JOUT Johnson Outdoors Inc

Johnson Outdoors (NASDAQ:JOUT) today announced nearly $60,000 has been donated to support the Company's Binghamton, New York-based employees hardest hit by recent floods. On June 29th of this year, Johnson Outdoors' Outdoor Equipment division's manufacturing and administrative offices were forced to temporarily shut down due to floods caused by heavy rains in the Northeast. Relief efforts began immediately to provide aid and support to employees affected by the disaster, particularly those who suffered catastrophic damage and loss of homes and property. As a first step, Binghamton employees idled by the temporary plant shut-down in late June were guaranteed continuance of wages through the end of July. A disaster relief fund was quickly established with an initial $10,000 contribution from the Company and another $3,000 contribution from the Outdoor Equipment Group division. An employee-driven benefit fundraiser, held on July 28th in Binghamton which featured local bands and a Grand Prize Raffle of items donated by local businesses and other Johnson Outdoors brands, raised an additional $20,000 for the relief efforts. Support came in from around the world as well, with $15,000 in donations from the Company's global business partners and more than $12,000 from fellow employees and friends worldwide. "The hard work and perseverance of our Binghamton employees is truly an inspiration to everyone at Johnson Outdoors. There is such a great spirit of family across our company that it was only natural for us to come together and lend a helping hand to our co-workers in their time of need," said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. According to Carol Cundey, Johnson Outdoors' Commercial Tent Marketing Manager, the Binghamton law firm of Hinman, Howard & Kattell LLP has donated their services pro bono to administer distribution of the Johnson Outdoors Relief Fund donations to affected employees. "The level of support we've received has been overwhelming and humbling. 'Thank you' seems hardly sufficient to express how very much we appreciate the generosity and compassion of our company, fellow employees, community friends and business partners around the world," said Bill Kelly, Group Vice President - Outdoor Equipment for Johnson Outdoors. Johnson Outdoors' Outdoor Equipment Group, located in Binghamton, New York, employs 200 people, and designs, manufactures and markets tents for consumer, commercial and military use under the Eureka!(R) brand name, and Silva(R) outdoor compasses and digital instruments. ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC. Johnson Outdoors is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The Company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment. Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town(R) canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak(TM) and Necky(R) kayaks; Escape(R) electric boats; Minn Kota(R) motors; Cannon(R) downriggers; Humminbird(R), Bottomline(R) and Fishin' Buddy(R) fishfinders; SCUBAPRO(R) and UWATEC(R) dive equipment; Silva(R) compasses and digital instruments; and, Eureka!(R) tents. Visit us on line at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com