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UPS Launches Contest to Recognize Innovative SMEs in Latin America


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Miami, The “UPS Entrepreneurial Spirit Award” will offer more than US$50,000 in cash prizes and technology equipment

UPS today announced the launch of the second edition of the “UPS Entrepreneurial Spirit Award” in 14 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean*. The contest, which runs from August 16th to September 30th, will award more than US$50,000 in cash and Hewlett-Packard equipment to the three most innovative and successful small-and-medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the region. To register, companies can complete the entry form by visiting the official contest Web site at www.ups.com/premiopyme.

“SMEs are key engines of growth in Latin America. As economies in the region begin to recuperate, SMEs will play an increasingly important role in the path to recovery. Now more than ever, it is critical to find avenues to promote SME growth and encourage entrepreneurism,” said Joe Tavares, UPS Americas Region Marketing Vice President. “Through the UPS Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, we seek an opportunity to not only recognize the positive contributions SMEs make in the region, but also to provide a forum where they can share best practices and innovative processes that have resulted in successful businesses,” concluded Flowers.

In Latin America, SMEs are key drivers for employment and generate a substantial share of GDP in the region. According to the InterAmerican Development Bank, SMEs generate approximately 80% of jobs in Latin America and are considered the most important business sector for the economies throughout the region.

Launched in Mexico for the first time in 2008, the UPS Entrepreneurial Spirit Award has since expanded to include 13 additional countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three SMEs, as follows:

* First place - US$25,000 cash prize
* Second place - US$15,000 cash prize
* Third place - US$10,000 cash prize

In addition to the cash prizes, technology giant Hewlett-Packard, joined efforts with UPS on this initiative by providing all three winners with a premium technology package which includes one laptop computer and one color LaserJet printer.

“Hewlett-Packard supports SME growth through the development of innovative technology solutions specifically designed to cover their business needs, while improving their bottom-line. Initiatives such as the UPS Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, seek to recognize and foster the entrepreneurial talents of SMEs throughout Latin America, thereby improving the competitiveness of the region as a whole. At HP, we are proud to partner with UPS in this worthwhile endeavor complementing our newly released HP LaserJet Pays You Back campaign,” said Fernando Cimato, Communications Manager for HP’s Imaging and Printing Group in Latin America.

The contest begins August 16 and runs through September 30, 2010. It is open to all legally registered SMEs in the participating countries that have between 10 and 250 employees and no less than two years of operation as of January 31, 2010.

To participate, companies must submit a 500 word essay and complete the entry form available on the official contest Web site: www.ups.com/premiopyme.

Limited to one entry per SME, each essay received will be reviewed by a diverse panel of experts who will select the contest winners based on originality and innovation, business implementation, customer service and overall results.

For more information and a complete list of Terms and Conditions, please visit www.ups.com/premiopyme.

* The 14 Latin America participating countries are: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Puerto Rico.

# # #

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of UPS and its management regarding the company’s strategic directions, prospects and future results, involve certain risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, governmental regulations, our competitive environment, strikes, work stoppages and slowdowns, increases in aviation and motor fuel prices, cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results, and other risks discussed in the company’s Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated herein by reference.

More Information
About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 215 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at www.blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

About Hewlett-Packard
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com/latam.



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