August 4, 2003

ROMNEY HONORS ZIPCAR WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD

Governor Mitt Romney today recognized the innovation that drives the Massachusetts economy by honoring Zipcar’s Scott Griffith and Robin Chase with the Governor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

The award is presented to individuals who best demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit that helps strengthen the economy and inspire others to turn their ideas into action.

“Today, we recognize entrepreneurs from a truly innovative company,” said Romney. “Honoring Zipcar with this award shows our appreciation and value for entrepreneurs who contribute to our economy and generate new wealth, prosperity and jobs.”

Zipcar provides reliable and convenient access to on-demand transportation.

In the fall of 1999, Robin Chase was inspired by a car-sharing service she saw in Germany where cars were parked around the city for members of the service to rent by the hour instead of owning their own vehicles. Upon return to the United States, Chase refined the concept to appeal to the mainstream public. Capitalizing on the capacity of the Internet and wireless data transmission, Zipcar’s strategy is to make car reservations and access hassle-free and seamless. Chase was Chairman and CEO of the company for its first three years. President and CEO Scott Griffith joined the Zipcar team in 2003.

Since its launch in June of 2000, Zipcar has helped reduce traffic congestion and auto emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment and a new way of transportation planning in cities. Today, 7,000 members drive 250 Zipcars in Boston, New York and Washington D.C.

“Zipcar is an exciting Massachusetts company that combines our Commonwealth’s strengths in technology, innovation and community toward a mission of improving the quality of urban life,” said Zipcar’s Griffith. “We are pleased and honored to be doing business in a state that both supports and acknowledges our efforts. Successful businesses need access to growth capital, a pool of talented people to hire from and an environment that supports growth - Massachusetts excels at all three.”

Last month, Romney presented the first Entrepreneurial Spirit award posthumously to the late Bernie Goldhirsh, founder of Inc. magazine.

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