For Immediate Release

CBE Unveils New Strategic Plan

WATERLOO, IOWA: March 23, 2010 - The CBE Group, Inc. (CBE) has unveiled a new strategic plan, along with a new corporate logo and tagline in an effort to influence positive change with its employees and throughout the debt collection industry as a whole.  The timing of CBE’s announcement falls in the midst of the industry being examined more closely by Congress, media and consumer groups than ever before.

 “In light of the current public and political climate within the collection industry, we believe CBE, and every collection agency, must change the way it operates to adapt to a new environment and, more importantly, because it is the right thing to do,” said Thomas R. Penaluna, CBE’s President, CEO and sole owner since 1986. 

 CBE’s new tagline, Defining the Future of Debt Collection™ represents both a recommitment and new approach to debt collections. “CBE is a performance leader in the markets it represents by ethically and courteously working with consumers. The employees of CBE are taking that philosophy to a higher level through a set of companywide initiatives that ensure our actions speak louder than our words,” Penaluna continued.

During the first week of March, all CBE employees were introduced to a new internal tagline, The Future of Debt Collection Starts with Me™ and a set of initiatives to support it. This rallying cry sets clear expectations for positive employee behavior. “We are committed to treating every consumer in a manner that each of us would expect to be treated,” Penaluna said.

CBE’s commitment to consumers does not stop after a phone conversation ends. CBE’s new and improved website (www.cbegroup.com) contains a section dedicated exclusively to consumers. Resources include financial literacy tools, calculators, educational materials, articles and answers to frequently asked questions.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate that debt collection can be accomplished with a true focus on consumer advocacy while still producing leading results for our clients,” said Penaluna. “CBE is investing in employee development, training and technology, among other things, to bring our strategic plan to life and make certain every CBE experience is a positive one.”

CBE will be announcing many proactive, corporate initiatives that support the company’s vision of Defining the Future of Debt Collection™ in the weeks and months ahead.

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About The CBE Group

CBE has been in the accounts receivable management business since 1933. CBE currently employs nearly 1,000 people in five locations nationwide. CBE’s corporate headquarters is located in Waterloo, Iowa, with additional facilities in West Des Moines, Iowa; Overland Park, Kansas; and Atlanta, Georgia. With more than 850 clients, CBE represents many of the nation’s most renowned and respected organizations. CBE serves a variety of industries including healthcare, utilities, satellite, communications, financial services, education and government sectors. For more information, visit www.cbegroup.com.