Cygnus Publishing's Yard & Garden Names 2005 Dealers in Excellence; Three Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers Chosen from among 100 Nominations.

FORT ATKINSON, Wisc. -- Yard & Garden, the number one publication reaching outdoor power equipment dealers nationwide, announces the winners of its annual Dealers in Excellence Awards, a coveted industry tribute that celebrates innovation and distinction among dealers of outdoor power equipment. This year's winners appear in the magazine's November/December issue outlining the strategies and techniques they used to excel in the diverse marketplace. Nominations were submitted by manufacturers, distributors, landscapers, schools and associations.

Terry Reardon with Reardon Lawn & Garden based in Columbus Nebraska, Jeff Smith, owner of West Monroe, Louisiana's Twin City Outdoor Power Equipment, and Tim and Donna Ahearn of Ahearn Equipment of Spencer, Massachusetts were chosen among more than 100 ballots of dealers around the country. Honored at the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, they were treated to a special ceremony hosted by Yard & Garden magazine.

"These dealers are the cream of the crop and it's an honor to recognize them with this award," said Robert Warde, Yard & Garden editor. "All of the dealers nominated this year are deserving of recognition. But these three winners truly stood out. They've managed growing businesses and have done their part to advance the level of professionalism in this industry. All the while they have remained selfless in their endeavors, reaching out to their employees, customers and communities in an effort to make a real difference."

Reardon has been working as an outdoor power equipment dealer for more than two decades. His efforts to modernize with proven financial management techniques has made his business stand out, growing 30% over the past five years from his 2,700-square-foot facility in Columbus. He believes service is the key and takes equipment servicing seriously.

"It's like a contract with our customers," says Reardon. "They know we'll take care of them. They come first."

Smith's Twin City Outdoor Power Equipment exists in a world where the independent servicing dealer has to scratch and fight for every dollar of sales. Fortunately, he has done many things right. Since buying Twin City Outdoor Power Equipment from his father, Smith has tripled sales. He attributes his success to proper employee recruitment and training that always puts the customer first. The business' spotlessly clean 8,000-square-foot facility and state-of-the-art computer system have also contributed to his accomplishments. Smith believes in doing things the "the old-fashioned way," putting the needs of the customer above a quick profit.

The Ahearns have spent nearly 30 years servicing and repairing outdoor power equipment. Beginning in 1977 from their basement, the couple eventually secured a 40 x 60-foot garage in which to work. In 1989, they built a brand new building on a busy street in Spencer, Massachusetts. Today, the Ahearns and their two sons, Jeremy and Joshua, are adding 12,000-square-feet to their facility to accommodate their 30 employees and more than $3 million in sales to their family-owned business.

Thinking big may be one reason Ahearn Equipment has grown so well. Of the big-box stores with which Ahern has to compete, Tim says "I'm not afraid of them coming at all. I encourage it. For one it brings more traffic." He also remembers his roots and what his dealership is all about. "I started the business with service and it still is the most vital part," he adds.

The Dealers in Excellence Awards are presented annually by Yard & Garden magazine and are sponsored by The Ariens Companies, Stihl Inc., the Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) and EXPO 2005.

"The Awards have created an interest among dealers that makes them look to their peers to see what they can do to improve and grow their own businesses," says Carol Dilger, corporate marketing services manager for The Ariens Companies. "The competitiveness of the program has helped raise the standard in the industry for dealers."

Ken Waldron, national marketing manager for Stihl, adds, "Raising the performance bar is what it's all about for Stihl and servicing dealers. The Dealers in Excellence program pays tribute to those dealers who continue to improve and get the job done at the point of sale. We're proud to be part of this program again this year."

Yard & Garden, founded in 1976, is published eight times per year when it is most advantageous for its dealer audience. More than 17,000 general managers, parts managers and service managers within these dealerships rely on the magazine to provide information that can help them grow in this exceptionally dynamic marketplace. Yard & Garden publishes insightful articles with information on business management, industry trends and all equipment available to enhance the product lines they offer. For more information, log onto Yardngarden.com.

Cygnus Business Media reaches nearly 15 million business owners, executives and professionals annually through its portfolio of over 200 media products. Its four distinct divisions - Cygnus Publishing, Cygnus Expositions, Cygnus Interactive and Cygnus Custom Marketing - provide comprehensive, integrated advertising and marketing programs for Cygnus valued customers and clients. The company's leading business publications, tradeshows, conferences, websites, online products and custom marketing capabilities enhance brand identity, generate sales leads, and build product awareness as they strengthen customer/client relationships. For more information on how Cygnus Business Media can help you achieve your advertising and marketing objectives, visit www.cygnusb2b.com.