Common Ground Alliance, Department of Transportation and John Deere to Ring The Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange

Groups promoting 811, Know What's Below, Call Before You Dig

Safe digging can save lives. That's the message the Common Ground Alliance, Department of Transportation and John Deere (Deere & Company – NYSE:DE) will reinforce today as they team up to increase national awareness about 811, the national "Call Before You Dig" telephone number, during The Closing Bell® at 4 p.m. EDT Friday, August 20.

"Safety is great for business, and a commitment to it makes for great businesses," said Bob Kipp, President of the Common Ground Alliance. "There is no better place to communicate this critical message than the New York Stock Exchange, home to many of the world's leading companies. We are privileged to come to the New York Stock Exchange to promote 811. More than 60 of our member companies are listed on the New York Stock Exchange."

811 is the FCC-designated national telephone number for all Americans to call before starting any digging project. 811 calls are directed to local One Call Centers and utilities, which will mark underground utility lines free of charge. Digging without calling 811 can lead to severe consequences including death or injury, costly damages to underground infrastructure, and utility service disruptions.

With 35 years of experience in the construction industry, Vic Weston, Chair of the Common Ground Alliance's Board, knows firsthand the importance of calling 811 and stresses its use now more than ever. "I've never seen so many people in the construction industry and elsewhere under so much financial strain," said Weston. "At times like these, there is a greater risk that people will cut corners when it comes to safety. They must always be reminded, however, that safety is not an inconvenience or a cost – it improves productivity, saves money, and protects lives. Calling 811 makes great business sense."

"John Deere is grateful for the work of CGA and its members in protecting those who are closely connected to and work on the land," said Mike Mack, the President of John Deere's Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division. "Over our history, John Deere has been committed to protecting the customers we serve, including professional excavators, farmers, loggers, landscapers, homeowners, and all others who may be at risk to underground damage. One of the most effective ways we can help them stay safe is by making sure they know to call 811 before they dig."

The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) Administrator Cynthia Quarterman will also be present.

About CGA
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a member-driven association of nearly 1,400 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at www.commongroundalliance.com.

About John Deere
John Deere (Deere & Company – NYSE:DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide.

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