Jim Jolly Receives the Prestigious Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award

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Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

DALTON, Ga. (November 22 2002) - Jim Jolly, chairman of J & J Industries, Inc., became the sixth recipient of the Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award during the recent Annual Conference of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). The award was conceived by Milliken & Company for the Carpet and Rug Institute as a memorial to Dr. Joseph J. Smrekar who passed away in 1998. Through the generosity of Milliken & Company, "Dr. Joe" was able to serve CRI on numerous technical committees and boards as chairman, representative, and member. He set "the standard" for service to CRI and the industry. The award states, "Many of the technical achievements in the carpet industry can be attributed to the leadership of this exceptional individual, scholar, scientist, respected researcher and teacher." This award recognizes individuals who have similarly shown unusual and exemplary service to the carpet and rug industry.

Dan Frierson, chairman of the CRI board of directors, while announcing the name of the recipient, said, "Jim Jolly has worked tirelessly for the carpet industry - in his own company and at CRI. He has given very generously of his own time and of his employees' time to work on numerous CRI committees. There really are no words to adequately express how dedicated this man is toward serving the carpet industry. I don't know of anyone more deserving of this award than Jim Jolly.''

Werner Braun, president of CRI, said the award "represents the dedication and depth of understanding of industry issues exemplified by Joe Smrekar.''

In addition to serving on numerous committees, Mr. Jolly has served on the CRI Board of Directors, the CRI Executive Committee, as CRI's Treasurer, and as CRI's Chairman.

Selection of the recipient is made annually by the Carpet and Rug Institute. The recipient will receive an individual award. A plaque listing the names of annual recipients is displayed at CRI.

Past winners of the prestigious award include Carey Mitchell, Howard Elder PhD., Robert Cannon, Alan Luedtke PhD., and Dr. E.P. "Rusty" Willimon.