08/29/2006: Katrina - One Year Later

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 5:30 PM
To: State and National Media
Subject: Press Release – Diamond Data Systems announces ongoing commitment to New Orleans metropolitan area.

Diamond Data Systems, Inc. – One Year After Katrina

Despite disruption, company looks forward to contributing to

building foundation for the new metropolitan New Orleans area.

New Orleans - August 29, 2006 – On September 21, 2005, only 3 weeks after Katrina’s devastating blow to the Gulf Coast region and the subsequent levee breaches that inundated New Orleans, Diamond Data Systems announced its decision to maintain its national headquarters in the metro area and its commitment to playing an active role in the recovery of the region.  Marking the one year anniversary of Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans, Diamond Data Systems, Inc. (DDS) reiterates its sustained commitment to help rebuild the new New Orleans and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Like so many New Orleans area organizations, DDS was dramatically impacted by Katrina.  After the storm, DDS employees quickly found themselves scattered across 18 different states, serving client needs from unfamiliar locations.  Many of those that remained in Louisiana began working 20-hour days, and driving hundreds of miles daily to shelters across the state as part of an effort to reconnect Louisiana families that were separated after the storm.  In the words of CEO Joey Auer, “Hero’s do not have to wear an elastic suit and an ‘S’ across the chest.  They dress just like you and me, and they step up to the plate in times of need.”  Through the dedication and sacrifice of its employees, DDS did indeed step up in the days and weeks following Katrina.

Many lessons were learned during this difficult period.  Key among them was the reaffirmation of a long-standing DDS principle – that the company would maintain an absolute commitment to achievement and to the long-term success of its clients and community.  “Our company motto is ‘Failure Is Not An Option’,” remarks DDS President, Rick Gremillion. “While we have often applied this to our organization and our client projects, it is clear that it will take this same type of attitude, vision and perseverance to take this immense tragedy, and use it as a means, not just to restore New Orleans, but to finally build the city that we have all dreamed of – a New Orleans that retains its wonderful uniqueness and soul, while eliminating crime and opening up new economic opportunities for all people to live well, work, play and prosper.” 

Despite the extreme financial impact of Katrina on DDS, the company finished 2005 with a profitable year.  For many weeks after the storm, when revenues were reduced to zero, DDS employees never missed a paycheck, and the company was able to reward the dedication and efforts of its staff through its year-end bonus program. 

Today, Diamond Data Systems remains strong and profitable, and is committed to playing its part in the economic revitalization of the area.  With the significant investments in the restoration and improvement of the region’s infrastructure imminent, DDS anticipates a strengthening business environment, and a bright and vibrant future for our city and its people. 

About Diamond Data Systems (www.diamonddata.com)

Diamond Data Systems, Inc. (DDS) is a leading provider of high value IT solutions that include IT strategy, software engineering, network infrastructure design, information assurance, IT contracting and IT outsourcing. DDS has delivered these solutions to commercial enterprises in a variety of industries including healthcare and oil & gas as well as federal and local governments.  DDS was selected as one of the “Top 10 Places to Work” in the Greater New Orleans region.  DDS is headquartered in New Orleans, LA with locations at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, Baton Rouge, LA, Houston, TX and Tampa, FL.

CONTACT:

Joe Berry

5732 Salmen St., Suite C                   

New Orleans, LA 70123                    

504-729-9100 x115                            

jberry@diamonddata.com