Ann Erickson Wraps Up $10,000 Grand Prize in 13th Annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest

NEW YORK (December 4, 2009) - Ann Erickson, a gift-wrapping extraordinaire from Park City, Utah, was crowned the 2009 "Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper" in a national gift-wrapping contest sponsored by 3M, the maker of Scotch brand tape and Scotch cutting tools. (For photos, video footage and additional information, visit http://www.newsinfusion.com/scotchbrand).

Amid throngs of holiday revelers at Rockefeller Center today, no bow was left untied as Erickson out-wrapped seven other gift-wrapping gurus to win the ultimate holiday present - a $10,000 cash prize.  With Scotch Tape in hand, Erickson and her worthy competitors went bow-to-bow wrapping odd-shaped gifts, including a bicycle and a seven-foot tall sailboat, with creativity, style and flair. 

Erickson offers this advice to those who are getting ready to wrap their holiday presents: "Before you start wrapping, have the necessary supplies on hand like gift-wrap paper, ribbon, scissors, tape and a Scotch paper cutter," said Erickson.  "Don't worry about making the perfect bow or folding the corners exact; gift wrapping is all about simple elegance and of course, having fun in the process!"

The first runner-up, John Rutherford, from Cincinnati, Ohio, received a $2,500 cash prize. The other six contestants also received smaller cash prizes. Contestants were judged on three criteria: appearance, technique and speed.

The judging panel consisted of three experts in the art of gift-wrapping: Mark Ski, former producer for Martha Stewart Living; Gina Tepper, gift-wrapping expert from GiftDecorating.com; and Wanda Wen, co-owner of Soolip Paperie & Press whose book, The Art of Gift Wrapping, is scheduled for release in Spring 2010.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit 3M.com.

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Contact:                                                                  
Amanda Brokaw, Hunter Public Relations     
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or

Melissa Kuhn   
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or

Helen Wagner
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
(651) 733-4858

                                 
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