Ablest: Announces Share Repurchase Authorization

CLEARWATER, Fla., May 16 Ablest Inc. (Amex: ABI - news)
announced today that its board of directors authorized management to
repurchase up to $2 million of the Company's outstanding shares from time
to time over the next 12 months in open market or private purchases.

The commercial staffing and information technology (IT) solutions provider
announced the repurchase program on Tuesday, following a regular board
meeting and its annual meeting of shareholders.

``The strength of our balance sheet and cash position should comfortably
accommodate our plans for continued growth, while also allowing management
to periodically invest in Ablest shares,'' Chairman Charles H. Heist said.
``This stock repurchase authorization is a reflection of the board's
enthusiasm and confidence in Ablest.''

Ablest Inc. provides its clients with commercial staffing and information
technology (IT) solutions, managed services and vendor-on-premise (VOP)
programs. Commercial staffing solutions -- including accounting, clerical,
administrative and light-industrial personnel -- are provided through
Ablest Staffing Services. IT staffing solutions -- including computer
programming and networking consultants -- are provided through Ablest
Technology Services. Through 52 branches in the Eastern and Southwestern
United States, Ablest supplies more than 30,000 field employees and
consultants to more than 3,500 businesses annually.

Statements made in this news release, other than those concerning
historical information, should be considered forward-looking and subject to
certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected. Readers should carefully review and
consider disclosures, including periodic reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which attempt to advise
interested parties of the factors, which affect the Company's business.

   * For more information call:
   * Charles H. Heist
   * Chairman of the Board
   * 727-299-1200
   * 1901 Ulmerton Road, Suite 300
   * Clearwater, Florida 33762-2317
   * E-mail: trip_heist@ablest.com

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