Re: WE are the only Authorized DataCard Dealer in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Dear Business Partner:

We are very pleased to announce that on January 2nd, 2003, Higgins Corporation will assume operations of Rhode Island Business Equipment Company (RIBECO). While this news may come as a surprise to many of you, RIBECO’s owner Anne Smith and I have been working together closely to ensure as seamless a transition as possible for all of our customers. When Anne made the decision to retire, it was of the utmost importance to her to turn the reins of her company over to an organization with a proven record of success with the resources to offer and deliver the support and service her customers have come to expect. Higgins Corporation will do everything in our power to meet your expectations by providing exemplary service day in and day out.

Higgins has been serving customers in northern New England since 1960. In addition to the DataCard line of products and solutions, we also offer solutions by FormsFast, Clarinet, Eltron and Healthware Systems. While supplying solutions to a variety of different businesses, we establish a relationship based on knowing and understanding your needs and expectations while delivering products and services in which we take pride.

Higgins Corporation has demonstrated experience and success with transitioning businesses, customers and relationships as we are undertaking with RIBECO. On January 1, 2000, Higgins acquired the Boston branch of DataCard. This Boston office was responsible for sales and service of the entire DataCard product line in Massachusetts and Vermont. Since January 2000, we have increased our business to become one of the largest DataCard Dealers in the United States. Our parts supply chain is unlimited and fast. As the only authorized Datacard reseller and service provider in New England, we guarantee you are getting new, authentic parts and warranties with the BEST trained and equipped DataCard technicians available.

We feel that people are key in any business relationship and we have GREAT people. Our sales manager, Rick Mirkin has over 21 years of experience selling DataCard solutions, products and services. Our service group, with its eight members, has over 83 years of combined training and experience on DataCard products and solutions. We will keep your equipment up and running now and in the future.

The entire staff and management of Higgins welcomes you to our family! I want to thank you in advance for giving us an opportunity to be your total solution provider. We will prove to you on a daily basis that you made the right decision in choosing Higgins. I look forward to hearing any concerns, issues or comments you may have regarding the transition from RIBECO to Higgins. Your confidence in Higgins Corporation is of the utmost importance to us and we will not disappoint you.

Sincerely,

David R. Higgins III President