Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW Celebrates 15 Years of Balancing High Tech with High Touch CEO founded FORTUNE 1000 company with a classified ad for his used computer VERNON HILLS, Ill. - June 15, 1999 - In the high-tech industry, where many companies are younger than the CEOs' kids, celebrating a 15-year anniversary is an important milestone. On June 18, CDW Computer Centers Inc. (NASDAQ: CDWC), the country's leading direct solutions provider of brand name computer products, will reach this milestone-commemorating 15 years of pioneering leadership in the direct channel. Today, a FORTUNE 1000 company and one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America," CDW got its start when Chairman and CEO Michael Krasny took out a three-line, three-day, $3 classified ad to sell his first computer at the kitchen table of his Glenview, Ill. home. Founded just one year after IBM first launched the PC and incorporated two years later in 1984, CDW was an early pioneer and trendsetter in what is today known as the direct channel. "I never imagined that I could build such a successful company, just by doing what I love to do," said Krasny. "I didn't start CDW with a business plan-I started with one customer and a passion for technology. Now, 15 years later, we are proud to be an industry leader and excited to celebrate this milestone with the people who made it happen." Growing from that first customer to more than 600,000 active customers today, CDW will celebrate its 15-year history with a special anniversary campaign: "Celebrating 15 Years of Success: CDW-Hand in Hand with Customers, Coworkers and the Community." The anniversary celebration, which includes promotions, giveaways and special events, will begin this week and run throughout the summer and fall. The anniversary campaign highlights the company's heritage and place in the industry, starting with Krasny's first sale, which put CDW on the ground floor of the evolution of the direct space, an evolution that changed the way computers are bought and sold. Throughout this time, change and volatility were the name of the game in the high-tech industry, with players coming and going, trying new models and diversifying their distribution channels. Meanwhile, CDW remained true to its pioneering direct model, honing and perfecting it along the way. The company's focus and belief in sticking to what you do right and well has paid off, as CDW is now widely known as one of the industry's lowest-cost operators. CDW's 15th Anniversary Celebration Showcases Customers In addition to a focus on the company's heritage, CDW's campaign recognizes and heralds its customers and their contributions, beginning with CDW's first customer Sig Vaznelis. At the time of Krasny's first sale, Vaznelis was a recent college graduate charged with automating his new employer. He saw Krasny's classified ad and called him to buy the used PC. Neither knew that this simple transaction would be the start of a multi-billion dollar company--and a strong customer relationship that has lasted for more than 15 years, as Vaznelis' business with CDW has grown alongside his own. "As it turned out, my mission to computerize Morris Engineering and Krasny's mission to provide computing solutions to companies were a perfect fit," said Vaznelis, now president and owner of the civil engineering firm. "We have always shared a passion for technology, and I also subscribe to many of Krasny's corporate philosophies. It's these philosophies that have made CDW such a success." CDW will show its appreciation to customers through 15th anniversary promotions including a computer giveaway on the company's Web site and in its two Chicagoland showrooms; and the CDW Blimp Tour making a special appearance in Washington, D.C., on the company's June 18 anniversary day. The blimp tour includes stops in Philadelphia, Atlanta and New York with radio promotions and customer giveaways along the way. At CDW: Coworkers Come First While CDW believes that customers are its ultimate employer and even has every coworker's paycheck signed, "From all our customers," coworkers have always been at the center of the company's people-first philosophy, earning CDW recognition as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." In typical fashion, CDW will hold a celebration to honor coworkers on June 18. Other upcoming 15th anniversary coworker celebrations include a family day at an Illinois theme park and the company's annual family picnic this summer. However, CDW does not need an anniversary or special occasion to show appreciation for coworkers. In fact, the company leaves no stone-or bagel, for that matter-unturned, with a long list of unusual perks, including free bagels, sweet rolls and fruit twice a week; stock options for all coworkers; and free ice cream on Wednesdays. Beyond making work more enjoyable, CDW also goes out of the way to help to provide family-friendly and work-life balance benefits including an adoption assistance program; on-site ATM and dry cleaning services; and CDW@Play, the company's on-site fitness and childcare center opening this fall. CDW's 15th Anniversary Celebration Dashes into the Community In addition to recognizing its customers and coworkers, CDW's 15th anniversary celebration will culminate on October 10 with the inaugural CDW Community Dash & Bash, a 5K run/1 mile walk and fun festival to benefit Lamb's Farm, a residential facility for developmentally disabled adults in Libertyville, Ill. "CDW not only brings jobs and national prestige to our town, it is also one of our best corporate citizens," said Roger Byrne, president of the Village of Vernon Hills. For more information About CDW's 15th anniversary celebration including promotions and events, call 800-671-4239 or email CDWCommunitydash+bash@cdw.com. About CDW CDW® (NASDAQ: CDWC) is the country's leading direct solutions provider, offering complete, customized computing solutions for businesses and consumers nationwide. With competitive prices on a selection of thousands of brand name computer products, CDW is the No. 1 authorized direct source of Compaq, Computer Associates, IBM, Microsoft, Toshiba and other top name brands. CDW's pioneering direct model offers personalized expertise through one-on-one relationships with highly-trained, knowledgeable account managers; telephone and online purchasing; custom configured solutions; customized financing solutions; next day shipping; and lifetime phone and online technical support, with more than 60 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians on staff. For more information About CDW's products and services, call 800-797-4239 or visit the award-winning e-commerce Web site at www.cdw.com.