News Article

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - On every continent, the Olympic Torch is an instantly recognizable symbol of athletic excellence and global unity. Now, that universal symbol is on display in Womble Carlyle's Winston-Salem office.

Lenovo, an award-winning computer manufacturer and the company that designed the torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, presented the firm with an authentic Olympic Torch. Keith W. Vaughan, Womble Carlyle's Managing Member, accepted the torch on behalf of the firm at a March 16th presentation.

"This is a truly special gift," Mr. Vaughan said. "We value our business partnership with Lenovo and appreciate their honoring us with the Olympic Torch."

The Olympic Torch has a particular personal significance for Mr. Vaughan, as his son was chosen to be a Torch Bearer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

"We had the opportunity to present just a few of these torches, and we wanted to make sure they went to long-time business partners. Lenovo and Womble Carlyle have long had an excellent business relationship, plus we both have strong roots here in North Carolina," said Joe Pinnix, Lenovo's East Region Director. He and Kelly McCabe, North & South Carolina Account Manager, made the presentation to Mr. Vaughan and Bill Koch, Womble Carlyle's Technical Support Manager.

Lenovo spent more than 10 months on the design of the torch. The more than 30-member team included designers from Germany, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, China and the United States. The 2.2-pound red-and-silver torch measures 28 inches long. Its shape was inspired by the traditional Chinese scroll and its primary images are those of clouds, which are intimately associated with Chinese culture, and are often represented in works of Chinese architecture, drawing and painting, furniture and story-telling.

Based in Morrisville, N.C., Lenovo is one of the world's largest makers of personal computers. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide.

Lenovo offers Womble Carlyle employees a chance to buy computers and other products at special rates through a partnership program with the firm.