David Powell -- "Home again!"

August 9, 2005

He grew up in Teays Valley and left the area twenty years ago. Speaking to Putnam Rotarians today at Sleepy Hollow, David Powell talked about the valley then and now. "The president of the bank was Jack Wilson; the mayor of Hurricane was Raymond Peak," he said. The area is remarkable for its "progress with stability," and Powell during those twenty years was always seeking to return to this, his first home.

. His remarks follow:

My family and I have recently relocated back to Teays Valley after being away for nearly twenty years. Like most true West Virginians, even though my residence was elsewhere, I always considered the Mountain State to be my home.

I am employed by Ferguson Waterworks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferguson Enterprises, as Vice President of Specialty Products. Our local offices are at 500 Corporate Centre in Scott Depot. My professional responsibilities extend to a large geographic area. However, it is comforting to know that no matter where my travels may take me, my family and I can again call Putnam County our home.

I'd like to introduce you to Ferguson. Recently, Wolseley North America announced the joining of forces of its three primary business holdings, Stock Building Supply, Ferguson Enterprises and Wolseley Canada to form one unit. In the July 25th, 2005 issue of Fortune Magazine we were ranked as number 341 in their annual list of the top 500 corporations with annual sales of $17.816 billion. Of that figure, Ferguson Enterprises represents the largest of the three business units.

Collectively, the three entities have nearly 1,300 locations and nearly 18,000 employees. Ferguson operates nearly 800 locations with approximately 12,000 employees. We are a wholesale distributor of construction related products such as plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, engineered pipe, waterworks, fire protection, pipes, valves and fittings and industrial supplies to the commercial, residential, industrial and institutional markets. Ferguson has had a presence in West Virginia since 1961. We currently employ over 100 people around the state.

Ferguson Waterworks operates 167 locations with annual sales of over $1.2 billion. Our primary focus is in the utility, storm water, infrastructure and site development markets. We supply materials to many municipalities, private developers and commercial builders and contractors. Traditionally, Ferguson Waterworks has not had a significant presence in West Virginia. However, recently because of some significant changes in the business and economic climate, we have decided to develop a business presence within the area. Ferguson takes great pride in its record of being an exceptional corporate citizen and we welcome the opportunity of be involved in Putnam County and the surrounding areas.

Our goals are to provide exceptional value to our customers and a great future for our associates and their families while earning a fair and equitable profit. By doing these things we can continue to do our part to make the quality of life better in the communities we serve.

If Ferguson or I can ever be of service to you or your company, please contact us at 304-757-4743.

In closing I'd just like to say, "It's great to be home!"