ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. - A.O. Smith Water Products Co. signed a long-term exclusive brand license/endorsement agreement with the producers of the TV series “Living With Ed” and its co-star, Ed Begley Jr. Under terms of the agreement, A.O. Smith will use the trademark of the show and the endorsement of Begley to market its Vertex™ line of residential gas water heaters throughout the United States. The company developed this water heater in partnership with a design-engineering firm as part of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program.

The marketing relationship will be launched with the creation of a series of print, video, and online materials featuring “Living With Ed” branding and Ed Begley Jr. endorsements. In addition, Begley will make appearances at upcoming media events.

“I began my journey on sustainable living back in 1970 and am so excited to have this opportunity to educate others on how they can make simple lifestyle changes and live green,” said Begley. “A. O. Smith and their Vertex help us tell the green story by giving consumers an efficient and green option when choosing a water heater. We think they will be a great addition to the team, and we are ready to get their message out there.”

One of the first programs to debut in the growing green TV genre, the series returns with 13 new episodes that will find Begley and wife, Rachelle Carson, dispensing more tips and practical ideas on how anyone can lead a greener lifestyle. In a special new twist this season, Begley ventures beyond his own green acres to give viewers a peek inside the homes and properties of other Hollywood personalities, like Jay Leno, who are either looking for advice from Begley or are eager to share the innovative ways they are working toward environmentally conscious living.

“A.O. Smith is honored to be working with such a celebrated individual, environmentalist, and actor,” said Ajita Rajendra president, A. O. Smith Water Products. “Ed Begley Jr. is known for his efforts in putting our Earth first, and we feel he is the perfect person to tell consumers that the A. O. Smith Vertex is their green water heater option.”

For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.

Publication date: 10/01/2007