As the new title sponsor, Viking Range Corporation has extraordinary plans for the PGA TOUR stop at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, Mississippi.  In addition to the sporting spectacle of world-class players, the Viking Classic promises a culinary celebration with special guest chefs and food events.

Viking Range Corporation has become much more than just an appliance company - It is a way of life, embracing the pursuit and experience of fine food, wine, and travel.  And the Greenwood, Mississippi, company was born from this very passion.  After searching fruitlessly for a suitable high-performance range for his new home, Fred Carl, Jr. set about designing it himself.  Countless late nights later, he finally arrived at a hybrid that corralled the cooking power and features of a professional range into a design feasible for home use.

As it turns out, Carl wasn't the only homeowner dreaming of a high performance kitchen.  The first Viking range introduced professional cooking to the home in 1987, and gourmets the world over rejoiced.  So the rangetop was added.  Then a dishwasher.  A refrigerator. Even an outdoor kitchen, complete with ventilation.  Each new product was built to the Viking standard of culinary perfection, furthering its reputation as the pinnacle of gourmet cooking.  And along the way Viking created its own culture of innovation.  Now Viking is applying perfection to new categories like cookware, cutlery, and small appliances.  And they won't stop innovating until the complete Viking kitchen offers professional performance in every corner.

In addition to professional performance, Viking Cooking Schools provide professional know-how - not to mention a good night out.  A lively curriculum of day, night and weekend classes offer home chefs insight into everything from the basics of baking to exciting ethnic cuisines.

And now The Viking Life takes the culinary experience well beyond the Viking kitchen, offering a world of authentic culture and flavors.  From the floating markets of Thailand to the vineyards of Tuscany, exclusive trips explore the world's most exciting cuisines.  While cooking classes, online videos and recipes, and events like the Viking Classic bring the Viking experience closer to home.

CN is a leader in the North American rail industry.  Following its acquisition of Illinois Central in 1999, WC in 2001 and GLT in 2004, as well as its partnership agreement with BC Rail in 2004, CN provides shippers with more options and greater reach in the rapidly expanding market for north-south trade.

We are a more efficient railroad - CN has one of the best operating ratios in this industry and is committed to moving more freight, more quickly and with fewer assets.

We are a more connected railroad - CN is the only railroad which crosses the continent east-west and north-south, serving ports on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts while linking customors to all three NAFTA nations.

We are a more diverse railroad - CN revenues derive from the movement of a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods including petroleum and chemicals, grain and fertilizer, coal, metals and minerals, forest products, intermodal and automotive.

Mississippi boasts some of the finest golf courses, resorts and entertainment found anywhere in the world.  We're also famous for our historical treasures, internationally acclaimed events, fine cuisine, and dazzling casino resorts offering star-studded shows.

As the state's lead economic and community development agency, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) also recognizes that Mississippi is all about business too.  In addition to our tourism and community development programs, MDA recruits new industry and helps existing companies remain profitable.  We nurture public and private partnerships to creat an environment of collaboration.  With a strong incentive package, business friendly climate and unbeatable quality of life, Mississippi is the right choice for any business venture.

Belzoni is one of those quaint little towns in the Mississippi Delta where everybody knows everybody else, and that's where BankPlus traces its roots.  Founded there in 1909 as Citizens Bank & Trust Company, BankPlus began with a single office.  But everyone worked hard and discovered that when you give people a little more than they're expecting, you get a loyal customer for life.  It's a simple but profound idea that has guided us for nearly a century.

In 1994, our name changed to BankPlus.  This was more than a simple name change.  It was a rededication to offering superior products and service.  To go with our new name, we created the slogan, "It's more than a name.  It's a promise." which reflects our desire to offer enhanced services and emphasizes our commitment to giving our customers and our communities more for their money.

Today, as a result of that commitment, BankPlus has grown to include over 60 offices in 34 Mississippi communities.  We owe our success to the dedication, high performance, and optimism of our employees.  And we promise to keep leading the way with innovative products like ValueFree Checking, convenient services like our 7am - 7pm drive-thrus, and a continuing commitment to communities we serve.

To that end we are pleased to join Viking Range and the other fine sponsors in presenting this PGA TOUR golf tournament event, the Viking Classic.