and suppliers throughout the cleaning products industry. The meeting is also open to others with an interest in the industry.

"SDA's annual meeting and industry convention allows members to identify new growth opportunities and business relationships, while receiving briefings and presentations on the issues affecting their products and their ability to do business," said Ernie Rosenberg, SDA president. "We are fortunate to have an outstanding program to kick off our 76th year of service to the cleaning products industry."

Jon M. Huntsman, chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, the world's largest privately held chemical company, will address SDA's annual business meeting on Friday morning, Jan. 25. A past recipient of the Kaveler Award as the chemical industry's most outstanding chief executive officer, Huntsman is also renowned for his philanthropic endeavors, including his $225 million donation to establish and fund the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. SDA members can look forward to hearing Jon Huntsman's business and civic perspective during SDA's annual business meeting.

P.J. O'Rourke, foreign affairs editor and political writer for Rolling Stone magazine, has been called the funniest writer in America by both Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal. He is the former editor-in-chief of National Lampoon and is the author of several best-selling books, including Eat the Rich and Give War a Chance. As someone who has written about happenings in various global hot spots, P.J. O'Rourke will bring SDA members a topical, razor-sharp viewpoint on what's going on in the world around us, on Saturday morning, Jan. 26.

In addition, the outstanding entertainment for the annual black tie gala on Saturday night will feature Ronan Tynan, one of the acclaimed "Irish Tenors."

Born with a lower limb disability. Ronan Tynan's legs were amputated below the knee after an auto accident caused complications. Just weeks after the operation, he was climbing up the steps of his college dorm. Within a year, he was winning gold medals in the disabled games. He later became the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education, and then a full-fledged Medical Doctor, specializing in Orthopedic Sports Injuries, with a degree from prestigious Trinity College. Encouraged to study music by his father, Ronan began winning voice and opera competitions and achieved success through solo recordings and with the Irish Tenors. SDA members are in for a truly fabulous evening of entertainment, with Ronan Tynan's singing plus dance music by a swing band.

Industry executives also won't want to miss the SDA's annual Issues Briefing on Thursday, Jan. 24. SDA staff will present an update on the industry's major technical, government affairs, public relations and consumer education issues and programs, and how the Association is working on its members' behalf in those areas. The briefing is open to all meeting attendees.

Throughout the week, SDA's member standing committees will meet to discuss the Association's programs and activities for the year ahead. Sports and recreational activities round out the program at the spacious Boca Raton Resort & Club.

Registration forms are currently being sent to SDA members, but attendees will also be able to register online on SDA's Web site -- www.cleaning101.com -- as of Dec. 1, 2001. For more information on registration, please contact Rose Api ([e-mail]) or Crystal Floyd ([e-mail]) at 202/347-2900.

The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com) is the non-profit trade association representing over 100 North American manufacturers of household, industrial and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.