FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wayne Schaffel Sumner Rider & Associates 212-297-2128

EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo available in electronic format or 5" x 7" b/w print

BALTIMORE, MD - Oct. 6 - George Thurner, III, president of BSH, Cincinnati, OH, was named this year's recipient of the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) "2001 Award of Excellence." The annual award was presented by Richard Kreidel, President, BHMA, at the Door and Hardware Institute Trade Show in Baltimore, MD.

According to BHMA Executive Director, Peter Rush, the Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who meets a number of essential criteria. "We identify that one person who exhibits the highest standards of excellence in representing the needs of the builders hardware trade. George Thurner's work with architects, contractors and end-users exemplifies the best the industry has to offer," Rush says.

When asked what sets BSH apart and why his firm was singled out for the prestigious award, Thurner pointed to personal service and innovation as keys to his business's success. "We pride ourselves on actively working with architects on a daily basis. On the technology front, our contractors will soon be able to access our computer systems directly from the job site as well as a user-friendly Internet ordering system. When you add in the quality of our sales and product demonstrations, our installation service, and solid 35 year track record in this marketplace, we're very proud of our accomplishments and thrilled to be recognized for it." Thurner says.

For more information, please contact Wayne Schaffel at Sumner Rider & Associates, 212-297-2128 or visit the BHMA Web site at www.buildershardware.com

About BHMA
The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is the trade association representing U.S. manufacturers of hardware for the building and construction industries. Since its founding in 1925, BHMA has been dedicated to fostering an uncompromising commitment to product quality, uniformity and performance in builders hardware.

BHMA is the sole U.S. organization accredited to develop performance standards for architectural hardware and the only industry group sponsoring independent certification of builders hardware products. It is also the only U.S. organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for builders hardware.

About BSH
BSH is a family-owned business that was founded in 1966 by George Thurner, Jr. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, and has offices in Charleston, WV, Chicago, IL, Columbus, OH, Evansville, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, KS, and Pittsburgh, PA. BSH has 135 employees including 10 AHC's.

###