VaBIO Names Bode Technology as Company of the Year

McLEAN, Va. - October 22, 2002 -The Bode Technology Group, based in Springfield, Va., has been named Biotechnology Company of the Year by the Virginia Biotechnology Association (VaBIO). The award was presented to company founder and General Manager Tom Bode during VaBIO’s annual awards ceremony.

Bode Technology was recognized as the primary private forensic lab involved in the DNA identification of victims of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Bode Technology experts examined more than 22,000 biological samples in an effort to return remains to victims’ families.

“Bode has developed a new state-of-the-art technology to extract DNA from remains that were subjected to temperatures that were in excess of 2,000 degrees for weeks on end,” the association announcement said. “This work brings new tools to the entire forensic community to process and analyze challenged samples.”

In its sixth year, the Virginia Biotechnology Awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Virginians who have significantly influenced the life sciences industry.

“Each year, VaBIO has the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of one of our Virginia biotech companies,” said Mark Herzog, executive director of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. “Considering the remarkable services The Bode Technology Group has provided to our nation since the horrific events of September 11, our board was honored to be able to recognize their efforts.”

“We are humbled to gain this recognition for our employees who worked tirelessly to help bring peace of mind to the families affected by this disaster,” said Tom Bode. “We are proud to have played a role as the medical and forensic communities responded to the challenge of the worst terrorist attack in American history.”

The purpose of the Virginia Biotechnology Association is to promote the biotechnology industry in Virginia, expand the knowledge and expertise of Virginia’s businesses concerning biotechnology, and to represent the interests of the biotechnology industry in Virginia before federal, state and local legislators and regulators.

About Bode Technology Group
The Bode Technology Group is a research, development and analysis firm specializing in all aspects of DNA identification. Bode Technology performs both convicted felon databanking and forensic casework using advanced DNA methodologies and makes products for the collection of samples for DNA analysis. In addition, the professional scientific staff at Bode Technology have assisted medical examiners with victim identification by analyzing victim and reference samples from such recent mass fatality incidents as the Alaska Airlines Flight 261, American Airlines Flight 587 aircraft disasters and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

About ChoicePoint
ChoicePoint (NYSE: CPS) is the leading provider of identification and credential verification services for making smarter decisions in today’s fast-paced world, serving the information needs of business, government and individuals. ChoicePoint is committed to protecting personal privacy and promoting the responsible use of information to help create a safer world. For more information about ChoicePoint, visit the company’s web site at www.choicepoint.com.

ChoicePoint is a registered trademark of ChoicePoint Asset Company.