Morton Salt to Run Partial Schedule with Sauter in 2001

WESTERVILLE, OH NOV 1 - Sport Management, Inc. has announced a new marketing promotion that will enhance the business partnership between Quality Stores, Inc. and Morton Salt for the 2001 NASCAR Busch racing season. And, as part of the new relationship, the famous Morton Umbrella Girl and the familiar blue and white colors will be the primary design on the #43 car for a partial schedule of events.

"Bringing Morton into our race program as a vendor co-partner with Quality is excellent for our company," said Bill Waack, Quality Stores Senior VP for Marketing, Merchandising and Advertising. "We're proud to sell Morton products at over 350 Quality Stores locations, and the Morton brand is one of the most recognizable in the world. We have aggressive plans to market this relationship, and it will be a big benefit to both parties."

In addition to Quality Stores marketing, Morton Salt plans to advance its position in NASCAR by taking primary identity on the #43 Jay Sauter entry in market areas key to Morton during the 2001 season.

"We tested some NASCAR marketing through the #43 team this season, and it was a rewarding experience," said Wayne Carney, VP of Sales & Marketing for the Morton Salt Group. "Our next step in 2001 will allow us to bring our brand in front of even more NASCAR fans."

Morton Salt has been America's leading producer of salt for grocery, water softening, ice control, agricultural and industrial uses since 1848. The Morton Umbrella Girl has been an enduring icon since she first appeared on table salt packaging in 1914.

Morton Salt is famous for the slogan "When it Rains, It Pours." For generations, this statement - and the little girl who made it famous - has made Morton Salt a familiar sight in many American homes. The idea for the little girl and her slogan were the result of Morton's first advertising campaign in 1911. The agency selected was charged with creating a series of ads to run in Good Housekeeping magazine.