News Release

BNSF Earns Domestic Carrier of the Year Award from Michaels Stores

FORT WORTH, Texas September 28, 2011:

BNSF Railway was presented with the Domestic Carrier of the Year Award this month at Michaels' 14th Annual Vendor CEO Summit in Dallas. The theme of the event was "Michaels of the Future."

Each year, Michaels evaluates the service of its transportation providers through stakeholder surveys. Companies are evaluated on key criteria such as customer service at both the destination and origin as well as corporate level performance.

"BNSF was honored with this esteemed award because of its support of Michaels' journey on the path to becoming a world class retailer and growth to more than $4 billion in sales in 2010," said Tom DeCaro, Michaels executive vice president, Supply Chain. "BNSF was recognized for its contributions to Michaels' success over the past year."

"At BNSF, we are committed to providing each and every one of our customers with the industry's most reliable intermodal service," said Steve Branscum, BNSF group vice president, Consumer Products Marketing. "We are honored to be recognized by Michaels as Domestic Carrier of the Year, and we look forward to helping them realize their goal of becoming a world class retailer."

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North America's leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. And we are working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

About Michaels

Irving, Texas-based Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall décor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. The company currently owns and operates more than 1,050 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada, and 135 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces ten exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor™, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland™, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist's Loft®, Craft Smart® and Loops & Threads™. For more information visit www.Michaels.com.

BNSF Headquarters
BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
Fort Worth, TX 76131-2830
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000