Office Depot's Second Annual Women's Conference More Than Doubled its Attendance; Office Depot Announces its Visionary Award Recipients and Businesswoman of the Year Winners.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2002

Office Depot, Inc. (NYSE:ODP), the world's largest seller of office supplies, held its second annual "Success Strategies for Businesswomen" conference and the Company had a sold-out event, with nearly 700 in attendance, which was more than double the attendance at its first conference in 2001.

Recognizing the valuable role women have today in business, in addition to providing knowledge and insight from a world-class roster of speakers, Office Depot also honored six women with Office Depot Visionary Awards and six women with Businesswoman of the Year Awards during the three-day event. On Monday, January 21st, a gala dinner was held and hosted by Robin Roberts, ESPN sports commentator that honored the achievements and prominent accolades of extraordinary women with the Office Depot Visionary Award. Following the awards ceremony, Dr. Maya Angelou, best-selling author and poet delivered an inspirational closing keynote address and received an Office Depot Visionary Award.

"The Office Depot Visionary Award represents a wonderful tribute that recognizes women whose unrelenting dedication and vision have made a significant impact in their businesses, industries, communities and who are role models for other women striving to make their mark in the marketplace and society. It was a pleasure to honor this year's Office Depot Visionary Award winners, as well as Office Depot's Businesswoman of the Year winners. They are all exemplary women with vision, leadership, perseverance and commitment who are paving the way for others to achieve and succeed," said Bruce Nelson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Office Depot.

Office Depot Visionary Award winners included Secretary Madeleine Albright, the 64th Secretary of State, 1997-2001 and the highest ranking woman in the history of U.S. government, received the "Pioneer Award."

Muriel Siebert received the "Business Entrepreneur Award." Among so many firsts in business, Ms. Siebert's most notable accomplishment was being the first woman to become a member of the New York Stock Exchange.

Anne Mulcahy received the "Corporate Award." Ms. Mulcahy began her 25-year Xerox career as a field sales representative and today she is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Corporation.

Lyn St. James received the "Sports Award." Ms. St. James is a sports legend; and in 1992 she became the second woman in history to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. She has committed herself to helping women succeed in the world of motorsports.

The late Heidi Van Arnem received the "Non-Profit Award." Ms. Arnem founded the Heidi Van Arnem Foundation in 1992, which is dedicated to help find a cure for paralysis. Later she established iCan!, a solutions and services company for people with disabilities and leaders of business. Her memory and life's work lives on.

Dr. Maya Angelou was awarded an "Honorary" Visionary Award for her life's many achievements and enduring inspiration for women.

OFFICE DEPOT "BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD" RECIPIENTS

On January 22nd, Office Depot held its Businesswomen of the Year Awards luncheon, hosted by Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC's "Power Lunch" co-anchor. The luncheon was followed by a keynote presentation delivered by Suze Orman, best selling author and Personal Financial Editor for CNBC. Six outstanding women were chosen by their respective professional women's associations and selected as top women by their peers. This year's recipients demonstrated exemplary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and support for women in business.

Honored by the Business Women's Network (BWN), as "Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year" was Nancy Evans. Ms. Evans is co-founder of iVillage and has served as Editor-in-Chief since its inception in 1995.

Honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), as "Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year" was Donna H. Myers. Ms. Myers is President and CEO of DHM Group, Inc., a marketing communications firm that specializes in promotional and education programs for the food, wine and spirits industry.

Honored by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), as "Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year" was Carol Evans. Ms. Evans is a publishing guru with more than 20 years in the field. In 2001, she joined forces with MCG Capital to form Working Mother Media.

Honored by the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA), as "Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year" was Shelley French. Ms. French is a naturalist and environmental educator for King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks in Washington State. She has been an inspired mentor to young girls in the sport of golf. She established and founded the LPGA Girls Golf Club in Seattle.

Honored by Women in Technology International (WITI), as "Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year" was Karenann Terrell. Ms. Terrell is Director of e-Business and e-Connect Platform for Daimler Chrysler Corporations. She is currently on the Board of Directors for WITI.

Honored by the American Business Women's Association (ABWA), as "Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year" was Dr. Gayle Glenn. Dr. Glenn is an orthodontist in Southwest Dallas with her own practice. She has been a member of ABWA since 1985 and has served in many leadership roles over the years.

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