ITASCA, IL /diversitybusiness.com/ Frank Virella, director of merchandising and vendor management at Boise Office Solutions, was named the Chicago Minority Business Development Council's (CMBDC) "Advocate of the Year".

The award is given each year to an individual who has contributed to the economic development of minority businesses and who actively seeks to promote the mission of the CMBDC, which includes striving to increase business opportunities between major buying organizations and minority-owned businesses. Award nominations are accepted only from minority businesses located in the Chicago area that are members of the CMBDC. Pointe Writing Company nominated Virella for the award.

"Boise Office Solutions has a long-standing commitment to increasing opportunities for minority businesses in Chicago, as well as across the nation," said Frank Virella. "I'm proud of the supplier diversity program we have today and excited about the program we're building for the future. It's an honor and a privilege to be recognized for our efforts. "

Among his current job responsibilities, Virella oversees Boise Office Solutions' development of businesses owned and operated by minorities and women (MWBE), service disabled veterans and those companies employing people who are developmentally or physically challenged. Under his leadership, Boise Office Solutions' sales for MWBE products have increased by 32 percent in 2001.

"Boise Office Solutions sets the industry standard when it comes to supplier diversity programs. They continually open the door to new opportunities and enable us, through business training and mentoring, to seize those opportunities," said Sheila Liao, president of Pointe Writing Company. "In the three years I've been involved with the company, my annual sales have grown by as much as 200 percent."

Virella received the "Advocate of the Year" award at a ceremony held on Thursday, April 4, 2002. The CMBDC hosted the event that was part of the 35th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair held at Navy Pier in Chicago.

About Boise Office Solutions
Boise Office Solutions is a premier multinational distributor of office and technology products, office furniture and paper, with annual sales totaling $3.5 billion. Boise Office Solutions reached domestic e-commerce sales of approximately $800 million in 2001. The company, headquartered in Itasca, Ill., has customers ranging in size from small organizations to multinational corporations. Boise Office Solutions has operations throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico, and serves customers in Europe through a joint venture with Guilbert S.A. The company is recognized for its outstanding commitment to customer service and is the recipient of Gartner Inc.'s inaugural CRM Excellence Award. Boise Office Solutions has demonstrated leadership in supporting minority- and women-owned business development since 1972. For more information, visit http://www.boiseoffice.com .

Boise Office Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Boise Cascade Corporation (NYSE: BCC). Boise delivers office, building, and paper solutions that help our customers manage productive offices and construct well-built homes - two of the most important activities in our society. Boise's 24,000 employees help people work more efficiently, build more effectively, and create new ways to meet business challenges. Boise also provides constructive solutions for environmental conservation by managing natural resources for the benefit of future generations.