ORLANDO, Fla., September 10, 2008 – We are proud to announce that ASO has been awarded the CVS Store Brand Supplier Partner of the Year. This recognition is given annually based on the evaluation of suppliers by category, store brand, and merchandising management at CVS. The key factors cited by the CVS healthcare team that resulted in our selection were:

PRODUCT INNOVATION
A pipeline of products that are not copies of the national brand, but new to the retail market, provide solutions to specific consumer needs, or offer unique packaging or delivery systems. ASO’s line of Advanced Wound Care products that were shipped in 2007 placed us as leaders in the first aid category.  In addition, we added Clear Waterproof Strong Strips and Gentle Adhesive Pads that are also product innovations by ASO.

SUPPLY CHAIN
A major initiative at CVS is the use of dedicated inner wrappers or other CVS labeling. We were able to execute this change in 2007. CVS also has set an in-stock goal of 95% or higher. Our planning team has worked diligently with the logistics team at CVS to maintain a high service level.

ANALYTICS, CATEGORY MANAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER INSIGHT
CVS has experienced double-digit sales growth in the first aid accessories segment of their business as well as attaining their gross margin goals. Their growth is outpacing the overall market as well as the drug class of trade. By providing in depth analysis of their business, the overall market in the category, and consumer research data, we are able to assist them in identifying the best SKUs to add to their planogram, business building promotions, and optimal assortments.

In short, it is ASO’s customer focus and dedicated efforts by every member of our team, from the development, procurement, and testing of new products to ensuring that high quality products are shipped on a timely basis, that have resulted in our receiving this award.

In order to maintain this momentum, we have been challenged by the Store Brands Team to continue to offer more product innovation, consistent operational excellence, and offer additional consumer marketing insights. These strengths will give us the edge in the future despite strong competition from the national brands as well as other store brand suppliers.

There is a great opportunity to realize tremendous growth at one of the nation’s largest retailers. We have achieved the recognition and this should inspire us to even greater heights.

Congratulations to everyone at ASO for their part in being awarded this honor.

SARASOTA, Fla., May 29, 2008 – Aso Corporation today announced that it has been named a 2008 Category Colonel Award winner for First Aid Products. The results of this prestigious private label supplier recognition program will be featured within the July issue of PL Buyer.  The Category Colonel Awards are based on responses from retailers who took part in the voting, during the course of the past three months.  During that time, retailers cast their votes at the PL Buyer website, where the ballot resided. Retailers voted for ASO Corporation based on ASO’s commitment to private label, its knowledge of the retailer's business model, and its outstanding ability to help retailers drive their store brand volume, profits and competitive differentiation. 

“Everyone in your organization should be proud of this magnificent achievement, one in which your retail customers have voted you a Category Colonel”, said PL Buyer Publisher Steven Lichtenstein.

Aso LLC, a subsidiary of Aso International, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and sales of first aid products, Nasal Strips and a portfolio of Health & Wellness and Beauty Care products.

Contact: ASO LLC
Mark Bolling
VP Sales & Marketing
941-379-0300 x 1230