CLEVELAND and ATLANTA, OfficeMax, Inc. (NYSE: OMX) and Arthur Andersen Virtual Learning Network (VLN) today announced the formation of a strategic arrangement providing for the companies to offer online learning and educational resources to small and mid-sized businesses through OfficeMax.com. OfficeMax is based in Cleveland. VLN, based in Atlanta, provides a comprehensive Web-based learning solution for business and industry.

The companies said the online education service will launch in fourth quarter 2000. Visitors will be able to access the new co-branded Web site through @MaxSolutions, OfficeMax.com's small business resource center, at www.officemax.com. Arthur Andersen will host and maintain the site. Initially, the service will offer more than 100 Web-based courses and two customized, interactive CD-ROM courses.

OfficeMax said the new service is part of its mission to become the productivity ally for small businesses. The agreement with VLN enables OfficeMax.com to provide its customers with access to world-class Web-based courses and educational resources.

"Our core customer is the small business with less than 100 employees," said Ryan Vero, OfficeMax's head of eCommerce. "VLN will provide our customers convenient and cost-effective access to online training. It's part of our ongoing commitment to provide best-in-breed Web-based services."

"This service will save small and mid-sized businesses time and money by providing a one-stop shop for quality online instruction and resources," Vero said. "Anyone can find courses and educational materials on the Internet, but it's difficult to know for sure if they will meet your company's needs. With our service, businesses can buy with confidence. VLN has an exhaustive review process and only selects courses and materials that have proven to effectively achieve the stated educational objectives."

Training programs help companies motivate employees and increase productivity, according to Steve Roden, director of VLN. A recent survey by Arthur Andersen and National Small Business United found that 53 percent of small and mid-sized companies provide opportunities for self-development, such as training programs, to help recruit and retain employees.

"We know training is critical to business success, and we're proud to help OfficeMax.com move to the forefront in helping small and mid-sized companies offer online education to their employees," Roden said. "Together, we're providing these companies with an easy, no-risk approach to implement state-of-the-art online education with virtually no impact on their technology infrastructure."

OfficeMax.com recently conducted an online customer survey to find out what services they desire most. The top-rated request was access to online training programs. After evaluating a variety of providers of online educational services, OfficeMax selected VLN as the provider of these services.

"We chose Arthur Andersen because they bring global, world-class resources," Vero said. "VLN is a recognized leader in online learning programs for Arthur Andersen clients and employees. They will provide a variety of educational services and resources to help our customers grow their people and their businesses."

About OfficeMax.com

OfficeMax.com offers over 30,000 items, free next business day delivery on orders over $50, and a credit card security guarantee. OfficeMax.com also provides a variety of services to help small business and home office customers such as express orders for frequently purchased products, usage reporting, online order tracking, convenient order-by-number features and an informational resource center. Additionally, OfficeMax.com visitors can take advantage of @MaxSolutions, a small business resource center offering customers an array of marketing, finance, communications and eBusiness utilities.

About OfficeMax

OfficeMax operates almost 1,000 full-size superstores in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to offering office products, business machines, computers and related items, the Company also features CopyMax and FurnitureMax, in-store modules devoted exclusively to print-for-pay services and office furniture. Through joint venture partnerships, OfficeMax currently operates 22 international locations. Additionally, the Company has 19 delivery centers throughout the United States to serve its catalog and direct marketing businesses, including OfficeMax.com.

About Arthur Andersen Virtual Learning Network

Arthur Andersen Virtual Learning Network (VLN) provides comprehensive Web-based learning solutions to business and industry that combine quality courseware, a leading-edge delivery and learning management system, and support services focused on performance improvement. VLN offers an extensive library of interactive multimedia content from leading courseware developers in four critical areas: Finance and Accounting, IT Skills for Professionals and End Users; Management, Supervisory and Employee Development; and Sales and Marketing. VLN also provides support services to help clients integrate Web-based learning into their overall training objectives. Companies that want to learn more about Arthur Andersen Virtual Learning Network should visit the VLN Web site at www.aavln.com, call 800-278-4871, or e-mail aavlninfo@arthurandersen.com.

About Arthur Andersen

Arthur Andersen's vision is to be the partner for success in the new economy. The firm helps clients find new ways to create, manage and measure value in the rapidly changing global economy. With world-class skills in assurance, tax, consulting and corporate finance, Arthur Andersen has more than 77,000 people in 84 countries who are united by a single worldwide operating structure that fosters inventiveness, knowledge sharing and a focus on client success. Since its beginning in 1913, Arthur Andersen has realized 86 years of uninterrupted growth, with 1999 revenues over $7 billion. Arthur Andersen is a business unit of Andersen Worldwide. The company can be found on the web at http://www.arthurandersen.com.