The Maytag® Repairman has recently been nominated for the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame in New York City. The Maytag Repairman, the longest running real-life advertising character in American history, is competing for the honor along with 25 other famed icons.

"We're excited that the Maytag Repairman is once again being recognized by the Advertising Walk of Fame as one of the nation's leading marketing icons," said Tom Hassett, marketing director, Maytag brand. "He's a true part of American culture -- both past and present."

Established in 1967, the Maytag Repairman has become an iconic marketing figure. The current character, played by Clay Jackson, is playing a major role in revitalizing the 100-year-old Maytag brand -- bringing its unequaled tradition of quality and dependability to life. While portrayed on television for the past 40+ years as having nothing to do, the Maytag Repairman's role is a full-time position that includes multiple national television, radio, print and public appearances across the country.

Maytag Repairman fans can vote for their favorite icon at www.advertisingweek.com/wof through Sept. 19, 2008. The winner of the contest will be announced Sept. 22 at a press conference at 10 a.m. EDT on the corner of 42nd and Madison Avenue. The program is conducted by Advertising Week in partnership with the Advertising Icon Museum which opens in 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. Visit www.nextmaytagrepairman.com for more information about the Maytag Repairman.

History of the Maytag Repairman

The character first appeared on American TV screens in 1967. Jackson is one of only four people to portray the Maytag Repairman since its creation: Jesse White retired from the role in 1988 after playing the part for 21 years; Gordon Jump retired in 2003 after starring in the role for 15 years; and Hardy Rawls took Jump's place in 2003 and played the part through 2007.

About Maytag Brand

For more than a century, Maytag brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. Through the commitment of Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag brand's unequaled tradition of quality production and dependable performance continues to thrive. Exceptionally durable components are found in Maytag brand appliances -- including the Maytag® EPIC z® front-load and the Maytag® Centennial® top-load washers and dryers, the Maytag® Gemini® double-oven range, the Maytag® Ice2O™ French door bottom- freezer refrigerator, the first of its kind with external ice and water, and the Maytag® Jetclean® dishwashers. Maytag brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, more than 73,000 employees, and more than 70 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on any Maytag brand appliance, visit http://www.maytag.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: angela_m_hersil@whirlpool.com

SOURCE: Maytag