WD-40 Company and Rebuilding Together Announce Finalists for Tradesperson of the Year

Vote for Your Favorite Tradesperson at RTTradespersonOfTheYear.com

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WD-40 Company and Rebuilding Together® announce the finalists for the 2011 Tradesperson of the Year™ – someone who gives back to the community, adds value to his or her skilled trade industry, and reflects the values of Rebuilding Together and the WD-40® brand during the International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090421/REBUILDINGLOGO)

More than 400 nominations were submitted nationwide at RTTradespersonOfTheYear.com during a three-month period.  A panel of judges reviewed the nominations and determined six finalists, one from each category, for the 2011 Tradesperson of the Year contest.

The six finalists were chosen from specific skilled trade categories, including: carpenter, contractor, electrician, HVAC/plumber, painter and roofer.  One grand-prize winner will receive a Super Bowl getaway for two to the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans. 

The six finalists were announced on February 9 on a live broadcast of "On the House with the Carey Brothers" at the International Builders Show. The finalists are: Andrew Claytor, carpenter; Bill Crowley, contractor; Kevin Massey, electrician; Alan Givens, HVAC/plumber; Joel Hamberg, painter; and Keith Perry, roofer. The public will be allowed to vote for their favorite tradesperson finalist. The 2011 Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year™ will be announced on April 28.

"As much as Rebuilding Together relies on skilled trades professionals to revitalize communities and improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need, skilled trade professionals have relied on WD-40 Multi-Use Product to get the job done for nearly 60 years," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company.  "As the presenting sponsor of the Tradesperson of the Year™ contest for the second year in a row, we are proud to honor those who are leaders in their industries and generous in their communities – someone who truly makes it better than it is today."

Chris Grundy, host of DIY Network's Cool Tools, is the Tradesperson of the Year™ spokesperson and appears in commercials on DIY Network to promote the contest.  Grundy, a tool expert and avid do-it-yourselfer, is also providing skilled trade professionals tips on how to use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to get the job done on a special section of the WD-40 Brand website at WD40.com/GettingTheJobDone.

The campaign is also supported by HGTV and the DIY Network, GAF, Service Magic, On the House Media, and Craftsman by Sears. For more information about the Tradesperson of the Year™ program and to vote for your favorite finalist, please visit RTTradespersonOfTheYear.com.

About WD-40 Brand
WD-40 Multi-Use Product has been helping construction and skilled trade professionals get the job done for nearly 60 years.  As the program's presenting partner and sponsor, WD-40 Brand exemplifies integrity, versatility and problem solving – all values reflected in the Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year™.  To learn more about WD-40 Multi-Use Product and its 2,000+ uses, visit WD40.com. 

About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities.  Through a network of more than 200 affiliates, Rebuilding Together provides free home repairs to low-income Americans, making homes safer, more accessible and more energy efficient.  Rebuilding Together, along with its sponsors, partners and more than 200,000 volunteers, believes in a safe and healthy home for every person.  For more information on how you can donate or volunteer, visit RebuildingTogether.org.

About "On the House with the Carey Brothers"
As the program's national radio partner, James and Morris Carey, known as the Carey Brothers, will be interviewing finalists on-air during their weekly radio program and discussing the program in their syndicated newspaper column.  Nationally recognized experts in home building and renovation, the two regularly share their 55 years of experience as licensed contractors with readers and listeners.  To learn more, go to OnTheHouse.com.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together