Click here to download this press release in PDF format. October 19, 2007 Contact: Allison Short Public Relations Coordinator (614) 469-1001 ashort@chutegerdeman.com Agency Contact: Karen Schaffner Corporate Image Consulting (678) 579-9906 schaffner@direcpath.tv Chute Gerdeman Makes Columbus Fast 50 List Design Leaders COLUMBUS, OH—Chute Gerdeman Retail has landed on the Columbus Business First Fast 50 for the second year in a row. Reflecting its 43% growth in the past year, the Columbus-based retail design firm moved up from #42 to #24. The Fast 50 honors Central Ohio’s fastest-growing privately held companies based on their financial performance during the past three years. The honorees are the up-and-coming forces in the business community. “Our Fast 50 honorees represent the backbone of our economy—fast-moving, nimble companies that are entrepreneurial and quick to market,” said Don DePerro, President and Publisher, Columbus Business First. “They are creating seven out of every 10 new jobs today, and I wouldn’t want to think about where our economy would be without them.” Chute Gerdeman’s ascent on the Fast 50 list is also reflected in its inclusion this year on the first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. The Inc. 5,000 is an extension of Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 500 list. Denny Gerdeman, Principal, Chute Gerdeman, commented, “Our design studios are doing great work; national retailers are taking notice and rewarding us with their projects. We’re proud of this honor and the hard work of our teams.” About Chute Gerdeman Retail Since 1989, Chute Gerdeman Retail, based in Columbus, OH, has created retail brands, their identities, their environments, and every other customer touch point, including brand communication materials, merchandising fixtures, and packaging. The firm’s client list includes: M&M’S® (Mars), Target, Levi Strauss, 7–Eleven, Sheetz, Chili’s, Einstein Brothers Café, KFC (Japan), Marriott Vacation Club Resorts, Smithsonian, Kohl’s, Club Libby Lu, Pepsi–Cola, CompUSA, Nationwide Arena, Philips Arena and Lowe’s. In 2006, the firm was voted “Designer of the Year” by readers of DDI (Display & Design Ideas) magazine in addition to the numerous awards it has received for design leadership. The company’s work for M&M’S World® Orlando was recognized as “International Store of the Year” by the Institute of Store Planners, a professional design organization. For more information, go to www.chutegerdeman.com