ORLANDO, FL. 3/29/01 - United States Postal Service Deputy Postmaster General John Nolan and Michael J. Critelli, Chairman and CEO, Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI), announced today at the National Postal Forum in Orlando, FL, the formation of a Mailing Industry Task Force. The primary goals of the task force are to assess the current role and value of hard copy mail in business and consumer communications, evaluate the competitive environment affecting the industry's future, and identify opportunities for future growth. "The mailing industry is being reshaped by the waves of change in the marketplace," Nolan said. "To enhance the mail's value as a primary communication's tool, we want to bring together the best thinking and the best research to generate the best ideas. This executive-level group will offer recommendations for a course of action so the mailing industry can effectively compete and thrive in the future." "Pitney Bowes has 80 years of experience in the global mailing industry and a deep understanding of the uses and value of mail in mission-critical business communications. We are delighted to co-chair the Mailing Industry Task Force with the United States Postal Service," said Critelli. "And while we see significant change in the mailing industry and a growing mix of paper and electronic communications, we also see tremendous opportunities to make mail even more valuable to customers. The Task Force will analyze the latest information available to formulate recommendations for growth and establish benchmarks against which the future of the industry can be measured." The task force steering committee will be co-chaired by Mr. Nolan and Mr. Critelli. Membership will come from the ranks of companies that have a significant stake in the future of the mailing industry. Working groups will be formed from designees of the participating organizations. "Task force participants will come from all segments of the industry: customers, paper and print, creative, addressing, postage payment, distribution and delivery, and industry associations," said Nolan. In addition, the task force will include organizations such as universities and research groups that can provide data on consumer behavior, economic trends and technology that will impact the mailing industry. "The task force will provide a substantive report at the fall National Postal Forum in October," Nolan said. "Once opportunities are identified, we look for the member organizations to create development groups to act on the recommendations."