For the third consecutive year, UPS (NYSE:UPS) has been named among America's Top Corporations for Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

The 2002 list of honorees was released here today by the council, the nation's premiere third-party certification entity for businesses owned and operated by women.

The national honor from WBENC recognizes UPS and its Supplier Diversity Program, which has worked to increase partnerships and economic opportunities provided to women- and minority-owned businesses for more than a decade. In addition to developing strategic relationships with minority- and women owned businesses, UPS encourages its majority suppliers to support women- and minority-owned firms. UPS has approximately 2,000 women-owned suppliers and the company spent more than $115 million with WBEs in 2001.

WBENC also recognized UPS as a member of its "Elite Eight." UPS is one of eight corporations noted by WBENC for developing world-class quality in supplier diversity programs featuring WBEs. Members of the WBENC Elite Eight were recognized during a ceremony today at the White House.

"Growing and expanding our supplier diversity initiatives will remain a top priority," said UPS Chief Procurement Officer Steve Donovan. "The partnerships we've established through our program have helped UPS remain a competitive and successful company. To be recognized for three consecutive years for our efforts is a great honor, and we will continue to work to provide business opportunities to women- and minority-owned firms."

For its third annual listing, WBENC surveyed Fortune 1000 U.S. companies on issues including senior management involvement, identification and development of WBEs, internal buyer education, program structure, development of mentor-protégé initiatives, resources and measurement, as well as internal and external communications to determine companies with best
practices. To compile its list of top corporations for women-owned businesses, WBENC formed a committee consisting of corporate representatives, women business leaders and women business advocates to evaluate survey results.

Companies interested in participating in the UPS Supplier Diversity Program can visit the Supplier Diversity section of UPS Community Crossroads at www.community.ups.com. Information on how to join the program, including an online application, is available on the web site.

United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), the world's largest express carrier and package delivery company, operates in more than 200 countries and territories and employs 370,000 people worldwide. The company's commitment to diversity in all areas has been recognized by several notable organizations including the NAACP (2001 Corporate Citizen of the Year Award), the Wisconsin Supplier Development Council (2001 Corporate Coordinator of the Year Award) and the Women's Business Development Center (2001 Corporate Support Award).

UPS

UPS

UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves 10.6 million customers daily in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

For more information, please visit UPS.com or the company’s Sustainability website, ups.com/sustainability. View and subscribe to UPS Horizons, our sustainability newsletter, by visiting ups.com/sustainabilitynewsletter.

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