JAMES ROBISON OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ELECTRIC CO-OP
NAMED WINNER OF HUSKIE TOOLS HERO CONTEST
Company Celebrates 30th Anniversary by Highlighting the Contributions of An Exceptional Lineman

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL – July 16, 2007 – Being a lineman is tough work – it is a job that often involves bad weather, dangerous situations and very long hours. For three decades, Huskie Tools has been creating precision hydraulic compression and cutting products to help linemen throughout the U.S. do their jobs safely and more efficiently while serving the electrical needs of their communities. To celebrate its 30th anniversary within the utility industry, Huskie Tools reached out nationwide earlier this year to find out more about the linemen behind its tools in the first-ever Huskie Tools Hero Contest. The company announced today the winner, James Robison, a lineman, first class, at the New Hampshire Electric Co-op, based in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

An industry veteran for nearly two decades, Robison has gained the respect of his fellow lineman and is known for his strong work ethic, commitment to his company and dedication to his community. That is what prompted his wife Sheila to secretly nominate her husband of 21 years after seeing a Huskie Tools ad within an industry publication earlier this year.

“After reviewing all of the submissions, we were most impressed with James’ respect for dangerous conditions, smart approach to situations with safety in mind and his commitment to looking out for the men working by his side,” said Tom Itrich, Chief Executive Officer of Huskie Tools. “James truly embodies what Huskie Tools is all about and we’re proud to extend this honor to him as we commemorate 30 years of serving lineman nationwide.”

Born and raised in New England, Robison attended from Newfound Memorial High School in Bristol, New Hampshire. After graduating in 1984, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served overseas in Korea and was stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. During his tour of duty, Robison married Sheila, his high school sweetheart. Upon his honorable discharge, Robison joined New Hampshire Electric Co-op where he has worked for more than 18 years. When not on the job, Robison enjoys hunting, woodworking, involvement in his church and watching his three children – Nicholas (15), Zachary (13), and Abby (8) excel in school and outside activities.

Upon learning that he had won the Huskie Tools Hero Contest, Robison was quite surprised and humbled by the recognition. “It’s an honor to be acknowledged by Huskie Tools for the work that I do every day,” explained Robison. “Sheila and I look forward to visiting Chicago later this summer.”

As the winner of the Huskie Tools Hero Contest, Robison receives an all-expense paid trip for two to Chicago including airfare, local transportation, accommodations at a top-rated hotel, celebration dinner and a tour of the Huskie Tools headquarters located outside of the city. In addition, Robison will participate in the newly created Huskie Tools Ambassador program joining other lineman throughout the country in sharing feedback and input on industry issues and product needs.

About New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
Headquartered in Plymouth, New Hampshire, NHEC is the largest member-owned electric cooperative in New England, serving nearly 80,000 members in 116 New Hampshire communities. For more information, visit www.nhec.com.

About Huskie Tools
Since 1977, Huskie Tools (based in Glendale Heights, Illinois) has continued to set industry standards by developing the largest selection of battery-operated precision hydraulic compression and cutting products sold in North America. For more information, visit www.huskietools.com.

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