FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tierra Bonaldi, Julie Rowe or Kerry Sutherland at MassMedia 775-322-0755 or kerry@massmediacc.com

Ellen DeGeneres Honored at Global Pet Expo 2009
- Ellen DeGeneres Named 2009 Recipient of the Annual Excellence in Pet Industry Journalism Award and is Recognized for Her Outstanding Contributions to Pet Industry-

(Greenwich, CT—February 13, 2009) — The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are pleased to announce Ellen DeGeneres is the recipient of Global Pet Expo’s annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award.”

DeGeneres, who accepted the award in Los Angeles before her live studio audience, sent a humorous message to attendees at the award reception which took place Thursday, February 12, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, FL. In true “Ellen” style, DeGeneres thanked show organizers, expressed her dedication to the pet industry, and closed with an “Academy Awards” type acceptance speech. DeGeneres was comically cut-off as music filled the background over her final remarks and personal “thank yous.”

DeGeneres has quickly risen to the top of daytime television as the host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”. The show has earned an impressive 25 Daytime Emmy Awards since its inception in 2003 and DeGeneres has been named Outstanding Talk Show Host for the past four years. She has become an important and influential icon in American culture, and has used her celebrity to make positive changes, especially in the pet industry. DeGeneres has long been a pet lover and has shared with millions of her viewers stories of the joys pets have brought to her life, and the importance of pet adoption.

In 2008, DeGeneres took her love for pets a step further with the purchase her own pet product company, Halo Purely for Pets, which promotes the need for healthy, all natural, high-grade ingredients in dog food. She has often featured guests on The Ellen DeGeners show that positively impact pets and their owners, including Steve McGarva, who with the help of his wife and the organization "Island Dog, Inc.," have rescued over 500 dogs that were abandoned on Puerto Rico's "Dead Dog Beach." She also welcomed animal savior Janice Wolf at her Rocky Ridge Refuge. And, she has addressed the importance of microchipping pets. For all these contributions, Global Pet Expo organizers chose to honor DeGeneres at their 2009 Show.

“Ellen is one of those rare individuals who can take a situation, even a negative one, and turn it into a positive,” said Bob Vetere, President of APPA. “For all that she has done to raise awareness for pet adoptions, we are truly grateful. We are thrilled to honor her for her commitment and contributions to the pet industry.”

The annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award” recognizes individuals who have the power to influence millions of people and to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership. Whether via print, broadcast or internet mediums, these distinguished members of the press produce stories that highlight responsible pet ownership and all the exciting services, products and activities that make spending time with our pets even more enjoyable. Past recipients include Dr. Marty Becker (Good Morning America/PetConnection/The Pet Doctor with Marty Becker), Steve Dale (My Pet World/The Pet Minute), Gina Spadafori (author/Pet Connection) and Janice Brown (The Tails Pet Media Group).
 

Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest annual trade show, is presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The 2008 Show featured 796 exhibitors, over 2,350 booths and more than 825 new product launches. 4,000 pet product buyers from around the world attended. In 2009, Global Pet Expo will take place February 12-14 in Orlando, FL. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. For more information, visit www.globalpetexpo.org.

Technorati Tags: Global Pet Expo, APPA, American Pet Products Asoociation, Bob Vetere, Pet Products, Elen De Geners, award, excellence in journalism