Mariangela Petrone Wins 14th Annual National Gift-Wrapping Competition

Mariangela Petrone, a professional gift wrapper from La Galleria in the Bronx, N.Y, was crowned the 2010 "Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper" in a national gift-wrapping contest sponsored by 3M, the maker of Scotch brand tape and Scotch cutting tools. (For photos, video footage and additional information, visit http://www.newsinfusion.com/mostgiftedwrapper).

Amid crowds of holiday revelers at Rockefeller Center today, no bow was left untied as Petrone out-wrapped seven other gift-wrapping gurus to win the ultimate holiday present – a $10,000 cash prize. With Scotch Tape in hand, Petrone and her worthy competitors went bow-to-bow wrapping odd-shaped gifts, including a charcoal grill and an ATV with creativity, style and flair.

Petrone offers this winning advice to those who are getting ready to wrap their holiday presents: "Always have the necessary supplies on hand, including gift wrap paper, ribbon and Scotch pop-up tape,” said Mariangela Petrone. "Try using different papers with coordinating colors to help dimensionalize your gift and add style.”

The first runner-up, Susan Jakub from Hingham, Mass., a former professional gift wrapper at Macy’s, received a $2,500 cash prize. The other six contestants also received smaller cash prizes. Contestants were judged on three criteria: appearance, technique and speed.

The judging panel consisted of three experts in the art of gift wrapping: Mark Ski, former producer for Martha Stewart Living; Laurin Sydney, lifestyle expert and author of the book Why Bother? Why Not?, which features tips on gift wrapping; and Wanda Wen, co-owner of Soolip Paperie & Press and author of The Art of Gift Wrapping, released Spring 2010.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M, Scotch and the Plaid Design are trademarks of 3M.