CSD and Harris Communications Enter Partnership

From: CSD - Dec 17, 2003

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
For Immediate Release: Dec. 17, 2003
Contact: Erin Casler
CSD Public Relations
ecasler@c-s-d.org
(605) 367-5761

CSD and Harris Communications Enter Partnership

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — As part of an ongoing effort to maximize accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing community, CSD has entered into a partnership with Harris Communications. As the premier provider of accessibility solutions, Harris Communications is a partner that shares CSD's mission of providing deaf and hard of hearing people with the necessary tools to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The partnership with Harris Communications will provideCSD the opportunity to have a shopping venue through both a print catalog and an online web store.

"We already had a longstanding business relationship with Harris Communications," said Ben Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. "This partnership is a natural evolution of two organizations with like-minded philosophies and goals. We look forward to tapping into their expertise for exciting new ventures in the future."

All CSD revenue from this partnership is dedicated to support Camp Lakodia in Madison, S.D. The camp was built in 1941and was granted to the South Dakota 4-H Foundation in 1967. In 2002, full ownership was reverted to the state ofSouth Dakota and subsequently sold to CSD. Throughout the past year, CSD has been renovating and updating the property to develop a year-round multipurpose program that serves the general public.

"Harris Communications is proud to work so closely with a brand-name like CSD," said Robert Harris, President of Harris Communications. "Harris Communications will be able to reach a broader and more diverse audience, and CSD will now have an in-house 'store' that will be quicker and better equipped to meet their consumers' needs."

About CSD — CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults in South Dakota. Today, CSD employs over 2,000 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human services programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

About Harris Communications — Harris Communications is a national mail-order catalog company offering a full-line of products for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Harris Communications is pleased to be supporting the goals of CSD through this partnership and looks forward to a long-term relationship.

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