Akzo Nobel's Sikkens Brand Announces Home of the Year Contest Winner

Troy, Mich., June 6, 2005—Lake Toxaway, N.C. residents, Craig and Connie Mincer, today became the winners of the Sikkens Home of the Year contest and will receive Sikkens products for the lifetime maintenance of their home.

“Never in a million years did we think this is something that we would win,” said Connie Mincer.

After living in Florida for 30 years, the Mincers relocated to the western mountains of North Carolina in 2003 to spend their retirement. Craig, a former contractor, designed and constructed the multi-level home to blend in with its lush mountainous surroundings. Built out of stone and a variety of different types of wood, fine detail was put into each and every inch, from the cedar shake singles to the custom made carriage garage doors.

After researching a variety of wood coating options to maintain the beauty of their home exterior, the Mincers decided to use Sikkens products upon the recommendation of their local dealer, Jennings Building Supply in Brevard, N.C. An associate at Jennings suggested the Mincers submit their photos to the Sikkens Home of the Year contest.

“We were so happy with the result of the Sikkens products on our home exterior that we decided to use it on our deck furniture, the cedar dock of our lakefront lot and even on our deck railings which are made of mountain laurel,” said Connie Mincer.

“Sikkens users take great pride in the beauty of their homes so we created the Home of the Year contest to reward these loyal customers,” said Tim Stephens Marketing Communications Manager for Sikkens. “This contest gives proud homeowners a forum to showcase their amazing Sikkens masterpieces and a chance to win Sikkens products for the life of their home.”

Sikkens has bestowed this prestigious honor to homeowners both annually and seasonally since 2003. Last year, Veronica and Charles Tyree from West Salem, Ohio won for their log cabin purchased in 2001.

Sikkens is currently accepting submissions for the 2005 Home of the Year. To obtain an entry form, go to www.nam.sikkens.com. The entry must be filled out by the homeowner. Entries filled out by any other parties will not be eligible.

Photos of the home along with the entry form may be either emailed to sikkensnam@akzonobel.com with “Home of the Year Contest” in the subject line or sent regular mail to:

Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc.
c/o Home of the Year contest
PO Box 7062
Troy, MI 48007-7062

Sikkens high-quality coatings are available at independent retailers throughout North America. To locate a Sikkens dealer in the United States and Canada or for more information, visit www.nam.sikkens.com or call 1-866-Sikkens. Recommended by professional painters and contractors, Sikkens wood care products are compliant with all North American environmental regulations.

About Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings North America
Based in Troy, Mich., Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings North America (DCNA) is the business unit that manufactures the Sikkens line of decorative finishes, used to enhance and protect commercial buildings, homes and decks. It includes Cetol® (translucent) and Rubbol® (opaque) finishes for both interior and exterior use. Sikkens wood finishes line also includes waterborne interior stains and topcoats that offer a professional finish with minimal odor, easy application, quick-drying and fast cleanup with soap and water.

For more information, please contact Sikkens at 1-866-Sikkens or visit www.nam.sikkens.com.