Applications for new 6x6 utility vehicles being accepted until Jan. 7, 2005
GREENWICH, Conn., October 7, 2004 - U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) today announced that it is launching an expanded and enhanced version of its two-year-old national utility vehicle donation program for America's emergency responders. The initiative is being re-named "USSTC Polaris Ranger Donation Program," or "Operation Ranger," for short.
The new program will award versatile and rugged Polaris Ranger 6x6 utility vehicles to firefighting, rescue, police, emergency medical service, and wildlife law enforcement organizations that submit successful applications between Oct. 7, 2004 and Jan. 7, 2005. The company plans to award approximately 70 vehicles throughout 2005.
Operation Ranger replaces the Company's highly successful two-year-old National Trail Gator Donation Program. Applications submitted to the previous program for consideration in 2005 will be automatically transferred to the new program without need for any action on the part of the submitting organization.
The Polaris Ranger 6x6 utility vehicle is the most capable vehicle in its class. It offers great horsepower and speed, true six-wheel drive, larger payload carrying capability, better suspension and a high ground clearance. The Ranger also can seat three, an advantage in many emergency situations. For more information on the vehicle's features visit www.polarisindustries.com.
The company awarded close to 130 Trail Gators nationwide in 2003 and 2004 combined, from the more than 2,000 applications it received. Six of those awards were made on an emergency basis to aid in wildfire fighting in Arizona and California, as well as debris recovery from the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy in Texas.
Vehicles are awarded through a competitive application process overseen by a review committee. The application form is available at www.ussmokeless.com by clicking on "Corporate Giving" and then "Operation Ranger" or via mail by calling 203-622-3368.
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company is a distinctly different tobacco company. Through its subsidiaries, it is a leading producer and marketer of moist smokeless tobacco products. The Company's primary brands are Copenhagen, Skoal, Rooster, Red Seal and Husky. The Company is the only smokeless tobacco manufacturer to sign the Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (STMSA). Under the STMSA, the Company voluntarily adopted an array of advertising and promotional restrictions and agreed to pay $100 million towards programs to reduce youth access to tobacco products and combat youth substance abuse.
