"Best of Show" Awarded to Rapala for the New 2006 X-Rap Series

MINNETONKA, Minn. (September 29, 2005) – Minnetonka-based Normark
Corporation, member of the Rapala VMC Group, world’s leading fishing
tackle manufacture, landed the “Best of Show” award in the Hard Lure
category, for the 2006 X-Rap Series, at the annual International
Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Las Vegas, NV.
Introduced as the X-Rap 10 last year, the family expands to five
with four new models this year. The 2006 X-Rap Series includes the
smaller, “snack-size” X-Rap 08, X-Rap Jointed Shad, X-Rap 14, and the
X-Rap Magnum 30, which dives down to 30 feet.
“This award recognizes the efforts of our pro staff and our lure
development team who worked together to create a new generation of
Rapala lures,” added Gregg Wollner, executive vice president, general
manager of Rapala.
This years New Product Showcase featured over 800 entries from
170 companies who vied for Best of Show in 12 different categories.
Products were judged, based on their level of innovation, execution,
workmanship and practicality, by buyers and media representatives.
“The creativity and ingenuity our members use to develop and
produce new items to enhance the angling experience never fails to amaze
me,” commented Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American
Sportfishing Association.

About Rapala
Dedicated to delivering memorable fishing experiences every time, the
Rapala/VMC Group, based in Vääksy, Finland (Helsinki Stock Exchange:
RAP1V), manufactures and markets fishing lures, fishing line, fishing
rods, hooks, terminal tackle, knives and accessories under the Rapala,
VMC, Blue Fox, Storm and Williamson brand names. The company was
unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala
fishing lure. Rapala maintains its strict standards of quality and
craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more
than 130 countries.