MinnKota

Johnson Outdoors Inc. has announced the creation of the Samuel C. Johnson Fishing Journalist of the Year award to recognize and encourage the efforts of the most respected fishing journalists in the industry. The award is sponsored by the Minn Kota, Humminbird and Cannon brands in honor of Mr. Samuel C. Johnson, a pioneer in the fishing industry and a legendary corporate environmentalist.

The award’s namesake is the late Sam Johnson who grew a small Midwestern wax company into a family of four different market-leading, global enterprises, with combined annual revenues of nearly $10 billion, including: SC Johnson, makers of Pledge and Ziploc; Johnson Diversey, the world’s second largest commercial cleaning products company; and Johnson Financial Group, which is among the five largest privately-owned community banks in the U.S. Sam founded Johnson Outdoors 35 years ago driven by his love of the outdoors, his passion for the environment and his entrepreneurial spirit of adventure.

“As an avid outdoorsman, my father valued the important role writers and editors play in promoting outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating, which he believed brought families and friends together in a very special way. This award recognizing the top journalist in the fishing industry honors his lifetime of conservation and philanthropic leadership to help preserve the outdoors for the enjoyment of generations to come,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors.

As part of the Samuel C. Johnson Fishing Journalist of the Year award program, a $5,000 grant will be presented in the award recipient’s name to a non-profit organization that further promotes the sport of fishing and conservation.

The inaugural Samuel C. Johnson Fishing Journalist of the Year award will be presented during the annual ICAST Trade Show being held in Las Vegas, Nev. A panel of judges will select the recipient of the award based on his or her thoughtful, insightful and enjoyable journalistic contributions to the fishing industry.

About Johnson Outdoors Inc.
Minn Kota, Humminbird, and Cannon are part of the Johnson Outdoors family of innovative, market-leading brands. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of top-quality products for the global marketplace across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment. The company has 23 locations around the world, employs 1,300 people and reported annual sales of $381 million in 2005. Visit Johnson Outdoors online at www.johnsonoutdoors.com.

Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of bow- and transom-mount trolling motors, as well as a complete line of battery chargers and marine accessories. Trolling motors include Maxxum Pro, Maxxum, PowerDrive, All Terrain, Vantage, Vector, Endura, Riptide and E-Drive models. Humminbird is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo units and digital depth gauges. Products include 900 Series, Matrix, 500 Series, PiranhaMAX and SmartCast. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories. Downriggers include Digi-Troll, Magnum, Mini-Mag, Uni-Troll, Easi-Troll, Sport-Troll and Mini-Troll.

For more information, contact Johnson Outdoors Inc. at 555 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403; telephone – (262) 631-6600; fax – (262) 631-6601. Or, visit our Web site at www.johnsonoutdoors.com.