Irby Circuit

I am very excited about getting this next edition of Irby Circuit into your hands. The first printed version sent during July of 2005 placed over 15,000 copies in the hands of our business partners and your response has been very well received. Articles on OSHA Safety and on Emergency Disaster Preparedness now look prophetic as we deal with the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We have heard from a number of you complimenting us on the format and the timely, well informed articles. I hope you continue to give us feedback as to what we can include to help you. This edition is even bigger and better with articles on NEC Code changes; how you can save money with your lighting system; a host of new products from our key suppliers; and, service opportunities from Irby that can provide you with everything from emergency services to online ordering.

On September 22, 2005, Sonepar USA announced the acquisition of Stuart C. Irby Co. and officially welcomed us into the Sonepar Family. The acquisition of Irby by Sonepar USA should be seen by all of us as the next logical evolution of our business and one that will see us continue our tremendous growth while maintaining the core values we hold so dearly.

Since our last Irby Circuit we have also continued to expand and have welcomed two new branches into the Irby family, Cookeville Electric Motor of Cookeville, Tennessee and the former Roden Electric Huntsville branch. CEM brings years of Rockwell Automation experience to us in the middle Tennessee market and we are excited about having them on board. The acquisition of the Huntsville branch helps to strengthen our North Alabama foot print. In November and December we will also open two new Irby Electric Express stores in Panama City Beach and Freeport, FL. These flexible and efficient branches are being built to serve the local contractor and commercial businesses in fast growth areas.

Whether you are a contractor, industrial plant, governmental organization, commercial/retail facility or electric utility, Irby has the experience and knowledge to make your acquiring of electrical materials easier and more efficient. We all hope that Irby Circuit is a useful tool for you and ask for your continued help in making it even better. Thank you for your business and we all look forward to being able to serve you.