EXHIBIT 99
[ COMPANY LOGO APPEARS HERE ]
FOR: Home Products International, Inc.
APPROVED BY: James R. Tennant, Chairman & CEO
Home Products International, Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (773) 890-1010
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CONTACT: Investor Relations:
James Winslow, Executive VP & CFO
Home Products International, Inc.
(773) 890-1010
HOME PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES
DEPARTURE OF PRESIDENT OF NORTH AMERICAN SALES
Chicago, IL, December 14, 2000 _ Home Products International, Inc.
(Nasdaq: HPII) ("HPII"), a leader in the housewares industry, today
announced that Jeff Dolan has left the Company to pursue other interests.
Dolan had been President of North American Sales.
James Tennant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
stated that HPI is looking to bolster its sales efforts and that this move
underscores that effort. Mr. Tennant said, "We need to make certain that
every area of the business is running at maximum output, and that includes
sales. We are in the process of finding the right individual to lead that
sales effort so that it is a win/win situation for the Company and for our
customers. This is just the first in a series of strategic initiatives we
are quickly undertaking that will lead to future growth and profitability."
Home Products International, Inc. is an international consumer products
company specializing in the manufacture and marketing of quality diversified
housewares products. The Company sells its products to all the largest
national retailers.
Some of the statements made in this press release are forward-looking and
concern the company's future growth, product development, markets and
competitive position. While management will make its best efforts to be
accurate in making these forward-looking statements, any such statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause HPII's actual results to
vary materially. These risks include market risks such as increased
competition for both the company and its end users and changes in retail
distribution channels; economic risks; financial risks such as fluctuations
in the price of raw materials, future liquidity and access to debt and
equity markets. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
materialize, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated,
expected or projected. The company undertakes no obligation to update any
such factors or to announce the results of any revision to any of the
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or
development.
