September 12, 2002 at 12:47 PM EDT

McCormick(R) Names First-Ever 'Grill Mates(R) of the Year' America Goes On-Line to Vote for $10,000 Grand Prizewinner

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HUNT VALLEY, Md., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Twelve barbecue buffs from across the country have proven they are the thrill of their grill. They have been selected as the first-ever Grill Mates(R) of the Year, and will have their photos included in the McCormick(R) Grill Mates(R) of the Year 2003 calendar. Each of the 12 finalists won a $250 cash prize. Now through October 1, 2002, people all across America can log onto http://www.mccormick.com to view the 12 finalists and cast their votes for the $10,000 grand prizewinner, who will be announced on or about October 11, 2002.

A panel of judges, including a professional photographer, selected the 12 finalists. The entries were judged on: creativity and originality of the grilling technique depicted in the photograph; use of McCormick(R) Grill Mates(R) product in photo; description of the nominee; and quality of the photo.

The 12 Grill Mates(R) of the Year are: Matt Bagley, Dallas, Texas; Terry Baker, Woodlake, Calif.; Annamaria Geary, Blue Bell, Pa.; Kevin Harrison, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Jack Herzog, Woodinville, Wash.; Jason Howell, Methuen, Mass.; Jerome Jenkins, Delmar, Md.; Scott Lacy, Houston, Texas; Henry Stanko, Lebanon, Ore.; and Nate Stenfors, St. Petersburg, Fla; Lynn Taylor, Austin, Texas; J.H. and Judge Damon Tison, San Antonio, Texas.

"People are grilling more than ever before," said Laurie Harrsen, Grill Mates spokesperson. "Adding Grill Mates(R) spice blends, marinades, and grilling sauces to your foods is a delicious way to savor grilled foods. We believe the Grill Mates(R) of the Year contest and 2003 calendar is a fun way to celebrate the people who are as passionate about grilling as we are."

The Grill Mates family of flavors includes seasoning blends, marinades and sauces, and can be found in the spice and seasoning mix sections of grocery stores nationwide.

McCormick & Company, Inc. was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland and today is the largest spice company in the world. McCormick sources the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highest quality flavors to consumers.

To learn more about the McCormick Grill Mates(R) of the Year contest or for official contest rules, please visit http://www.mccormick.com or call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847). 

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SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.

-0- 09/12/2002

/CONTACT: Amanda Hirschhorn of Hunter Public Relations, +1-212-679-6600 ext. 239, ahirschhorn@hunterpr.com, for McCormick & Company, Inc.; or Laurie Harrsen of McCormick & Company, Inc., +1-410-527-8753, laurie_harrsen@mccormick.com/

/Web site: http://www.mccormick.com /