Onvia ONVI

news release

[turr]

(Applies to: ONVI) Onvia Names Executive Vice President Irvine Alpert Promoted to Newly Created Position SEATTLE, Feb 7, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Onvia.com, Inc., (Nasdaq: ONVI) helping businesses secure government contracts and government agencies find suppliers online, announced today that the company has promoted Irvine Alpert to executive vice president. Alpert will assume the new role immediately. "Irv Alpert's domain expertise has already proven to be invaluable to this company as we focus on delivering the maximum number of government contracting opportunities to our rapidly growing supplier network," stated Clayton Lewis, Onvia's president and chief operating officer. In this new capacity, Alpert will continue to oversee Onvia's business development efforts, as well as assume leadership of the company's customer acquisition and retention strategy. Alpert, who has been with the Onvia since mid 2001, has more than 20 years experience in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, was previously CEO of ProjectGuides, then the Nation's largest online bid gathering and distribution service. Onvia purchased those assets in June 2001. Alpert founded ProjectGuides in 1996 and prior to that was president of RCI Environmental, an environmental remediation-contracting firm in Kent, WA. He also served as vice president of sales and marketing at Hart Crowser, Inc., one of the largest environmental services firms in the Pacific Northwest. "Onvia must continue to cost-effectively enhance the customer experience by expanding the flow of bids through our supplier network. Irv brings the in-depth industry experience and leadership we need to achieve that goal and help direct this company toward long-term growth and profitability," said Lewis. About Onvia Onvia.com, Inc. helps businesses secure government contracts and government agencies find suppliers online. The company manages the distribution and reporting of requests for proposals and quotes from more than 400 government agencies nationwide in the $400 billion state and local government marketplace. The size and strength of Onvia's network allows suppliers and agencies to find better matches quickly, saving time and money. For more information, contact Onvia.com, Inc.: 1260 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109. Tel: [phone], fax: [phone], or visit www.onvia.com. This release contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs, and involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding improvement in Onvia's financial performance, Onvia's path to profitability, and the progress and benefits of Onvia's execution of its business plan. Onvia's actual results could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: inability for Mr. Alpert to succeed in the role of Executive Vice President; dissatisfaction by agencies and suppliers with Onvia's provision of products and services; Onvia's inability to handle the increased bid flow on its online network; failure to make online bidding and quote service accessible and efficient for government agencies; and failure of government agencies and businesses to participate in Onvia's exchange in sufficient and increasing numbers. For a detailed discussion of these and other cautionary statements, please refer to Onvia's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including Onvia's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and Onvia's Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 9, 2001.