Miscellaneous Item

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toro Announces Distributor Award Recipients Sam Stimmel named Rookie of the Year

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., (February 2004) - The Toro Company announced its 2003 distributor sales award recipients at the annual Toro recognition banquet held in San Diego, California. Toro's awards recognize distributor personnel for customer-focused sales programs in the turf equipment market. Sam Stimmel of E. H. Griffith was named Rookie of the Year for his accomplishments in equipment sales. This award is given to a sales representative who has been on the job up to 24 months. It recognizes outstanding accomplishment for understanding the product mix and providing customer solutions in a short period of time. "Sam exhibits an unbelievable amount of energy and ability on a daily basis," said Jim Heinze, Director of Commercial Sales and Training. "He has never said it can't be done, instead, he simply finds a way." The Toro Company is a leading worldwide provider of turf maintenance equipment. Together with its distributors, Toro provides the innovative products, agronomic expertise and exemplary service that helps golf course superintendents and professional grounds managers enhance their facilities.