For:       Immediate Release

Date:     October 26, 2001

Contact: Dawn Skjei, Customer Coordinator

Crookston, MN - RBJ's new brochures, mailers and product lines feature local artists talents.  Marilee Hanson from Crookston, MN recently designed and produced several illustrations, which have been re-produced on RBJ's collateral materials.  Additionally, some of Hanson's artwork will be utilized with the introduction of new products, which are distributed in the gift and gourmet industry.

"This has been a great marriage of Marilee's talents with our product lines" comments Kim Samuelson, President, RBJ's Inc.  "Our only regret at RBJ's is that we didn't discover Marilee's talents years ago.  We've been working with a number of artists, illustrators and graphic designers out of the Twin Cities and without a doubt, Marilee's talents have surpassed even their abilities.  We have a gem right in our back yard.  Her creativity is only bound by her imagination, which we have not even begun to tap into."  Samuelson also adds, "I see this as only the beginning!  We are constantly developing new products in all of our product lines and if Marilee doesn't get too big, we'll hang on to her for further design and illustration work."

When Hanson was contacted for comments, her response was much more quiet and humble.  "I'm certainly excited about this opportunity to work with RBJ's.  I've enjoyed drawing and illlustrating since I was a child.  I'd always dreamed of utilizing my talent and commercial art degree in a professional way, but didn't exactly know if my artwork was good enough.  And as the years passed, family and other priorities just seemed to jockey for first place and the artist comes in last place.  The RBJ's projects have given me a boost of confidence and I look forward to continuing my relationship with RBJ's as long as I'm needed."

RBJ's Inc. manufactures and sells Signature Syrups, Jams, and Honey nationwide.  In addition to their own domestic sales, RBJ's also private labels products for a number of other larger companies throughout the United States.  RBJ's products are carried in most fine gift stores and gourmet shops, in addition to many regional grocery chains.

If you are interested in purchasing from the RBJ's line of products or viewing Marilee's designs, please visit our website at www.spreadablefruit.com or contact Dawn at (888) 711-3636 or (218) 281-3636.