8.07.2006 - 12:16pm ET

(CSRwire)

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2006--The bland offices of Charlotte's most outdated nonprofit now have a bold new look, the latest document technology, and fresh insights on how to work smarter, thanks to a dramatic makeover revealed today after Xerox Corporation's (NYSE: XRX) "Helping Hands" Office Makeover contest.

The contest winner - the Latin American Coalition - lends a hand to nearly 1,000 people in Charlotte every month and has focused on the needs of its clients rather than the needs of its office. In just two days, crews transformed the bleak office into an inspiring and productive work space that boasts Xerox color printers and software, a warm and vibrant interior styled by Brice Cooper of HGTV's 'Design on a Dime,' and new office furniture from The HON Company.

"As a nonprofit, we have to rely on used technology and furniture to keep us running, and the result is often a hodgepodge of items that don't work well together," says Jess George, associate director, Latin American Coalition. "Now that we can operate more smoothly and efficiently, we'll be able to better serve our clients in a more inviting space."

Kicking off the makeover, Xerox evaluated the Coalition's work processes and determined the best mix of hardware and software to improve workflow and meet the organization's document management needs. The resulting technology recipe: a combination of Phaser(R) color printers, a WorkCentre(R) digital color multifunction system, scanning software and Xerox flat panel monitors.

"The right blend of document technology can help any business dramatically boost productivity," says Jeff Bercaw, who oversees Xerox sales agents in the Charlotte area. "By bringing multifunction capabilities and more cost-effective color systems to the Latin American Coalition, we can help them save money and give them more time to serve their clients and less time managing documents."

Before the makeover, the nonprofit relied on outdated, inefficient equipment. The coalition's old analog copier didn't work reliably, and the only way employees could transform documents from hardcopy to digital form was to scan them at home and e-mail them. Now, employees can quickly and easily print color fliers, marketing brochures and job listings with a Xerox WorkCentre(R) 7132 color multifunction system that prints, copies, scans and faxes.

To help the Coalition store and share critical information such as client registration forms, Xerox installed ScanFlowStore(R) software from Xerox Business Partner X-Solutions. This software enables people to scan hardcopy documents and send them, with the push of a button, to multiple destinations, such as a network server or e-mail address. Scanned files are saved as text-searchable PDF documents, making it easier for the Coalition's staff and volunteers to find the information they need.

Xerox replaced slow and expensive inkjet printers with a Phaser(R) 8550 color solid ink printer and two Phaser(R) 6120 color laser printers. The Phaser 8550 prints at 30 pages per minute in color and black and white. The new printer will be used to tackle more graphic-intensive documents that require vibrant color, such as marketing and publicity materials for festivals and other special events. The Coalition will use the color laser printers for general office printing.

Xerox 7 Series 17" flat screen monitors replace the nonprofit's bulky monitors, freeing up desk space and helping workers view onscreen documents more effectively.

No longer will employees greet their clients from a whitewashed office with a dented, scratched counter. Cooper incorporated warm colors for an inviting, tranquil feel as well as earthy decor. The environment reflects the city's diverse population while incorporating the Coalition's motto of "Educate. Advocate. Celebrate."

Throughout the office, a jumble of furniture has been replaced with new pieces from The HON Company, including Sleek(TM) panel systems and work surfaces. Sleek's stylish, easy-to-install, thin-profile panel system provides eye-catching, contemporary design that's perfect for the small office. Swivel work and guest chairs with coordinating fabrics create a more consistent look, and new filing cabinets better accommodate storage of confidential papers.

"Working with Brice Cooper, we provided the Latin American Coalition with comfortable, durable furniture that efficiently uses their work space," says Dave Burdakin, president of The HON Company. "Together, we created an atmosphere that will welcome the Coalition's clients and help the organization do great work in its community."

Local support for the makeover was provided by BASICSPLUS Office Products Inc. and X-Solutions North America Inc.

About the "Helping Hands" Contest

Charlotte is the first in a series of cities where Xerox is holding its "Helping Hands" makeover contest, looking for outdated nonprofit offices in dire need of a technology and design refresh. The contest demonstrates how small changes in technology can result in big boosts in productivity for nonprofits and small business alike. For more information on Xerox's "Helping Hands" contest, visit www.xerox.com/helpinghands.

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