<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>g85394exv99w1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE DATED OCTOBER 23, 2003
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1

[ABLEST LOGO]                                     1901 Ulmeton Road, Suite 300
                                                  Clearwater, Florida 33762-2317
                                                  (727) 299-1200
                                                  www.ablest.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              Symbol:  AIH
Thursday, October 23, 2003                                         Traded:  AMEX

            ABLEST ANNOUNCES KEY STEP IN MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION PLAN;
                    KURT MOORE NAMED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

     CLEARWATER, Fla., Oct. 23 - Ablest Inc. announced today an important step
in its management succession plan. Kurt R. Moore, president and chief operating
officer, will become chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2004. In
addition, Mr. Moore was appointed to the company's board of directors today and
is expected to stand for reelection to the board at the shareholder meeting in
May 2004.

     "Kurt Moore has made a tremendous impact in the 12 years since he joined
Ablest," commented W. David Foster, chief executive officer and director of
Ablest. "We are fortunate to have an executive with his operational, marketing
and managerial experience to assume the position of chief executive officer."

     Mr. Moore, 43, a 21-year veteran of the staffing industry, will assume the
position currently held by Mr. Foster, 68, who will remain actively involved
with Ablest as vice chairman. Charles H. Heist, chairman of the board of Ablest,
added, "We are especially pleased to have Dave Foster continue on our board, and
we look forward to his further contributions as a member of the newly formed
executive management committee."

     Mr. Moore joined Ablest as vice president in 1991. He was appointed
executive vice president in 1996, and has served as president and chief
operating officer since 2000. Prior to 1991, Mr. Moore worked in sales and
management positions in the staffing industry.

     Mr. Foster added, "Ablest has grown by more than two and one-half times
during Kurt's tenure. Kurt has been a key driver in all aspects of the business
including new branch expansion and acquisitions. During the difficult economic
environment of the past three years, Kurt has had total operational
responsibility and has done an excellent job guiding the company to
profitability. I have total confidence in Kurt's ability to lead the company and
look forward to continuing to work with him to drive the business."

     Ablest Inc. offers its clients staffing solutions, managed services and
vendor-on-premise (VOP) programs. Staffing solutions include clerical,
industrial and information technology personnel, which are provided through
Ablest Staffing Services and Ablest Technology Services. Ablest supplies more
than 30,000 field employees and consultants to more than 3,500 businesses
annually through 44 locations in the Eastern and Southwestern United States.

     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.


SOURCE:        Ablest Inc.
CONTACT:       Vincent J. Lombardo, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
               727-299-1200 or vlombardo@ablest.com/


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