ELLISON HONORED AT FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS AWARDS

Orange County Business Journal Recognizes Ellison’s Nearly Three Generations of Leading Creative Expression

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (November 18, 2005) – Ellison, the world's leading manufacturer of hand-operated die-cutting equipment, was awarded top honors in the Medium-Sized Business category at the Orange County Family Owned Business Awards Ceremony on November 17.

Sponsored by the Orange County Business Journal and California State University Fullerton’s Family Business Council, Ellison was nominated from approximately 50 family-run Orange County businesses.

“It is an honor to be recognized as an important family-run business in the community,” said Lisa Corcoran, CEO of Ellison. “We work hard to preserve my mother’s vision and tradition of empowering creative expression among educators, crafters and designers alike as Ellison expands and evolves.”

Founded in 1977 by LaDorna Eichenberg, an elementary school teacher, and her husband Bob, Ellison now has a global presence with operations in the United States, Europe, China and Mexico.

Today, the Eichenbergs serve as co-chairs, while their daughter Lisa Corcoran continues the family tradition as CEO, and their granddaughter heads corporate business relations and sales. Several other family members also hold prominent positions within the company.

In addition to Ellison’s continued worldwide growth, the company recently launched its newest brand, ellison design™. As today's total crafting solution, this innovative, new die-cutting system currently features two sizes of die-cutting machines and over 200 designs across several mediums for both endless and effortless creative possibilities. More information can be found at ellisondesign.com.