January 2007 Letter from the President

As I write this letter, it’s hard to believe that seven months have passed since my partner and I invested into what is now Owen Equipment Company. I hope you agree that we have made some significantly positive changes. As we progress into the year 2007, my promise to you is that we will continue to work and invest to make Owen Equipment your preferred and trusted supplier for all the products we have selected to represent.

In looking back, the year 2006 marked this company’s first ever Demo Days. I want to extend my thanks to everyone who attended, as well as our manufacturers who helped support the endeavor. We had over 300 customer representatives at the events in Pasco, Portland and Kent, with well over one-million dollars worth of equipment and accessories on display. Feedback indicated that everyone in attendance learned about us and our products. Nozzle school sessions were a big hit with great attendance levels in recognition that training in the proper use of nozzles improves efficiency and safety of sewer cleaner projects and prolongs the life of sewer cleaning equipment. “Brushology” schools were also a crowd-pleaser; attendees came away with the ability to weigh price against product life and how to put the two together to benefit their operations.

For me, the best part about Demo days was getting to meet so many of you! Again, thank you for being there with us.

The year 2007 is sure to bring some notable changes in our Industry. One change is already upon us: the new emissions standards that went into effect January 1st. These standards will influence many decisions about the products we purchase and utilize. Our sales force has become well versed in the new emissions standards and we are ready, willing and able to help you as you work to conform to these new standards.

From the previews I’ve heard, Federal Signal’s Annual Dealer Meeting at the end of January will represent the unveiling of some new products from Vactor and Elgin. Most of these products will be introduced globally at the Pumper Show in Nashville in early February. We’re not exhibiting at the Pumper Show, but we will have several Owen representatives in attendance and if you’d like to set up a meeting, please let us know.

Another exciting product development is coming on the replacement Gutter Broom side of our product lines. In today’s world, every manufacturer should be looking to find ways to build products that reduce their products’ impact on our environment. United Rotary Brush, after having conducted extensive research and development in steel production, has just released a Gutter Broom that features a revolutionary new cold-rolled steel technology which promises to increase the life of the broom, at the same time lowering the cost of the product. Please see inside more details about what URB is calling the “Blue Steel” line of gutter brooms. When you are buying replacement brushes and brooms from Owen Equipment, you can be assured you are buying the best. We are building a reputation on quality; we will not represent a cheaper brush of lower quality just to make a sale. What you can be assured of is we will have quality brushes in stock when your need arises. If you are shopping for quantity discounts contact either Troy or Bud and we will work with you on volume discounts.

As we move forward into 2007, we will continue to invest not only in our products but, more importantly, in our people. I believe that offering the very best products manufactured today is just the first step. Just as important is providing service and support for those products we sell.

On the service side, we have added four mechanics to our team. We are in an ongoing training program to ensure we have the most knowledgeable service and support team in the Industry so that, without question, you can buy with confidence knowing that every dollar you invest with Owen Equipment will be backed by service you can count on and trust.

On the inventory stocking side, we have moved Richard Venneman into a position of inventory control. Richard’s focus will be on optimizing our parts inventory to fulfill your on-time parts requirements. This will allow our long term Product support experts Mike Silvey & Leon Haines to be available at all times to help you with all parts & supply needs.

If you attended Demo-Days, you no doubt met our two new Outside Product Support Specialists: Bud Sutherland and Troy Pritchard, both of whom have been working hard to reach out to you to make sure we are fulfilling your needs beyond your expectations.

Thanks to all of you who have given me your comments and feedback, your input has been very important in helping us improve Owen Equipment Company. I hope you feel we are on the right track; our team is working hard every day to improve the way we do business and take care of our customers.

If you ever have any issues or suggestions, please feel free to call me at 503-704-2151 or send me an e-mail at erose@owenequipment.com. The best information I can ever receive is from a customer! I am looking forward to many more years of learning this product and working with the GREAT TEAM at OWEN EQUIPMENT to build a first class Environmental Sales, Service & Supply Company!