STAMFORD, Conn. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 21, 2009-- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) are applauding youth across the country for collectively reading more than one million minutes in the 2009 “Fast Break To Reading” program. Starting in June, the national literacy initiative between Pitney Bowes and the WNBA encouraged young students to read throughout the season and track their minutes at http://www.wnba.com/fbtr/.

Ten WNBA teams participated in the Fast Break To Reading program: the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Detroit Shock, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics. Each team tipped off a local program in June in collaboration with a local literacy organization. The teams also worked with Pitney Bowes to hold Reading Timeouts with area youth to read and speak about the importance of literacy and education.

The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL), the nonprofit literacy organization for the national program, also helped raise awareness of literacy and education, encouraged young students to participate, and offered tips for families on how to make reading more fun and effective during the season.

“Congratulations to all of the young students who participated nationwide in the Fast Break To Reading program,” said Juanita James, chief marketing and communications officer, Pitney Bowes. “We are thrilled that so many youth embraced this initiative and collectively read for more than one million minutes during the season.”

"We are very pleased with the great response to the Fast Break To Reading challenge. Reaching one million minutes is an outstanding achievement and a great way for kids to continue to develop good reading and learning habits,” said WNBA President Donna Orender. “We are thrilled with our collaboration with Pitney Bowes and our ability to work together to underscore the important role of education in our communities."

About Pitney Bowes:

Pitney Bowes is a $6.3 billion global technology leader whose products, services and solutions deliver value within the mailstream and beyond. Founded in 1920, our company’s 35,000 employees deliver technology, service and innovation to more than two million customers worldwide. For more information about Pitney Bowes, its products, services and solutions, visit www.pb.com.

About the WNBA:

The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. Composed of 13 teams, the WNBA is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world. The league concluded its historic 13th regular season with increased attendance for the third consecutive year and increased viewership on ESPN2 for a second straight season. The 2009 WNBA Playoffs tipped off Sept. 16.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

Source: Pitney Bowes Inc.

Pitney Bowes Inc.
Karen King, 203-351-6189
karen.king@pb.com
or
WNBA
Samantha Tager, 212-407-8358
stager@nba.com