FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               
Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Washington, DC – The National Republican Congressional Committee’s Business Advisory Council announced today that Ingrid Tugwell of North Charleston is a 2006 Republican of the Year from South Carolina.

Chairman Tom Reynolds explained that the award is given to a select group of business and community leaders from each state that have championed the free enterprise system and supported the ideals of small government, lower taxes and less regulation.  Congressman Reynolds commented “I am extremely grateful for the tremendous support that Ingrid has shown for our Party, especially in this critical election year.”

The Business Advisory Council is a special project of the National Republican Congressional Committee in which small businessman and women work with Republican leaders in Washington to help shape the Party’s agenda.

The Republican of the Year award also qualifies Ms. Tugwell for the Business Advisory Council’s Congressional Medal of Distinction – to be awarded in the fall of 2006.