STAMFORD, Conn., Aug 1, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The National Urban League (NUL) named Michael J. Critelli Chairman of its Board of Trustees at its annual conference in Los Angeles. Mr. Critelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI), has served as Vice Chairman of the NUL since August of 2000.

"I am very proud to be named Chairman of the National Urban League," said Mr. Critelli. "As the premier community-based service and civil rights organization in America, the National Urban League has consistently delivered for over 90 years on a compelling agenda of educational achievement, economic self-sufficiency, and civil rights for all African-Americans. I also believe that the National Urban League has uniquely focused on its strategic goals in a manner designed to bridge differences among people of all races. Its achievements benefit all Americans and it is vital to our society and our economy. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with all of the members of the League to advance its goals."

The National Urban League, the country's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African-Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream, serves more than 2 million individuals each year through its affiliate system.

"Mr. Critelli's long-standing commitment to Diversity and community development makes him an outstanding advocate and leader for our organization," said Hugh B. Price, president and CEO, National Urban League. "He has shown tremendous dedication and support of our work to reach further into our communities and empower African-Americans to achieve economic, academic and racial equity. As CEO of Pitney Bowes, he has created a unique environment where Diversity is highly valued and is recognized as a competitive advantage."

The National Urban League seeks to emphasize the unique resources and strengths of the African-American community to find solutions to its own problems. To accomplish this, the League's approach has been to fully utilize the tools of advocacy, research, program services and systems change. The result has been an organization with strong roots in the community, focused on the social and educational development of youth, economic self-sufficiency and racial inclusion.

Pitney Bowes is a $4.1 billion global provider of integrated mail and document management solutions headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The company serves over 2 million businesses of all sizes in more than 130 countries through dealer and direct operations. For more information, please visit http://www.pb.com.

     Contact: Dan Burris
              Pitney Bowes Inc
              203-351-6477

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SOURCE Pitney Bowes Inc.

CONTACT:          Dan Burris of Pitney Bowes Inc., +1-203-351-6477

URL:              http://www.pitneybowes.com
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