Cascade Designs Inc Announces New President

SEATTLE, Wash. – Cascade Designs Inc., a Seattle-based manufacturer of premier backpacking, recreation and medical rehabilitation products, today announced the appointment of Joe Mc Swiney as President. Mc Swiney will replace company founder John Burroughs, currently serving as Interim President. Burroughs will continue his role as Chairman of the Board.

Prior to this appointment, Mc Swiney served as Vice President of European Operations for Cascade Designs Ltd., the European subsidiary of Cascade Designs Inc. located in Midleton, Ireland. Mc Swiney oversaw the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution for Cascade Designs Ltd., successfully achieving significant growth and product diversification in the European market.

“Cascade Designs has an admirable legacy as probably the best diversified gear innovator,” said Mc Swiney. ”I’m eager to lead this company into the future, with an unwavering commitment to exceed the expectations of consumers with the highest quality of products.”

In his new position as President, Mc Swiney will be responsible for overseeing all Cascade Designs worldwide operations. Under Mc Swiney’s leadership the company will continue to develop and manufacture innovative products for its outdoor, military, and medical customers throughout the world.

“Joe has provided successful leadership to our European manufacturing and distribution operations for the past 12 years,” said Burroughs. “In addition to being an engineer and an active user of outdoor products on climbs worldwide, Joe maintains the technical knowledge and business savvy that has driven our success in the outdoor industry for the past 34 years. I believe that Joe is uniquely qualified to continue this tradition of success.”

Mc Swiney holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from the National University of Ireland in Galway and a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics Engineering from the Cork Institute of Technology. He assumes his new position July 11, 2006.

About Cascade Designs, Inc.
For over thirty years, Seattle-based Cascade Designs® has led the outdoor industry in the design and manufacture of innovative gear and equipment, including the first self inflating camping mattress, the first multi-fuel stove and a revolutionary pen-sized water purifier. Today, Cascade Designs’ products are in use around the globe providing outdoor adventurers and explorers with gear they can rely on, even in the most challenging environments. For more information on Cascade Designs or links to our premium brands: MSR®; Therm-a-Rest®; SealLine®; Platypus®; Tracks® and VARILITE®, please visit www.cascadedesigns.com or call us at 1-800-531-9531.

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Contacts: Cascade Designs

Tami Fairweather
206-676-6011
tami.fairweather@cascadedesigns.com

Ellie Pryor Booher
206-676-6065
ellie.booher@cascadedesigns.com