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For Immediate release

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 5, 2008) - - -  Frank Parsons Paper Company (www.frankparsons.com) has selected Anne Arundel County to be the new home of its corporate headquarters, regional offices including the company’s business products division, and warehouses that are currently located in Baltimore and Landover.  Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development provided assistance to Parsons for this relocation and expansion which will bring approximately 200 jobs into the community.

 

“I am pleased that the Frank Parsons Paper Company is bringing approximately 200 jobs and has chosen to consolidate their operations in Anne Arundel County, and in the State,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.  “In today’s global economy where companies can locate anywhere, Parsons’ decision to remain in Maryland and expand operations shows that our efforts to grow economic opportunities in the State are really paying off.”

 

“Frank Parsons Paper Company is the type of employer that Anne Arundel County strives to attract – a corporate headquarters for a thriving and growing company, providing high paying jobs for our citizens,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.  “I am delighted to welcome Parsons to Anne Arundel County.”

 

Parsons expects to occupy the new facility, the former Mercedes Benz building in Baltimore Commons Business Park, in October 2008.  In the coming years, Frank Parsons Paper Company sees the possibility of adding 150-200 new jobs. The new site in Anne Arundel County has five acres that could be available for this growth.

 

"We were careful to select a location where we could consolidate our local operations, improve efficiencies, and enhance the environment where our employees work,” notes Mike Lane, CEO of Frank Parsons Paper Company.  Frank Parsons Paper Company is 100% employee owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).  As an ESOP company, employees earn shares of stock in the company as part of their retirement benefits.

 

“Our ownership structure makes us unique. When the business succeeds at serving our customers effectively all employee partners enjoy the rewards,” notes Mike Lane.  The company is both the largest 100% employee-owned business products distributor and the largest independent fine paper distributor in the United States.  Frank Parsons Paper Company has warehouse distribution facilities, sales offices and retail stores located in MD, PA, VA, NJ and NY.

 

“Moving our headquarters facility to this location will enable us to tailor the location to the needs of both our fine paper business and the expanding range of business products and services we now provide,” says Mike Lane.  “I am most grateful for the professional assistance that was provided to us by the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation as well as the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development,” he continued.  “The customer service we received influenced our location decision.”

 

The former Mercedes facility is being redeveloped for Parsons by the owners, a joint venture of Chesapeake Real Estate Group, LLC and Holland Properties.  The work will revitalize the property into a headquarters quality office facility pared with a state-of-the-art distribution facility.  “The redevelopment will create an environment worthy of Parsons and the building’s Class A location,” stated Jim Lighthizer, a Chesapeake Principal.

 

Founded by Frank T. Parsons in 1938, the paper distribution company grew into a geographically diverse distributor of paper and other products to printers, advertisers and magazine, catalog and book publishers. Today, the company’s business products division also provides computer products and accessories, including toner and inkjet cartridges, magnetic media, copier, laser, inkjet, and fax paper, hardware and software, business forms, envelopes and a full line of office supplies and furniture. The company also offers a full range of services, including media migration, media destruction, disaster recovery, data center services, printer maintenance and document scanning. Parsons has a 70-year history in the Maryland region.

 

For additional information, visit the website at www.frankparsons.com.