Dear friends,

Oreck Corporation is committed to our employees, to our customers and to rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to resuming production at our vacuum cleaner facility in hurricane ravaged Long Beach, Mississippi, we have launched an extensive on-site housing and food program for our displaced employees, and a crisis-needs program to help our employees get back on their feet.

"The reopening of this facility by the Oreck family more than sets the standard for the spirit of renewal and rebuilding that's growing every day on the Coast," said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.

Oreck Corporation's New Orleans headquarters and employees have been temporarily relocated to Dallas, Phoenix and Denver. Founded in 1963 as a New Orleans-based company, Oreck has 1,500 U.S. employees.

"My dad, David Oreck, founded this company 40 years ago, and I'm not going to let a hurricane destroy what he created," CEO Tom Oreck promised.

"By keeping our company running and healthy, we'll help keep the American economy going. Our employees and their families not just in New Orleans and Mississippi but all across the country depend on Oreck for their livelihood, and Americans depend on our products for cleaner, healthier homes," Tom Oreck said. "We will do whatever it takes."

We have received numerous phone calls and emails from those of you concerned about our welfare and encouraging us to move forward. From all of us at Oreck, we'd like to say thank you for your patronage and your support. Read more about our hurricane relief efforts, read how to donate to the Oreck Employee Relief Fund, get answers to Customer Service questions, shop online, or find an Oreck store near you. Having trouble reaching our customer service center? Please keep trying. Our customer service representatives are working hard to serve you as quickly as possible.

Many thanks,
The Oreck Family, Oreck Corporation and Oreck Employees