Five finalists were selected from among thousands of entries collected online and through the Dickies American Worker of the Year Mobile Tour presented by the Professional Bull Riders, which made stops at PBR events, job sites and retailers as it crisscrossed the nation this year. Entrants were asked to make audio recordings or write 100 words or less about why their nominee represents “the spirit of the American worker.”

Every entry was reviewed and then judged by a selection committee in Fort Worth, where Dickies, maker of the world’s #1 brand of work clothing, has been headquartered since 1922.

The five finalists are:

· Lance Beto, 42, an electrical lineman in Helena, Montana

· David Bildstein, 42, a steel mill bricklayer in Cleveland, Ohio

· Janet Buras, 49, an elementary school principal in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

· Chris Davidson, 36, a pro mountain bike team mechanic from Salt Lake City, Utah

· Jeremy Gianzero, 26, an ER nurse and mechanic in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Anyone is eligible to vote from June 23 through October 7 at www.workeroftheyear.com, where videos of each finalist are available, along with bios and photo galleries of each person. Everyone who votes will be entered to win a free trip to Las Vegas for the PBR’s 2006 Built Ford Tough World Finals presented by Wrangler.

The top vote getter will be named the 2006 American Worker of the Year, and will receive a brand new 2007 Ford F150 truck equipped with a special suspension by FabTech, along with a custom-painted BMC Chopper, an “Ultimate Grill Setup” from Johnsonville Brats, boots from Rocky Boots and a VIP stay at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.

“These five people are truly inspirational in their work ethic and love for their families, communities and country,” said Jon Ragsdale, vice president of marketing for Fort Worth-based Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. “Dickies is thrilled to recognize hardworking, everyday Americans who are the backbone of our nation.”

The company will also honor workers from each of the states, to be announced in mid-July. State winners win $200 in merchandise, and include an Alabama welder, a Minnesota construction worker, a New York maintenance supervisor, an Oregon roofer and an Arizona truck driver.

For more information on the Dickies American Worker of the Year Awards, please contact Dee Capps at 214 507 4898 or visit www.workeroftheyear.com.

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About Dickies:

Since its beginnings in Fort Worth, Texas in 1922, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company has grown from a humble manufacturer of bib overalls into a global brand powerhouse, with DICKIES work pants, shirts, denim, outerwear, school uniforms, outdoor gear, medical and chefs apparel and an extensive licensing program offering sturdy head-to-toe clothing options for hardworking men and women of all ages, professions, regions and interests. Williamson-Dickie operates through subsidiaries in North America, Canada and Europe as well as exclusive distributorship around the world.

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