CITAC ELECTS MICHELIN EXECUTIVE
TO CHAIR COALITION, ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Washington, D.C. - Members of the Board of the Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition (CITAC) have elected Michael Fanning, Michelin North America's Vice President for Public Relations and Government Affairs, to head the growing CITAC coalition.

Incorporated in 2001, CITAC is a coalition of companies and trade associations representing the interests of American consuming industries in the trade policymaking process. CITAC's mission is to promote trade policies in which U.S. consuming industries and their workers have access to global markets for raw materials and other imports that enhance the international competitiveness of U.S. firms.

"CITAC's Board and member companies welcome Michael and look forward to continued success advocating for consuming industries under his leadership," said Jon Jenson, CITAC's former Chairman, now Vice Chairman and President. "I feel privileged to succeed Jon," said Fanning. "He has provided excellent guidance for CITAC and I will benefit greatly from his stewardship."

Fanning joined Greenville, S.C.-based Michelin North America in 1999 and in 2000 was appointed Vice President, Public Relations and Government Affairs. His responsibilities include oversight of staff in the United States, Canada and Mexico who support internal and external communications for the company.

"Michelin is a founding member of CITAC and I'm proud to reaffirm our commitment to this organization and its goals by serving as chairman," said Fanning. "CITAC is telling the story of the new silent majority - the industries and workers in this country that lose out from protectionism. Through continued research-based advocacy with trade policymakers, CITAC will ensure that the process is more balanced and responsive to consumers and U.S. manufacturers."

"After almost 25 years in corporate communications and public affairs, many of those spent with multinational companies, Michael thoroughly understands the trade issues that affect downstream users," stated Erik Autor, CITAC Board Member and Vice President of the National Retail Federation.

"We're pleased to have Michael join CITAC in this capacity. He brings great enthusiasm to the battle we're waging against steel tariffs, softwood lumber duties and numerous other trade restrictions that do more harm than good to the U.S. economy," added Paul Ryan, Director of Commercial Affairs for the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM).

Fanning previously worked with The Liberty Corp., The Reader's Digest Association, and IBM with public affairs and public relations responsibilities. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland.

CITAC elected an additional Board member, William Gaskin, President of the Precision Metalforming Association.

To learn more about CITAC, please visit our website at www.citac.info.