Nine Pennsylvania Companies Answer Governor Rendell's `Golden Opportunities Challenge'; Innovative PA Lottery Initiative Exemplifies New Growth Strategy

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that nine Pennsylvania corporations have accepted his "Golden Opportunities Challenge," an innovative Pennsylvania Lottery promotion, and the first ongoing program of its kind in the nation.

The Golden Opportunities Challenge invites each of the approximately 440,000 companies that do business in Pennsylvania -- from corner stores to major corporations -- to purchase Lottery tickets in bulk, on an ongoing basis and as often as they can to increase productivity among employees as rewards for jobs well done. The Pennsylvania Lottery is the only state lottery to devote all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents.

"The Golden Opportunities Challenge will help us reach our goal of increasing Lottery sales by 22 percent to $2.6 billion a year during the next two years," Governor Rendell said. "It is one of many innovative and aggressive ideas to come; ideas that will not only drive sales, but will also get more Pennsylvanians -- players, non-players, business and community leaders -- talking about and involved with the Lottery."

"The challenge comes from me, as I ask businesses and corporations all across Pennsylvania to step up, support our older residents, and demonstrate the results that can be achieved when government and business work together in partnership," said Rendell. "The golden opportunity is for the businesses themselves, which can take advantage of an unexpected and effective way to inspire, recognize and reward their employees, which can directly impact productivity."

Joining Governor Rendell, Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Secretary of Revenue Gregory C. Fajt, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Lottery Ed Mahlman, in Harrisburg today to launch the program were:

   * Vicki Clites, Director of Human Resources, Giant Eagle Inc.,
     Pittsburgh.
   * Pat Gordon, Director of Public Relations, Boscov's, Reading.
   * David Lavan, Owner, Battlefield Harley Davidson/Buell, Gettysburg.
   * Jeanne Porter, Director of Public Relations, Boyer's Food Markets,
     Orwigsburg.
   * Don Price, Retired Executive Vice President, Wawa, Wawa, Pa.
   * Rick Russell, Director of State & Local Government Relations,
     Hershey Foods Corp., Hershey.
   * Todd Rutter, President - Rutter's Dairy, Rutter's Farm Stores, York.

  Also participating in the Challenge are:
   * The Bon Ton, York.
   * UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh.

Commenting on Hershey's decision to participate in the program, Mr. Russell said, "The Golden Opportunities Challenge provides us an opportunity to incorporate a fun and exciting new element to our employee rewards and recognition program, while at the same time supporting the Commonwealth's efforts to meet the increasing needs of our older residents."

According to Lottery Executive Director Mahlman, any business with headquarters or locations in Pennsylvania -- large or small -- can participate in the Golden Opportunities Challenge program.

The Lottery will contact the more than 440,000 companies located in Pennsylvania to sign up future participants in the Golden Opportunities Challenge. Company officials interested in joining may visit the program's Web site at www.pagoldenopportunities.com or call 1-800-278-9725 for more information. Those who log onto the Web site can choose whichever instant game tickets in whatever dollar denominations they like and order online.

Company officials who choose to place orders by telephone may call the 800 number and a Lottery official will contact them within 24 hours. There is a minimum bulk purchase of $300, though companies that have been purchasing tickets at retail locations in varying denominations can still do so.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

About the Pennsylvania Lottery: Since its inception 31 years ago, the Lottery has contributed $13 billion to programs that have expanded to include property tax and rent rebates, free and reduced fare transit for older Pennsylvanians, a co-pay prescription drug program (PACE and PACENET) and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including 650 full- and part-time senior centers, located throughout Pennsylvania. Players must be 18 years of age or older. For additional information about the Pennsylvania Lottery, please visit the Lottery's Web site, www.palottery.com.