CBE Group Employees Launch Internal Code of Ethics

WATERLOO, Iowa – The CBE Group, Inc. (CBE), a leader in the debt collection industry, announced the launch of a new Code of Ethics, written by employees, for employees. This announcement follows the release of CBE’s new strategic plan and brand earlier this year, which unveiled a new corporate tagline of Defining the Future of Debt Collection™.

As an active member of ACA International, CBE and its employees have always followed the ACA Code of Ethics and Code of Operations. However, the CBE-specific Code of Ethics takes the industry association’s policies a step further. CBE’s President and CEO, Tom Penaluna, said, “The employees of CBE personalized our Code of Ethics as a road map to Defining the future of debt collection and take ownership in being held to an even higher standard.”

The new Code of Ethics stems from an internal tagline that CBE employees live by: The future of debt collection starts with ME™. This rallying cry sets clear expectations for CBE’s two-prong approach to debt collection: results and behavior. Penaluna said, “CBE is a proven leader in every market we serve, while at the same time treating every consumer in a manner that each of us would expect to be treated. Our goal is zero legitimate complaints about CBE’s service on behalf of our clients.”

At the launch of the Code of Ethics, every CBE employee demonstrated his/her dedication to ethical excellence by signing a companywide pledge. Penaluna said, “To see the corporate vision come alive within these walls is truly amazing. Our employees understand their role and commitment to deliver the highest quality service to consumers. Signing the Code of Ethics drives our workforce to take personal actions that have a positive impact on CBE’s commitment to the future.”

The Code of Ethics, titled Employee Pledge to Ethical Excellence, illustrates employees’ passion for CBE’s corporate mission to define the future of debt collection.

To demonstrate my commitment to Defining the future of debt collection, I am proud to make this pledge to ethical excellence:

• I pledge to conduct myself ethically
• I pledge to treat consumers with dignity and respect
• I pledge to “Do the right thing”…even when no one is looking
• I pledge to hold co-workers and management accountable
• I pledge that the future of debt collection starts with ME

CBE will continue to announce many proactive, corporate debt collection initiatives that support the company’s mission of Defining the future of debt collection in the months ahead.

About The CBE Group
CBE has been in the accounts receivable management business since 1933. CBE currently employs nearly 1,000 people in five locations nationwide. CBE’s corporate headquarters is located in Waterloo, Iowa, with additional facilities in West Des Moines, Iowa; Overland Park, Kansas; and Atlanta, Georgia. CBE was named the number two place to work in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metropolitan area in 2009. CBE represents many of the nation’s most renowned and respected organizations. CBE serves a variety of industries including healthcare, utilities, satellite, telecommunications, financial services, education and government. For more information, visit www.cbegroup.com.