8.17.2005 ET

(CSRwire) GLENDALE, Wis., and STAMFORD, Conn.- Going from dreadfully flat to dramatically fizzy, the offices at the nation's "Most Deserving Small Business" have an entirely new look, the latest digital technology, and fresh insights on how to work smarter, thanks to a complete overhaul revealed today at the conclusion of Xerox Corporation's (NYSE: XRX) and Entrepreneur magazine's office makeover contest.

Contest winner Sprecher Brewing Co. of Milwaukee has ditched its dark paneled walls, unproductive printers and shabby chairs - and now boasts efficient Xerox document systems, colorful and comfortable interiors designed by Thom Filicia of NBC/Bravo's Emmy Award-winning show Queer Eye, and all new office furniture from The HON Company.

Sprecher Brewing Co. earned the "Most Deserving Small Business" title in July. While the company has been focused on giving back to its community and succeeding as a microbrewery and maker of gourmet sodas, the company's office environment was largely left behind. In just two weeks, crews transformed the dark, dreary office into a productive, inviting and exciting work space. The newly renovated office was revealed earlier this morning on NBC's Today Show.

"As a small-business owner, I don't have time to focus on our office space and work processes. Winning this contest and seeing the change in our environment, I realize what an impact it will have," says Randy Sprecher, owner and founder, Sprecher Brewing Co. "This is really going to increase morale in the office, and the new technology from Xerox will help us communicate better and work more productively."

Kicking off the makeover, Xerox evaluated the brewery's office work processes and determined the best mix of hardware and software to improve workflow and meet the company's document management needs. The resulting technology recipe: a combination of color and black-and-white printers and multifunction systems, Xerox flat-panel computer monitors, a Xerox digital projector and various software and content management programs. Among the products installed are a Xerox WorkCentre® Pro 128 advanced multifunction system that prints up to 28 pages per minute and copies, faxes and scans, and a WorkCentre® M20i basic multifunction system.

Previously, Sprecher's creative employees designed bottle labels, packaging, advertising and signage using a slow, expensive inkjet printer to proof the artwork. With a new 35 ppm Xerox Phaser® 7750 color laser printer, the design team can proof their color creations immediately and inexpensively, right in their office.

"The right mix of document technology and services can help any size business dramatically boost office productivity," says Michael C. Mac Donald, Xerox's chief global marketing officer. "By uncovering bottlenecks in Sprecher's work processes and bringing multifunction capabilities and color into their office, we can help them save time, cut costs and grow their business."

To help the brewery digitally file all of the existing mismanaged paperwork, Xerox installed its DocuShare® software, a secure, Web-based document and content management system used by small-to-medium sized businesses like Sprecher, as well as larger enterprises. DocuShare will help Sprecher organize and archive files such as the company's charitable contribution records; track document versions for artwork and marketing materials; and boost collaboration among office employees and sales people in the field.

In addition to the technology boost, interior design specialist Filicia and a team from his design firm, Thom Filicia Inc., gave the office a facelift. No longer will employees greet their work days with stained carpet, dangling wires and dull lighting.

Incorporating Sprecher's logo colors, the office now has light-yellow walls and red carpet that make the office brighter and livelier, complemented by softer overhead lighting and more natural light. The design also incorporates pieces of Sprecher's heritage. Vintage Milwaukee artwork adorns the walls, and bowls of malted barley decorate employees' desks.

A successful brewing company, Sprecher still lacked an appropriate environment for company leaders. But Filicia's team created an executive suite area, complete with raised 12' ceilings, a conference room and three executive offices.

And throughout the entire office, a mish-mash of furniture has been replaced with new furniture from The HON Company for an upscale, professional look. Furnishings, such as Valido™ desks and fabrics from HON's Simple Textiles™ collection make the workplace a more comfortable and productive environment, enabling Sprecher to easily add on furniture elements as the company grows.

"Working with Thom Filicia, we focused on providing Sprecher with a comfortable yet efficient work space," said Dave Burdakin, president of The HON Company. "Together, we created an atmosphere that will positively impact the company's office environment and inspire its employees to continue their great work in the community."

Additional support for the office makeover was provided by Digital Office Solutions Inc., InterfaceFLOR, Omtool Ltd. and Room & Board.

Results of the makeover will be included in a special section of the November issue of Entrepreneur magazine. In addition to before and after photos showing the stunning transformation, the article will feature interviews with the winners and judges, exclusive office design tips from Filicia, and profiles of the runners-up.

About the "Most Deserving Small Business" contest
Xerox and Entrepreneur magazine set out to find a small business that was not only in dire need of a design and technology overhaul, but one that was giving back to its community. In addition to have outdated surroundings, Sprecher Brewing Co. demonstrated a commitment to helping others. Sprecher annually donates thousands of dollars worth of beverage products to local charities.

Customer Contacts:
For more information about Xerox office products and services, visit www.xerox.com/office or call 800-ASK-XEROX.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For "before and after" office makeover photography and more information on Xerox, visit www.xerox.com/news. XEROX®, Phaser®, WorkCentre®, WorkCentre® Pro and DocuShare® are registered trademarks of XEROX CORPORATION.

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