Office Depot Hosts Third Women's Business Conference

DELRAY BEACH, FL -- Recognizing the significant role women have in corporate America, the growth of small businesses led by women today and their need for advice, counsel and knowledge, Office Depot has announced it will host its third annual "Success Strategies for Businesswomen" Conference: The Power of Vision and Values at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida on February 23-25, 2003.

Alexis M. Herman, Former Secretary of Labor (1997-2001), will kick off the three-day conference, beginning on Monday, February 24 as the opening keynote speaker. Billie Jean King, Co-founder of World Team Tennis and Winner of 20 Wimbledon Titles will join the more than 1000 attendees expected at the Success Strategies Awards Gala as keynote speaker for the evening's festivities, also on February 24. Ann W. Richards, Former Governor of TX will close the event as the keynote speaker on February 25 at Office Depot's Businesswomen of the Year Awards Luncheon.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), two-thirds of the jobs that are created today are in small businesses, and women entrepreneurs are an integral part of the continuing small business growth in America. In fact, the SBA estimates that, as of this year, there are 5.4 million women-owned businesses employing 9 million workers and generating $1.15 trillion in revenue in the U.S. Clearly, women and small business owners and entrepreneurs, in general, represent a significant force in America's marketplace.

The Office Depot Women's Success Strategies conference was created in 2001 by Office Depot to provide women in business with networking opportunities, while offering programs and seminars that will provide the knowledge women need to manage their business more successfully. The conference will also spotlight national professional women's organizations and honor top women in business with Office Depot Visionary Awards and Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Commenting on this year's conference, Bruce Nelson, chairman and ceo for Office Depot said, "We are pleased to announce Office Depot's third annual 'Success Strategies for Businesswomen' conference. Our company is committed to supporting the advancement of women's businesses and entrepreneurial spirit. This conference is our opportunity to celebrate women's success and contribution to business and the communities in which we live. Women business owners are a unique group of people with a passion to network, build relationships, learn and find ways to grow and manage their businesses. We are delighted to provide a forum for sharing the triumphs and challenges facing businesswomen today and, most importantly providing unique and insightful speakers and panelists that can offer ideas to help them enhance their success in today's challenging business environment."

Office Depot Success Strategies for Businesswomen Conference: The Power of Vision and Values is being sponsored by Hewlett Packard, Smead, AT&T, Xerox Corporation, Fortune, Canon, Carlson Companies, Biz Journals, BIC and JM Family Enterprises.

Office Depot's annual conference, now in its third year, is one of the most significant women's business conferences ever developed with registration open to the public, but limited to the first 1000 registrants. Those interested in registering may do so online at www.officedepotsuccess.com or by calling for more information at 1-888-475-3344. The full three-day conference, including all meals is $399; single day conference attendance is $150, excluding Office Depot Gala Awards Dinner, which is $200.

For a complete schedule of keynote speakers and panel business sessions featured, please visit www.officedepotsuccess.com.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Monday, February 24, 2003

Welcome Breakfast in Office Depot's Success Strategies Expo

Keynote Speaker: Alexis M. Herman, Former Secretary of Labor

Business Session: Business Leadership, Ethics and Values Moderator: Catherine Crier, Court TV

Business Session: Networlding--Creating Your Networth with Relationships Moderator: Jocelyn Carter--Miller, Chief Marketing Officer / Executive Vice president, Office Depot

Keynote Speaker: Susan L. Taylor, Editorial Director and Chief Content Officer, Essence Magazine

Business Session: How to Sell to Big Business

Moderator: Patricia Morrison, cio, Office Depot

Gala Reception

Office Depot Visionary Gala Awards Dinner Keynote Speaker: Billie Jean King, Co-Founder of World Team Tennis

Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Networlding Breakfast

General Session: The Washington Women's Business Report Moderator: Catherine Crier, Court TV, with Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and ceo, Carlson Companies and Hector Barreto, Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration

General Session: How to Build A Successful Business Moderator: Monica Luechtefeld, EVP of E-Commerce, Office Depot

Keynote Speaker: Geraldine Laybourne, ceo, Oxygen Media

Business Session: ceo Success Strategies Panel Moderator: Jane Applegate, Founder and ceo, SBTV.com

Keynote Speaker: Sally Ride, Former NASA Astronaut

Businesswomen of the Year Awards Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Ann W. Richards, Former Governor of TX

Please note: This schedule is subject to change.