KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong Industrial Company Ltd. has been awarded the 2009 Best of Wendell Award in the Industrial Tractors category from the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA "Best of Local Business" Awards Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.

Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community in a specific business category. Winners are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers, loyalty to their employees and support of the community.

The USCA identified KIOTI as a company that achieved exceptional marketing success in the tractor category for 2009. KIOTI has long been dedicated to not only increasing the efficiency and profitability of their business, but also to the health and well-being of their employees and to that of their local community.

KIOTI has an internal Wellness Program that encourages employees to remain active for optimal health. They boast an onsite gym which includes cardiovascular equipment, free weights and universal machines and bring in a trainer from Gold's Gym weekly to run a boot camp class. The company rewards participants by giving them points for workouts completed. These points can be "cashed out" for various gifts throughout the year.

Other wellness programs KIOTI hosts include a "12-Week Biggest Loser" contest amongst employees and a Weight Watchers at work program. Rather than celebrating employee birthdays with cake and ice cream, KIOTI hosts "Healthy Birthday" lunches, further encouraging employees to remain fit and healthy.

"We are very pleased to have been recognized by the USCA with the Best of Local Business Award for 2009," states Ron Parrish, Market Development Manager for KIOTI Tractor. "Our management team strives to consistently give back to both our employees and our community to ensure our continued growth and success in the industrial tractor arena."

KIOTI's dedication to the community extends beyond their employees to their town as well. Michael Greene, Director of Project Planning and Coordination for KIOTI, represents the company as a member of the Wendell Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as a board member for the past 4 years, two of which he served as president.

"KIOTI believes strongly in giving back to the local community," says Green. "Our work with the Wendell Chamber of Commerce helps facilitate our community relations through sponsorships of local golf outings, a harvest festival and a variety of school and civic organization activities. Our participation with the chamber allows us to meet other business owners in the community and gives us the opportunity to meet town, city and state officials so that we are better poised to adapt to our local business climate when necessary."

KIOTI Tractor is a market-driven company, who distributes a full line of compact tractors in the 22-90 horsepower range from their North American headquarters in Wendell, N.C.