Winston-Salem, NC, October 15, 2009 — Cook Medical has awarded Primo Water Corporation the first annual Cook Medical Innovation Award. Primo Water Corporation was one of five finalists considered for developing a product, procedure or concept that represents an elegantly simple solution to a complex problem; benefits society; positively affects the marketplace and demonstrates a high degree of creativity.

"The Cook Medical Innovation award is intended to help gain a level of recognition for outstanding efforts that might otherwise go unnoticed," says William S. Gibbons, Ph.D. President of Cook Medical's Endoscopy Division. "We believe that there is a significant amount of creative and impactful work being done on the local level and this award highlights these contributions. We are thrilled to recognize Primo Water Corporation's contributions and their potential toward a significant environmental impact."

Primo Water Corporation, manufacturers of 100 percent renewable beverage bottles, is contributing to the preservation of the environment. Their renewable, non-oil based bottles – made from plants – are all-natural, compostable, recyclable and could save 500 million gallons of gas a year. As an industry first, the impact these bottles will have on the environment, including saving millions of pounds of oil, will affect generations to come.

"We feel privileged to work with Cook Medical on this award," adds Peggy Low, Senior Vice President of Technology at the Chamber. "Because the company's entire business model is based on a creative and innovative approach to product design, it is particularly fitting that Cook wants to encourage and reward others in the local business community who take a similar approach."

The award was presented at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on October 13, 2009 and the finalists were evaluated by a judging panel of Cook Medical executives and engineers. The judges selected five finalists, who presented their innovation to the panel at Cook Medical in person. Nominees were not required to be members of the Chamber to participate.

About Cook Medical
Founded in 1963, Cook Medical helped invent and popularize interventional medicine, pioneering many of the devices now commonly used worldwide to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body. Today, the company integrates minimally invasive medical devices, drugs and biologics to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Since its inception, Cook has operated as a family-held private corporation focused on providing superior patient outcomes while reducing health care costs.For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com. You may sign up to follow Cook Medical on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cookmedicalpr.

About the Chamber
The Greater Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce is the leading business organization in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, representing nearly 2,000 area businesses that are committed to increased economic development in the region. The Chamber is dedicated to establishing Winston-Salem as a technology-driven economic center, and provides services to strengthen existing businesses, support entrepreneurs, and encourage small business creation. The Chamber supports public school student achievement, workforce, and higher education development.