Air Products Band Set to Rock

May 9, 2003 2:45 PM ET

Before the roar of "gentlemen, start your engines," echoes throughout Nazareth Speedway at the May 18 Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200, Air Products' award-winning band, "The Difference," will rock the expected thousands of spectators with its rendition of the National Anthem. The band will perform at approximately 1:20 PM right before the start of the NASCAR Busch Series event, which will pitch the veterans, like and Randy LaJoie, against some of younger drivers like and . "The Difference" first gained notoriety in October 2001, when it won the First Annual Battle of the Corporate Bands sponsored by Fortune magazine at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Band members include Sal Nicrone (drum and vocals), Ed McKendry (lead guitar and vocals), Steve Eck (guitar and vocals), Jim Gorman (keyboards), Barry Grow (bass and vocals), Joe Hilgar (guitar and vocals), Jim Meyer (lead guitar and vocals) and Terry Wetzel (sound technician).

"This is quite an honor for us, not just to perform for NASCAR fans but to perform the National Anthem as well," said band member Sal Nicrone. "Nazareth is a great venue and to perform in front of a hometown crowd will be a special moment for all of us," he added.

"The Difference" creates a memorable and positive image of Air Products and its employees in the eyes of some of the company's key stakeholders. The band also symbolizes Air Products' longstanding philanthropic spirit of giving to those who are less fortunate through their performances at community and charitable events.

Air Products will have a presence at Nazareth Speedway not only at the microphone, but on the racetrack as well. The company is a sponsor of 's No. 38 Deka Batteries Ford and Mark Green's No. 98 Deka Batteries Ford, as well as an official sponsor of the Speedway.

About Air Products Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. The company is the largest global supplier of electronic materials, hydrogen, helium and select performance chemicals. Founded in 1940, Air Products is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $5.4 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 17,200 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

EDITOR'S NOTE: More information about "The Difference," including biographies and video clips, can be found at www.airproducts.com/AboutUs/TheDifference.

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