Industry Leaders and Visionaries Discuss 'Empowering the Nation Through Information'

 Sears Corporate Roundtable Examines Digital Divide During the Black Data
          Processing Associates 23rd Annual National Conference

  What:   Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) hosts a panel addressing
          steps different sectors of society can and are taking to employ
          technology to empower all individuals in our nation.

  Who:    Moderator:  Phil Ponce, WTTV-TV, Host of Chicago Tonight
          Panelists:  Reggie Jackson, Baseball Hero and Founder of Mr.
                        October for Kids Foundation
                      Stephanie Springs, Deputy CIO, Sears, Roebuck and Co.
                      Christopher Grant, Deputy CTO, Chicago Public School
                        System
                      Gina Billings, Senior Resource Coordinator, Compaq
                        Computer Corporation

  When:   Panel Session: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 16, 2001

  Where:  Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers
          301 E. North Water Street
          Chicago, Illinois 60611

  About
  BDPA:   Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is the premier
          professional development/networking organization for African-
          American information technology professionals.  Founded in
          Philadelphia, Pa., in 1975, BDPA today includes more than 40
          chapters and 2,500 members nationwide.

  RSVP:   Melissa Winchester, Sears, 847-286-5708
          Kellie Harris, Compaq, 312-260-1169

PRNewswire -- Aug. 14

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Website: http://www.sears.com/