Originally Posted by Daniel_

No NO NO NO NO!!!

Use of conditional formatting allows you to do this for a whole row dynamically.

Select the rows in a cell and chose Format --> Conditional Formatting.

Lets say you want to colour all vendors from area "North" to be red.

hit the lefthand drop down from "cell" to "formula". In the right hand formula box type =a2="North", and select the background colour red in the box at the botom f the screen.

There are some issues taht you need to look out for when you copy the formats to other rows, but play with the help files, and ask any additional questions here (or PM me).

Good Luck.