PARTS NOW! WINS BUSINESS FRIEND OF THE ENVIRONMENT AWARD

Madison, Wis., June 7, 2001—The Wisconsin Environmental Working Group (WEWG) has recognized Parts Now! LLC as one of nine Wisconsin companies presented the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award, in recognition of leadership in environmental protection. Parts Now! received the award for its efforts in pollution prevention.

“These award-winning Wisconsin companies are leaders in environmental protection,” said Jeff Schoepke, WEWG Director. “Improving the environment is good business, good citizenship and good politics.”

Parts Now! Director of Marketing & Strategy Jason Jensen agreed, stressing that Parts Now!’s operations are specifically designed to reduce and reuse waste.

“Our business is based on repair, refurbishment and reuse, which inherently is a benefit to the environment,” said Jensen. “However, I feel the challenge for Parts Now! is to continually explore ways to make our operations of greater benefit to our customers while being more environment-friendly.”

Employing 220 Wisconsin workers, Parts Now! is the world’s largest distributor of new and refurbished computer printer parts, whole unit printers, and component level repairs for printer manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Lexmark and Oki. In 2000, the company disassembled, then recycled and reused 10,000 printers that normally would have gone straight to the landfill. This year, the company projects that number will reach 12,000.

Recognizing the opportunity to cut down on waste, the company is also recycling nearly all non-repairable material. Pallet loads of aluminum, steel, computer electronics, urethane foam, cardboard and white paper are recycled each week, along with thousands of laser printer toner and inkjet printer cartridges. In 2000, the company recycled over 10 metric tons of aluminum, 1,000 pounds of circuit boards, nearly 1,300 pounds of aluminum cans and more than 45 metric tons of steel.

An independent panel of judges including industry representatives, environmental organizations, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Wisconsin-Extension evaluated the nominations. Business Friend of the Environment Award winners are categorized based on number of employees and selected for their commitment and improvements in the areas of pollution prevention, innovative technology, and environmental stewardship.

The Wisconsin Environmental Working Group (WEWG), an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, annually recognizes companies that have made significant improvements in the areas of pollution prevention, innovative technology and environmental stewardship. The companies were honored during the 12th Annual Environmental Policy and Awards Conference at the Country Inn in Waukesha.

Since the program’s inception in 1990, 98 companies have received Business Friend of the Environment Awards. The program serves as a resource for innovative solutions to many industry-specific environmental challenges.