All-Tech Direct Establishes Trading Account Benefiting Non-profits; Robust Stock Market to Benefit Portland Area Charities Through Innovative Fund-raising Effort.

Business Editors

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2000

All-Tech Direct has announced plans to fund donations to five Portland area charities through the establishment of the stock trading account during the year 2000.

All-Tech's Mike Benson and Dave Niederkrome said that funding will be provided through profits from the account, which has been established exclusively for this fund-raising effort. Profits from the account will be distributed equally among the Portland area non-profit organizations on a quarterly basis.

Local non-profit organizations selected as beneficiaries during 2000 include Community Cycling Center, The Shelter/Domestic Violence Resource Center, North Portland Nurse Practitioner Community Health Clinic, Christmas in April and Friends of the Children.

Benson said the charities were chosen based on their focus of "helping people help themselves." The five charities will have no financial responsibilities or liabilities.

All-Tech Direct opened its trading floor in Beaverton in 1997 and offers customers training and access to the financial markets, including real-time quotes and the ability to send in trades for over-the-counter and listed stocks, as well as options, at the "click of a mouse."

"This is an innovative way for local charities to benefit from a robust economy and stock market," said Benson. "We're hoping to make a meaningful financial impact for these organizations during 2000."

-- The Community Cycling Center allows "at-risk" children the opportunity to earn a bike by improving academic performance, behavior, community service, working in one of the shops or any combination thereof. The goal of this program is to keep "at-risk" youth away from trouble by providing them with alternative interests. Refurbished bikes are donated to the Foster Family Association for distribution to children who, otherwise wouldn't have a bike. Since its inception in 1993 the operation has grown from one to five stores in the inner city, of which three are located in local middle schools to support their Bike Clubs program.

-- The Shelter/Domestic Violence Resource Center's mission is to stop domestic violence by providing intervention through shelter, support services, advocacy and education to the community. Programs available include: safe shelter; children's programs; transitional case management; Hispanic outreach; individual counseling and support groups; restraining order advocacy; Speaker's Bureau and resource library; and a 24-hour crisis and information line.

-- The North Portland Nurse Practitioner Community Health Clinic develops and maintains comprehensive pediatric health care for the diverse cultural groups residing predominately in the North/NE Portland area who have historically not had access to medical services. This clinic serves patients ranging in age from birth to 21 years of age.

-- "Christmas in April" assists low income homeowners (income below $16,000), particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, with home repairs so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety and independence. This service not only helps home owners, but it helps to revitalize neighborhoods and cut down on crime.

-- Friends of the Children was founded in 1993 with the philosophy that every child has the potential to be successful if given the guidance of a loving, consistent and resourceful adult. "Friends" currently provides full-time, loving adults in the lives of more than 220 high-risk children living in the Portland area. These adults give children in need guidance and support as well as open the doors of opportunity by helping children expand their worlds beyond their harsh neighborhoods.

All-Tech Direct is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. It is not affiliated with the charities participating in this program.