Red Wing, MN. -- To recognize America's leading 100 artisans who have demonstrated a life-long commitment to quality, and to celebrate 100 years of outfitting this country's work force, Red Wing Shoe Company is launching the search for America's Master Tradesmen.

Nominees will be judged on their level of expertise and quality craftsmanship, their commitment to the community in which they live, how they pass along skills to others learning the trade and their dedication to American workmanship. Each of the 100 Master Tradesmen will receive:

A $500 scholarship in his or her name to an accredited vocational or technical school of his or her choice to help foster the next generation of skilled workers.

A pair of limited edition Red Wing 100th anniversary boots.

Local recognition in his or her hometown market.

A certificate of recognition from Red Wing Shoe Company.

"We're launching the America's Master Tradesmen program to honor the unsung heroes of our country's workforce and to show our commitment to the future of the skilled trade industry," said Dave Murphy, president and COO, Red Wing Shoe Company. "For the past 100 years, Red Wing Shoe Company has been committed to providing quality American-made work boots for the American worker, and we look forward to continuing the tradition for generations to come."

Given the current skilled labor shortage in the United States -- which is expected to be a continuing trend among most trades -- the Master Tradesmen program is being announced at an opportune time.

Nominees will be judged by a team of experts, including home-improvement expert Lou Manfredini, also known as "Mr. Fix-It," who is teaming up with Red Wing Shoe Company to launch the Master Tradesmen search. "I've been in the construction trade for more than 20 years, working next to men and women who are committed to their craft," said Manfredini. "I'm thrilled that Red Wing Shoe Company sees the value in such commitment, and will recognize these people for their hard work and dedication."

From Feb. 21 through June 30, 2005, friends, family and co-workers can nominate tradesmen and tradeswomen who have impacted their communities from a variety of industries, including: automobile; aviation; construction; civil engineering; electrical; energy and utilities; metalworking and machinery; plumbing; public works; railroad; masonry; welding; and woodworking. The 100 winners will be announced in fall 2005.

To obtain an entry form and official rules, go to any participating Red Wing Shoe dealer; log onto www.redwingshoe.com to download the official entry form with full rules; or mail a request to "Search for America's Master Tradesmen," 8000 Norman Center Drive, Suite 400, Bloomington, MN 55437. To submit an entry, fill out the nomination form and prepare an essay using no more than 250 words to describe why the nominee should be named one of America's Master Tradesmen based on criteria including a description of the nominee's work, how the nominee's work has had a positive impact on the community, and how the nominee passes his/her skills to others learning the trade.

Completed entry forms and the essay should be mailed to "Red Wing Shoe Company's Search for America"s Master Tradesmen," 8000 Norman Center Drive, Suite 400, Bloomington, MN 55437 or emailed to [email protected]. The essay must be on one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" paper and may be typed or handwritten. Entries must be legible and complete or they will be ineligible. Name and address must be on all materials and sent in one envelope. All entries must be received by June 30, 2005.