Communications Systems, Inc. Announces the Passing of its Founder, Curtis Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCS) (“CSI” or the “Company”), an IoT intelligent edge products and services company, announced today the passing of its founder, Curtis Sampson. The entire CSI family mourns this loss.

Mr. Sampson founded CSI in 1969 and took the Company public in 1981. As Chairman of CSI’s Board of Directors from the onset, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Company from a start-up into an established provider of telecommunications components, network systems devices, and IT services. In 2018, he was named Chairman Emeritus and served in this position until his retirement in May 2020.

Roger Lacey, CEO of CSI noted, “We are overcome with sadness as we lost a true leader. His insights and wisdom significantly influenced CSI’s growth and achievements over his five-decade career with the Company. Curt was a great friend and colleague who always brought a sense of fun and energy to every opportunity; we will miss him. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Curt’s family.”

Mark D. Fandrich, CFO of CSI commented, “I am deeply saddened at the passing of Curt. He has been a great mentor and advisor over the years, and I will miss him a great deal.”

Randall D. Sampson, CSI’s board member noted, “I have learned a great deal from my father, who was a mentor, role model and friend. Every day I rely on the positive influence he had on my life and business career.”

Mr. Sampson was born in 1933 in Hector, Minnesota and remained there until his death. Mr. Sampson graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1955 with a Business Administration degree. Mr. Sampson worked as an accountant in Minneapolis for a short period and then returned to Hector where he built Minnesota Central Telephone, then Midwest Telephone Company, and in 1969 CSI. Later in his career came North American Communications Corporation (NACC II) and in 1990, under his leadership, CSI formed Hector Communications Corporation, which was eventually sold in 2006, with great returns to shareholders.

In 2012, Mr. Sampson was inducted into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame and awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award by the University of Minnesota in 1996. Mr. Sampson also found time for fun and regularly participated in the Minnesota Twins baseball fantasy camp in Florida where in 2014 he won the Cy Young Award for players over 50 – not bad for someone over 80 at the time!

Mr. Sampson is survived by wife Marian, daughter Susan, and sons Randy, Paul and Russ along with 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

About Communications Systems

Communications Systems, Inc., an IoT intelligent edge products and services company, provides connectivity infrastructure and services for global deployments of broadband networks. Focusing on innovative, cost-effective solutions, CSI provides customers the ability to deliver, manage, and optimize their broadband network services and architecture. From the integration of fiber optics in any application and environment to efficient home voice and data deployments to optimization of data and application access, CSI provides tools for maximum utilization of the network from the edge to the user. With partners and customers in over 50 countries, CSI has built a reputation as a reliable global innovator focusing on quality and customer service. CSI operates Transition Networks, Net2Edge, JDL Technologies, and Ecessa. For more information visit: commsysinc.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future financial performance, future growth and future acquisitions. These statements are based on Communications Systems’ current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements here due to changes in economic, business, competitive or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of Communications Systems’ business. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies are presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and, from time to time, in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. Further, investors should keep in mind that the Company’s financial results in any particular period may not be indicative of future results. Communications Systems is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Contacts

Communications Systems, Inc.

Mark D. Fandrich

Chief Financial Officer

952-582-6416

mark.fandrich@commsysinc.com

Roger H. D. Lacey

Chief Executive Officer

952-996-1674

The Equity Group Inc.

Lena Cati

Vice President

212-836-9611

lcati@equityny.com

Devin Sullivan

Senior Vice President

212-836-9608

dsullivan@equityny.com