1/27/2004

ALLIED VAN LINES RELEASES 36TH ANNUAL MAGNET STATES REPORT

VERMONT TOPS THE CHARTS AS MOST “ATTRACTIVE” STATE

“The 36th Annual Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report helps track U.S. migration patterns and determine what is drawing people to specific markets,” says Mike Fergus, president, moving services, SIRVA, Inc., a global relocation services provider. “While the 2003 report reveals that no demographic area is dominant in terms of attracting new people, it does indicate that Americans are on the move despite an unstable economy.”

Attracting the largest percentage of inbound moves serviced by Allied last year (69.1 percent), Vermont reclaimed its position as most “attractive” state, a title it held in 2001. Alaska ranked second highest inbound state (68.3 percent), followed by Montana (67.7 percent), Arkansas (67.4 percent) and Mississippi (60.7 percent).

The Associated Press reported in 2003 that Vermont’s economy is among the best in the country, noting that the state holds one of the best records for producing new jobs1. Economic growth, national press and an outstanding quality of life all contribute to the tremendous appeal of this picturesque state. “People are extremely attracted to the high quality of life in Vermont, “ says Vicky Tebbetts, vice president of communications for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “Vermont is the ideal place to live and raise a family, while being able to fully embrace the beauty and outdoor recreation this state has to offer.”

“Vermont is not only a great place to live, but also a great place to work,” says Ken Horseman, director of communications for the Vermont Department of Economic Development. “The state’s economy is growing as we see an increase in jobs specifically in the research and development arena. It’s no accident that the world research and development facilities of companies like IBM and General Dynamics are located in Vermont, as the excellent quality of life here nurtures the creative process.”

Outbound States

Illinois is reported as the top outbound state for 2003 with more than 60 percent of relocating families leaving the state. Oklahoma finished second (58.9 percent), followed by Michigan (58.8 percent), New Jersey (57.2 percent) and Ohio (56.5 percent). Illinois was ranked among the top three outbound states in 2002, a first for the Allied Magnet States report.

The increase of outbound movement across these states can be attributed to a continued manufacturing slump in the industrial heartland. Illinois was one of the hardest hit states, losing 208,000 manufacturing jobs since January 20012.

Mobile States

California continues to lead the nation in number of relocations crossing its borders with 19,580 total shipments – 9,203 inbound moves and 10,377 outbound moves – in 2003. Other states qualifying among 2003’s most mobile states include Florida and Texas, with both states boasting more than 14,000 interstate moves in 2003.

Tracking more than 199,000 relocations in 2003, the Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report provides insights on the nation’s moving trends and relocation patterns. Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 500 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the established global brands of SIRVA, Inc., (NYSE: SIR), a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit www.allied.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Allied defines a “magnet” state as having a minimum of 55 percent of its total interstate relocations moving into the state, while an “outbound” state is defined as having a minimum of 55 percent of its Allied relocation activity moving out of its boundaries.

Media Contacts

Judy Wohlt
Manager, Corporate Communications
SIRVA, Inc.
630.468.4886 (work)
630.802.1229 (cell)

Deanna DeLuco
JSH&A Public Relations
630.932.7927