DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES SECOND MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM AGREEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LINDA MCDONALD (850) 921-5266

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008

DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES SECOND MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM AGREEMENT

~ Office Depot Inc. and Magnetic Imaging Supplies Inc. are latest participants ~

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) announced today that Office Depot Inc. and Magnetic Imaging Supplies Inc. (MIS), entered a one-year mentor-protégé agreement. This innovative OSD program connects minority- and women-owned businesses with corporations for business development mentoring. Office Depot, the mentor business with its principal office in Delray Beach, provides tactical and strategic guidance for MIS, the protégé business with its principal office in Miami.

"It’s exciting, particularly in these challenging economic times, to see this interest in our mentor-protégé program. The first state-sponsored program of its type, it increases opportunities, develops joint ventures and provides protégé businesses with the tools necessary for success, all of which contribute to Florida’s economic growth," said DMS Secretary Linda H. South. "We are proud of corporations like Office Depot that have the resources, the senior level commitment and the willingness to nurture a minority business enterprise."

The mentor-protégé agreement outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both companies, and the specific assistance that Office Depot provides. MIS conducts a self-assessment and then together with Office Depot, prepares a business development plan.

"We are pleased to partner with the Office of Supplier Diversity in this program and we look forward to helping MIS advance its business development," said Andrew Magazine, account manager, Office Depot. "Office Depot is committed to the economic growth of our great state and to the successful growth of MIS."

As the mentor, Office Depot will provide technical assistance, management support and assistance with general business practices and procedures. The two companies will meet monthly, and quarterly will conduct formal reviews of performance and effectiveness.

"MIS appreciates the support of the Office of Supplier Diversity in offering this program and finalizing this agreement," said Gil McCoy, MIS president and CEO. "This is a phenomenal learning experience for us, and Office Depot’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to our growth and future success."

The shared commitment between the two businesses allows for examination of MIS’ strengths and needs, and nurtures its growth and development. The mentor-protégé program provides a competitive edge for Florida’s minority business enterprises.

"It’s exciting for the Office of Supplier Diversity to see this momentum in our mentor-protégé program and it’s rewarding to connect two more businesses," said OSD Director Torey L. Alston. "The program is a value-added service to our certified minority business enterprises and we look forward to connecting additional mentor and protégé businesses."

The Office of Supplier Diversity certifies 4,000 women- and minority-owned businesses in Florida and works to improve business and economic opportunities for them. To learn more about the Office of Supplier Diversity, call (850) 487-0915 or visit www.osd.dms.state.fl.us <http://www.osd.dms.state.fl.us/> .

###