Irvine, CA (May 1, 2001) Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (TABS) announced that its "Dealer of the Year" Award was presented to American Business Equipment, Inc. (ABE), the largest independent office equipment dealer serving the Bay Area, at the Annual Toshiba National Dealer Meeting held March 25-28 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Laguna Niguel, CA. "On behalf of myself and my staff, I'd like to thank Toshiba for recognizing our efforts with the "Dealer of the Year" Award," said Tim Ramsay, President and CEO, American Business Equipment (ABE), who added that he is particularly pleased to share the award with his wife and Executive Vice President of ABE, Lori Ramsay, who helped him start the company 10 years ago. Starting with one office in Santa Clara, CA and six employees, ABE has grown to 100 employees in three locations, and $17 million in annual sales. Offering Toshiba products exclusively, Toshiba's complete line of copier and fax products are showcased at the company's state-of-the-art showroom in San Jose, CA (where they relocated in 1998). ABE now has additional offices in San Francisco's Shell Building and this past March opened a 12,000 square foot distribution facility and sales office across the Bay in San Leandro, CA. "Under the direction of Tim Ramsay, American Business Equipment has become a powerhouse for Toshiba. Going from a start-up to the largest dealer in their market in 10 years is truly impressive," said Rick Taylor, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Business Operations, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. Being located in the heart of Silicon Valley-the country's high tech incubator-has given ABE a definite advantage, said Ramsay. "Our customers want the latest digital copier technology and networked printing solutions. Toshiba's new digital equipment gives the document management solutions they need to reduce costs and be more productive," he said. In addition to selling Toshiba copiers and fax machines, ABE also sells Toshiba desktop and laptop computer systems, offering its customers one-stop shopping for all of their connectable office equipment needs. "ABE took the initiative to quickly transition to a digital product base at a time when the industry is seeing a tremendous change from analog copiers to digital printing technology. I applaud their efforts and success in embracing this new technology," said Larry White, Vice President, Sales TABS, EID. However, sales volume is just one of the criteria used to select the Dealer of the Year, said White. Technical service expertise, customer satisfaction and community service all play a vital role in a selecting the winning dealership. White pointed to ABE's strong support for service and training as reasons for their phenomenal growth. "ABE has gone the extra mile by having not just one, but three certified Microsoft engineers on staff. They also took the unusual step of hiring an in-house trainer to educate their staff on Toshiba's latest digital product offerings," said White. "By bringing training in-house, our service technicians are kept up-to-speed on all the latest products. And since training is conducted after hours, they are always available during business hours for service calls," said Ramsay. White also noted that ABE's "Proactive Service Account" strategy has strengthened customer relationships and driven new business its way. Customers that have a minimum of 15 systems never need to call in for service, it's provided for them on a regularly scheduled basis by ABE. Ramsay's dedication to service extends to community service as well. American Business Equipment is a benefactor of numerous local charities and schools, including the local chapter of the Easter Seals, the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer and the Second Harvest Food Bank. They currently chair fundraising activities to help build a new church and chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Church in San Jose. To contact American Business Equipment or to obtain more information about its products, call 408-360-7100 or visit the company's website at www.abe-toshiba.com.