VALVOLINE RECEIVES ADVANCE AUTO'S HIGHEST AWARD
25 March 2004 - Ashland Inc

Now, five years after that struggle to get a foot in the door at Advance, Valvoline has won the 2004 Grand Vendor of the Year award for the second time in a row (their last awards ceremony was in 2002). Phil Rees, merchandising director for Advance, said he believes this is the first time in Advance's history that a vendor has won the top award back-to-back.

Peter Freeman, VP, retail sales, said, 'This is a fantastic honor, and it's a testament to the outstanding work that is done by so many people at Valvoline. It's a proud moment for our company, and it reflects our drive and determination as we continue to 'sell through - not sell to' our customers.'

John Peters, VP, merchandising for Advance, said, in part, as he announced the Grand Vendor Award: 'Our sales area Grand Vendor of the year is a leading marketer, distributor and producer of quality automotive lubricants, chemicals and appearance products. They continue to lead the motor oil industry in innovation, creating the high mileage engine motor oil category when they introduced MaxLife motor oil a few years ago.

'They have developed and expanded their MaxLife brand to other products and they continue to look for new opportunities that help us drive top line sales and enhance our margins; they are our category partner in three categories - motor oil, cleaning and detailing, and greases and lube. Their expertise in category management has helped us develop best in class programs in all three categories.

'They continue to be a valued partner with Advance by unselfishly supporting us with any and all resources available to them ... they are our sales area grand vendor of the year because of their hard work and dedication to Advance Auto Parts and also because they find new, innovative ways to keep this business exciting with new products, new promotions and new ideas.

'On behalf of the entire Advance Auto Parts team, I present this year's award to ... The Valvoline Company!'

'Once again,' said Sam Mitchell, president of Valvoline, 'this award shows that our approach to the marketplace works and that our strategies are working. It's really terrific news, and it's a great reflection on the hard work that's done by a lot of people. Congratulations to the entire team!'

'This honor is so well deserved,' said Walter Solomon, senior VP, retail business. 'And I'd like to recognize each of the members of this fantastic Valvoline team for their spirited commitment to our business partners as we provide solutions to help them succeed: Les Reed, Freda Orttenburger, Susan Hess, Mark Hester, Mark Hils, John Sawtell, Daren Herbert, Mike Lyman and Dottie Lawson.'

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