(April 23, 2002 - ORRVILLE, Ohio) - Stars on Ice, America's premier figure skating production, has partnered with Smucker's as title sponsor for its 2002/2003 U.S. touring season, it was announced today by Richard Smucker, president and co-CEO of The J.M. Smucker Company.

Soon to enter its 17th consecutive year of touring the United States, the multi-million dollar Stars on Ice production combines a cast of the most versatile and exceptional figure skating stars in the world with state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, cutting edge costume designs, progressively innovative staging and choreography, and a mix of American standards to the most contemporary tunes in all genres of today's music. No stranger to Stars on Ice, Smucker's served as "presenting" sponsor for the show between its 1996/1997, 1997/1998, and 1998/1999 seasons.

"Smucker's is thrilled to once again be associated with the highly popular Stars on Ice tour", said Richard Smucker. "Having been a proud supporter of Stars on Ice in the past, we are excited to once again bring wholesome, family entertainment to hometowns across America."

"Stars on Ice brings together the very best skaters in the world. Not only are they gifted athletes, they are inspirational role models for future generations," added Timothy Smucker, chairman and co-CEO of The J.M. Smucker Company. "We are delighted to be the sponsor of this prestigious tour and in helping to share the artistry, beauty and exceptional talent this world-class group of skaters has to offer."

Conceived in 1986 by Olympic Champion and skating icon Scott Hamilton, and Robert D. Kain of IMG, Hamilton also co-produced and co-headlined the show each season until his farewell tour during 2001/2002. Still a co-producer of Stars on Ice, Hamilton remarked, "No sponsor ever treated us better than Smucker's, in that Smucker's always tried harder to make the tour beneficial to their business while also building a rapport with the show and its stars. I am honored that Smucker's has returned to the Stars on Ice family because we already know the type of partner they are and will be."

Since its inception, Stars on Ice has featured various Olympic, World and National Champions including Olympic Champions Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamaguchi, Katarina Witt, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov, Ilia Kulik, Dorothy Hamill, and Jayne Torvill & Christopher Dean; Olympic medalists Paul Wylie, Debi Thomas, Brian Orser, and Rosalynn Sumners; 4-time World Champion Kurt Browning, and 3-time U.S. National Pair Champions Jenni Meno & Todd Sand. Most recently, 6-time U.S. National Champion, World Champion, and 3-time Olympian Todd Eldredge joined the Stars on Ice 2001/2002 tour immediately following his participation in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games at Salt Lake City.

The 2002/2003 Smucker's Stars on Ice season will, once again, feature Tara Lipinski, Kurt Browning,Todd Eldredge and Jenni Meno & Todd Sand. In addition, the production will also feature some of skating's newest and brightest stars from the Salt Lake Olympic Games.

Making their debut with Smucker's Stars on Ice will be 2002 Mens Olympic Champion and 4-time World Champion Alexei Yagudin, and 2002 Olympic Pair Champions Elena Berezhnaya & Anton Sikharulidze. Additional cast members will be announced.

The J.M. Smucker Company (www.smuckers.com) was founded in 1897, when the Company's namesake and founder sold his first product -- apple butter -- from the back of a horse-drawn wagon. Today, over a century later, the Company is the market leader in fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, health and natural foods beverages, and natural peanut butter in North America. For over 100 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been headquartered in Orrville, Ohio and has been family run for four generations. The Company has over 2,000 employees worldwide and distributes products in more than 70 countries.

Smucker's Stars on Ice Executive Producers are Robert D. Kain and Gary V. Swain of IMG. Scott Hamilton and Byron Allen (of IMG) are Producers, with Sandra Bezic serving as Show Producer, Director and Choreographer.

Contact:
Brenda Dempsey
The J.M. Smucker Company
(330) 684-3084

Michael Sterling, Todd Fraser
Michael Sterling & Associates
(818) 385-0007

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