CONTACT: Ann Stilp at (920) 756-4732

Mobile: (920) 475-1880

astilp@ariens.com

news release
_______________________________________
Dan Ariens Appointed to Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) Board
Brillion, Wis. (May 2011) – Company President Dan Ariens has been appointed by Wisconsin
Governor Scott Walker to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Authority Board. The newly-formed public-private organization will replace the Wisconsin
Department of Commerce later this year.

“I plan to work closely with Secretary of Commerce Paul Jadin and the legislative members on
the board to provide a perspective that spans four generations of family business ownership in
the State of Wisconsin,” says Ariens.

The WEDC is part of Walker’s effort to restructure the Department of Commerce to more
effectively and efficiently help the private sector create jobs.

“This government-business relationship is a refreshing, common sense approach that will allow
focus on the things that can truly move us forward in creating jobs,” says Ariens. “With the
regulatory functions moved to other departments, the new organization will be more singularly-
focused on economic development for both existing companies in that state as well as new
businesses.”

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Ariens play a leadership role in the Wisconsin business community, serving on several Boards of
Directors for educational entities, for-profit companies and non-profit economic development
groups in the state, including the NEW North (18-county regional economic development board)
and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). He also holds a position on the Executive
Committee of the Green Bay Packers’ Board of Directors. This is Ariens’ second gubernatorial
appointment. He was a member of Governor Jim Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force from
2007-08.

“I have always been proud to have a manufacturing heritage grounded in Wisconsin. My family
has been involved with business development in Northeast Wisconsin since 1893,” says Ariens.
“I’m honored that Governor Walker has given me this opportunity to be an advocate for job
creation, and I am looking forward to participating in this new chapter of economic development
for the state.”

Established in 1933 in Brillion, Wis., Ariens Company is a leading manufacturer of outdoor

power equipment for both consumer and professional use. The company’s premium international
brands include Ariens Sno-Thro®, and Ariens lawn and garden products for consumers;
Countax® and Westwood® lawn tractors; and Gravely®, EverRide®, Great Dane® and Parker®
commercial equipment for the landscape management, facilities maintenance and sports field
sectors. Ariens’ subsidiaries, Stens LLC, J Thomas Distributors LLC and Bynorm Pty Ltd
(Australia), supply replacement parts to the outdoor power equipment industry. Ariens Company
employs more than 1,400 people, with operations in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Indiana, Alabama,
Michigan the United Kingdom and Australia. Visit www.ariens.com for more information.

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