CISCO HONORED FOR DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
Award presented by Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network

(Washington, D.C. – August 5, 2005) – Cisco Systems, Inc., a computer networking company based in San Jose, Calif., received the Award for Excellence in Workplace Volunteer Programs (AEWVP) in recognition of the company's outstanding commitment to engaging employees in community service.

The award was presented today at 12PM at the Washington Convention Center during the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. David Lauren, senior vice president of advertising, marketing and corporate communications, Polo Ralph Lauren, was the keynote speaker at the awards luncheon.

The Awards for Excellence in Workplace Volunteer Programs is an international award that honors businesses of all sizes and from all industries that have made a commitment to effectively engaging employees in volunteering. The Points of Light Foundation, the nation's leading volunteer resource, views companies as one of the primary sources of volunteers and provides a full range of services to help businesses develop and sustain workplace volunteer programs.

Cisco's corporate giving and citizenship programs build stakeholder trust and loyalty that have a powerful impact on the global community. Cisco's community investment programs are designed to help build stronger and more productive communities by providing resources to nonprofit organizations that address critical needs in the community. Cisco employees volunteer their time and technical expertise to develop strategies that help nonprofits maximize their reach and effectiveness.

John Chambers, president and CEO, Cisco Systems, Inc., said, “I want our company to become the model for giving back to communities around the world. This is about empowerment – helping people help themselves – not about charity.”

“Workplace volunteering can have a profound impact on employees, communities and the long-term success of a company,” says Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. “Cisco is a shining example of the role that businesses can play in alleviating social problems and bringing about healthier communities.”

Marlo DeLeon, Executive Administrative Assistant, UCBU Tea, Cisco Systems, Inc., commented on Cisco's dedication to helping their community: “Volunteerism and giving back to my community is a very important part of my value structure. I appreciate Cisco's philanthropic culture that encourages volunteerism in the work place. My experiences have been very rewarding and have given me the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people in the non-profit world. Volunteering allows me to truly make a difference in the community.”

Cisco was selected by a panel of distinguished judges from major business and nonprofit groups, who based their decisions on how well Cisco's overall workplace-based volunteer program reflects the Principles of Excellence for Workplace Volunteering, a plan to ACT:

•  Acknowledge that effective volunteer programs contribute to a company's ability to achieve its business goals;

•  Commit to establishing and supporting a program that involves all employees and treats volunteering like any other key business requirement; and

•  Target volunteering to address serious social problems within their communities.

“Cisco is a role model for other members of the business community to make volunteering an integral part of their workplace culture,” Goodwin adds.

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The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization, supports and organizes the vital work of community volunteers who help solve our nation's most serious social problems by bringing people and resources together. The Foundation builds knowledge, skills and programs for volunteer leaders and volunteers to succeed, and provides leadership to mobilize volunteers in thousands of local communities across the country. For more information, call 202-729-8000 or visit www.pointsoflight.org.