Interstate Awarded National Capital Business Ethics Award

"We are extraordinarily honored to receive the 2001 National Capital Business Ethics Award," stated Morrissette. "I am humbled to see Interstate recognized by such a distinguished panel of judges. I am proud for my mother, Interstate's Chairman, my family and the entire Interstate team. Many years ago, my father shared the importance of ethics and values with me; they are intrinsic elements in the foundation of our company. He also instilled in me the belief that respect is something that must be earned, rather than an entitlement. This belief has also been an integral part of Interstate's foundation, as we continually strive to maintain a superior level of customer satisfaction. It's gratifying tonight to see these core values recognized, and Interstate honored in this fashion."

C. Kevin Jones, Chairman of the National Capital Business Ethics Awards Committee, announced the winners, honoring them as companies that "demonstrate a firm commitment to ethical business practices in everyday operations, management philosophies and responses to crises or challenges." Interstate, nominated by Jack Bradden of Nationwide Insurance and competing in the 250-2,500 employees category, was one of 60 nominees. The 2001 winners were selected by an independent panel of judges drawn from business, academia, public service, media, consulting and the ethics community, and chaired by Stephen D. Potts, former Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and current Chairman of the Fellows Program for the Ethics Resource Center.

Morrissette further stated, "Interstate was founded on a belief that service comes first, profit second. This belief, together with a strong commitment to our community, has helped Interstate to prosper. We reaffirm our commitment to quality each day, with each customer. And we continue to strengthen the connection between Interstate and our community; it's part of our overall dedication to quality. This type of dedication and involvement from the business community makes good business sense, and will help our community to prosper - both when times are good and when we are faced with adversity, such as the national disasters this year. Certainly it is in such times that we all must unite and work together. It is in those times that an organization's core values and its dedication to ethics and principles really shines through."

As a National Capital Area winner, Interstate now advances to the national competition that culminates with the selection of three winners of the American Business Ethics Award. Past recipients of the American Business Award include Lockheed Martin, Bell Atlantic, Starbucks Coffee and Texas Instruments, among others.

Interstate's receipt of the 2001 National Capital Ethics Awards is one of several prestigious awards bestowed upon the organization this year. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce honored Interstate with the 2001 Blue Diamond Quality First Award. Additionally, Interstate received top honors in all award categories for 2001 from the American Moving and Storage Association.

Established in 1943, the Interstate family of companies today comprises a worldwide group of relocation management, transportation and logistic entities that will facilitate more than 25,000 relocations this year. For more than half a century, the Interstate team has been learning and building on its reputation for providing "Top Hat Service." The experience and attention to detail led to Interstate being designated as ISO 9002 certified for all entities and facilities in August 2000, an accomplishment achieved by less than one percent of companies within its industry.