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Power Partners Inc. Receives National Recognition as One of the Leading Women-Owned Businesses in the U.S.

ATHENS, GA, October 29, 2004 - Power Partners Inc. announced today it has been named one of the largest women-owned businesses in the United States by Women's Enterprise USA magazine. With substantial revenue in 2003, Power Partners was 19th on the magazine's WE 100 list.

All of the companies on the WE 100 list have been certified by WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council), the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. The certification means the companies are women-owned business that have met a standard that qualifies them to be nationally listed as a certified diversity supplier.

"We are very proud to have the national WE 100 recognition," said Dr. Sherrie Ford, Power Partner's co-owner, chairman and executive vice president of culture. "The strong relationships we have been creating with employees, customers and the Athens community since we purchased our company in early 2003 are only going to get better as we work together to make Power Partners an exceptional company and partner."

Ford is also the founder and co-owner of Change Partners L.L.C., an Athens-based organizational consulting firm that helps workcultures adapt to change.

WBEs represent a promising segment of the U.S. economy. According to Center for Women's Business Research, WBEs have outpaced other U.S. businesses in both growth and economic contribution in the last five years. Privately-held women-owned businesses, with 51% or more ownership by women, have grown in number by 14%, or twice the rate of all U.S. firms, to 6.2 million. They have generated sales that increased by 40% nationwide nearing $1.15 trillion. And, they have employed nearly 9.2 million workers in 2002, up 30% from 1997, which reflects a growth rate that is one-and one-half.

About Power Partners
Power Partners Inc. is a leading manufacturer of pole-type distribution transformers that help bring electric power to homes and businesses throughout the world. The company serves more than 3,000 utilities, manufacturing companies and energy producers in North America, Central America, Asia and other markets. Sherrie Ford and her partner, Steve Hollis, purchased the Athens-based company from ABB in May 2003. For more information, visit www.powerpartners-usa.com.

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