STIHL INC. PRESIDENT ELECTED TO OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE
Fred J. Whyte to Serve as Secretary-Treasurer and Technical Advisory Committee Chairman

Date: August 2004
Release Date: IMMEDIATELY
Release Number: 00-0159

Press Contacts:
Anita Gambill (757) 486-9151 or
Terry Kelley (757) 340-7425
All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Fred J. Whyte, President of STIHL Inc., was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) during the Association's 52nd Annual Meeting in Hershey, Penn. Whyte's term as Secretary-Treasurer is for one year in accordance with OPEI by-laws.

Presently, Whyte is on the OPEI board of directors and is also chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee. Previously, he served as president of the Portable Power Equipment Manufacturers Association (PPEMA).

OPEI is the major international trade association representing the manufacturers and their suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trimmers, edgers, chain saws, snow throwers, tillers, leaf blowers and other related products. Founded in 1952, the Institute is dedicated to promoting the outdoor power equipment industry by undertaking activities that can be pursued more effectively by an association than by individual companies.

As president of STIHL Inc., Whyte is responsible for the overall management of STIHL's U.S. operation, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. Prior to his appointment in 1992, Whyte was the president of STIHL Ltd., the company's Canadian affiliate, which he founded in 1982.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL is the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and cut-off machines and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants.

For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.

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