Ampad Supports Growth Plans with Newly Created Positions.

Business Editors

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2004

As further evidence of its commitment to product innovation and market expansion, American Pad & Paper LLC ("Ampad") has announced organizational changes within its marketing group. Ampad has created two new positions of increased responsibility for developing Ampad's product lines and business opportunities. Mr. Todd Elms has been promoted to Director of Product Marketing and Ms. Kathy Martinez has assumed the role of Business Development Manager.

Mike Kinnick, Vice President of Product Marketing, stated, "During their tenure with Ampad, Todd Elms and Kathy Martinez have both demonstrated outstanding leadership and superior capability in the product management area. These newly created positions elevate Todd and Kathy to higher levels in our organization where we, and our customers, can more fully benefit from their talents."

Mr. Elms now has overall responsibility for Ampad's core product lines, with individual product and marketing managers reporting to him. He is expected to provide critical oversight for expanding Ampad's product offerings while maintaining the integrity of its existing product base. Mr. Elms has been with Ampad for five years and most recently held the title of Marketing Manager for filing products. Previous to Ampad, Mr. Elms was employed by Office Depot for three years and Wal-Mart for six years.

Ms. Martinez, who most recently held the title of Product Manager for envelopes and specialty papers, will have a broader and more strategic business scope in her new position. In her new role, Ms. Martinez will identify and analyze new product, market and other business opportunities and develop plans to successfully implement those opportunities to meet Ampad's growth objectives. Ms. Martinez joined Ampad in 1999.

About Ampad

Ampad is a leading manufacturer and distributor of writing pads, filing supplies, retail envelopes and specialty papers and serves many of the largest and fastest growing office products retailers and distributors in North America. Additional information on Ampad can be found at www.ampad.com.