Feeders Supply Co. Named Retailer Of The Year By Old Mother Hubbard: Natural Pet Food Maker

Chelmsford, MA (November 16, 2006) —Old Mother Hubbard, maker of the Wellness® brand, and a leading national provider of natural pet foods, supplements and treats, has long recognized independent pet products retailers aiming to set new standards in customer care, innovative business practices and humanitarian contributions. At the 40th Annual H.H. Backer Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show & Educational Conference in Chicago, Illinois this October, the company presented its 2006 Retailer of the Year award to Feeders Supply Co.

With 12 retail locations in greater Louisville, Ky., including one store in Elizabethtown, Ky., and two in southern Indiana, Feeders Supply has long met the needs of local animal and pet owners. Founded in 1959 by Roy Gibson, Feeders Supply served for more than a decade as a livestock dealer. In 1987, the company adjusted its focus and opened its first retail shop to offer foods and other products for smaller domestic pets.

“It’s rare to find a retailer with a staff as committed to ensuring the health and wellness of pets,” noted Jim Scott, CEO of Old Mother Hubbard. “Feeders Supply is known for its understanding of the latest in pet nutrition and care and for creating an inviting and friendly retail experience for consumers.”

Today, with Roy’s daughter Pam Gibson Longwell presiding over the family-owned business, Feeders Supply stocks not only the Wellness brand and a variety of other products for cats and dogs, but also a number of smaller animals, including birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The company makes its mark in the community as well, donating funds, products, in-kind service and, most significantly, space in its stores for the sale of dogs and cats through the Kentucky Humane Society and other rescue operations.

“We’re extremely proud to be among a select group of independent pet shops to receive this honor from Old Mother Hubbard,” said Michelle Nicholson, a purchasing manager at Feeders Supply. “It goes without saying that we would never have been named Retailer of the Year without our loyal customers, who love pets as much as we do, and our wonderful and devoted staff.”

About Wellness® – Live Well. Eat Well. Be Well.™
The Wellness brand of Natural Food and Treats for Pets was founded on the belief that, “You are what you eat!” – and that incorporating a holistic approach to a healthy, nutritious diet is the foundation of wellbeing. With this mission, a committed team of vets, pets, nutritionists, and animal lovers has spent decades creating the very best in all-natural nutrition for both dogs and cats. All Wellness food and treat varieties feature recipes using human-quality, real-food ingredients without the use of meat by-products, fillers, potential allergens, artificial colors, flavors or artificial preservatives. Wellness is proud to be a part of the Old Mother Hubbard pet food family, celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2006. Wellness is sold exclusively through knowledgeable independent pet stores and natural food stores in North America. For more information, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.