For Immediate Release Contact: Karen Reardon May 14, 2007 Office: (202) 872-3893 kreardon@pestfacts.org RISE Names Reardon and Grotos to Lead Grassroots Program. WASHINGTON, DC – RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® has named Karen Reardon as director of communications and grassroots and Elizabeth Grotos as RISE grassroots manager. Reardon will direct the RISE grassroots program and Grotos will manage program implementation. RISE has been building its grassroots program since 2006 with focus on preventing local municipalities’ attempts to restrict the availability of pesticide and fertilizer products used by consumers and professionals. “During the past year our program has identified and supported many willing and able grassroots allies who have shown up and made a difference on a variety of policy proposals in counties and towns across the country. Given the depth of experience we’ll have with Karen and Elizabeth, we expect to accelerate expansion of our grassroots network to additional key states while also continuing to work on expanding our base where we are currently engaged,”said Allen James RISE president. “Members of our grassroots network can expect a seamless transition with our new grassroots leadership team.” Reardon and Grotos will implement the national RISE grassroots program previously managed by Stacey Pine, who is leaving D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services May 15 to join the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Reardon joined RISE in 2005 as director of communications and public relations and was previously communications leader with CropLife America. Grotos is a vice president with D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services and was previously with U.S. Grains Council and RISE. -xxxLocated in Washington, D.C., RISE is the national association representing the manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with pesticide products used in turf, ornamental, pest control, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and other non-food/fiber applications. Visit the RISE website at www.pestfacts.org.