While Promoting New CD and Summer Concert Series, Teen Recording Artists Aly & AJ Remember Teachers at Back-to-School Time ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Teen music sensations Aly & AJ are not only expected to top the charts this month with the release of their new CD, but they are also taking time to tell teens that the top item on their back-to-school shopping lists is not even for them, it's a gift card for their teachers. While participating in Summer Break 2K5 -- Powered by OfficeMax, a summer concert series, Aly & AJ recently learned that according to the National Education Association, the average teacher spends nearly $500 each year out of their own pocket to stock their classroom. The trend-setting teens are asking their fans to remember to pick up a back-to-school gift of school supplies or an office supply gift card for their teacher when they get their own back-to- school gear. "It's really easy to forget about your teachers when you're getting supplies to fill your own backpack," said Aly while shopping for school supplies in her neighborhood OfficeMax store. AJ added, "It's not fair that teachers have to spend so much money out of their own pockets. If each student gave them a gift card or some supplies, it would make a huge difference." Aly & AJ's new CD "Into the Rush" hits store shelves Aug. 16, the same day they appear in the first annual Summer Break 2K5 -- Powered by OfficeMax concert series in select move theaters nationwide. "OfficeMax is thrilled not only to offer kids all the cool back-to-school supplies they need, but also the music they want with Summer Break 2K5 and free music downloads," said Ryan Vero, OfficeMax executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. "The timing of Summer Break 2K5 fits perfectly with back-to-school shopping, and Aly & AJ have hit on a subject very important to OfficeMax -- helping teachers." Summer Break 2K5 will be simulcast via satellite in Hi-Definition and 5.1 surround sound to 86 Regal, United Artists, Edwards and Georgia Theatre Company movie theatres in 66 markets throughout the country. Aly & AJ will host the Summer Break 2K5 series live-via-satellite on Aug. 16, which will feature premieres of the concert and behind-the-scenes footage shot exclusively for these in-theatre special events. The shows will also include question & answer sessions with the performers and their fans. Teen heart-throb Jesse McCartney kicked off the series on Aug. 2 and Bowling for Soup will conclude the series on Aug. 30. Tickets for each show in the Summer Break 2K5 series are $10. For more information about the concerts, or for a listing of participating theatres, log onto http://www.officemax.com/ . OfficeMax is the place to accomplish all school shopping in one easy trip. And, OfficeMax helps teachers save money with Teacher Appreciation events throughout August (timing varies by market), including in-store gift bags with product samples and coupons. OfficeMax's MaxPerks(SM) for Teachers program also gives teachers reward dollars on eligible purchases. To learn more about MaxPerks for Teachers, visit http://www.officemax.com/ . About OfficeMax(R) Incorporated OfficeMax(R) Incorporated is a leader in both business-to-business office product solutions and retail office products. OfficeMax delivers an unparalleled customer experience -- in service, in product, in time savings, and in value -- through a relentless focus on its customers. The company provides office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions, and furniture to large, medium and small businesses and consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by more than 40,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, Internet and nearly 1,000 superstores. OfficeMax trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol OMX. To find the nearest OfficeMax, call 1-877-OFFICEMAX or more information can be found at http://www.officemax.com/ . OfficeMax Contact Media Contact Bill Bonner Colleen Grams, Bader Rutter & Associates 630 438 8584 262 938 5407 DATASOURCE: OfficeMax Incorporated CONTACT: Bill Bonner of OfficeMax Incorporated, +1-630-438-8584; or, Colleen Grams of Bader Rutter & Associates, +1-262-938-5407 Web site: http://www.officemax.com/

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