Superstar Ray Lewis Back in the Super Bowl with a New Team: The SoBe Lifewater Lizards

Football Stars Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck & Matt Light Get Their Grooves On with Rhythmic Reptiles in New 'SoBelieve' Spot During Big Game; SoBe Lifewater Ad Part of First-Ever Monstrous Super Bowl 3-D Advertising Pod

PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Former Super Bowl champions Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck and Matt Light are back in the big game. The Pros are set to perform with their new team of SoBe Lifewater lizards in an encore Super Bowl ad appearance just a year after superstar Naomi Campbell's popular performance to "Thriller."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090130/NY65266 )

The new 60-second spot, titled "Lizard Lake," created and directed by Super Bowl veteran and brand inventor Peter Arnell of Arnell, features 3-D technology never before seen on television, as well as the original song, "SoBelieve." It will air immediately following the second quarter as part of the first-ever all 3-D advertising pod on the largest sports stage in the world, and will mark the first-ever Super Bowl ad crossover event - with the SoBe lizards sharing the screen with characters from the upcoming DreamWorks Animation, film "Monsters vs. Aliens," which will be showcased in the pod's lead-off spot.

Quarterbacking the SoBe team is "Lee the Lizard," who is back on the gridiron after a year in training camp. In an unprecedented symphony of state-of-the-art high-tech animation, the SoBe ad is among the most anticipated on Super Bowl Sunday.

More than 125 million pairs of 3D glasses are being distributed by PepsiCo in connection with the SoBe Lifewater brand. The glasses are available at more than 25,000 SoBe Lifewater retail displays in grocery, drug and other retail venues and will be FREE to consumers.

Last year, SoBe Lifewater took the Super Bowl by storm. The brand's 2008 Super Bowl ad featuring the SoBe Lizards dancing to the song "Thriller" with supermodel Naomi Campbell, was viewed online over 5 million times in just two weeks. The YouTube community made Thrillicious its most viewed Super Bowl spot, with more than 1 million views alone. The ad, also created and directed by Arnell, will be honored as one of the "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials" in a primetime CBS special that will air nationally on January 31st, the eve of this year's game.

SoBe Lifewater is available in many popular flavors such as Pomegranate Cherry, Blackberry Grape, Orange Tangerine, Strawberry Kiwi, Passionfruit Citrus, Yuzu Black Currant, Agave Lemonade, Goji Melon.

SoBe also recently launched the enhanced water category's first-ever zero-calorie naturally-sweetened line. Three new delicious SoBe Lifewater flavors, Black and Blue Berry, Fuji Apple Pear and Yumberry Pomegranate, will help redefine the category as the first beverages in the U.S. market to feature the groundbreaking all natural zero calorie sweetener, PureVia(TM), made from a highly pure extract of the Stevia plant leaf. Additionally, each will be infused with a mix of antioxidant vitamins C & E, essential B vitamins and a unique blend of herbal ingredients.

Along with SoBe Lifewater, PepsiCo has the nation's most comprehensive hydration portfolio, including category-leading products under the Gatorade, Propel and Aquafina trademarks. Building upon the company's non-carbonated beverage advantage, PepsiCo will continue to focus on its entire hydration portfolio throughout the year.

To further experience SoBe Lifewater, visit: www.sobelieve.com

Overstock.com(R) Announces Airing of Super Bowl(R) Commercial

NBA(R) All-Star Game(TM) player Carlos Boozer to star in Overstock.com Super Bowl commercial

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Overstock.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSTK) announced today that it will be airing a 30-second Super Bowl advertisement featuring Overstock.com spokesperson Carlos Boozer. The commercial is scheduled to air immediately following the halftime show.

"We are pleased to have Carlos Boozer star in this Super Bowl spot," said Alan Bunton, Overstock.com's Vice President of Brand Development. "Boozer is an outstanding individual who represents the sense of community, hard work, dedication and American values that are Overstock.com. Boozer is an example to young people everywhere."

Sunday's advertisement is the third in Overstock.com's recent branding campaign to promote themes of determination, a sense of home, and community. It shows Boozer talking with kids about dedication.

"I am just excited to have the opportunity to be featured alongside the Overstock.com brand during the Super Bowl football game," said Boozer. "They are an incredible consumer-oriented company, and I am proud to represent them on a national stage."

The NBA basketball star, two-time NBA All-Star and gold medal-winning U.S. Olympian, has been part of the Overstock.com team since April 2008. Carlos and his wife, Cindy, are the co-founders of Boozer's Buddies, a non-profit organization that supports the research and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease and provides information and a support system for the families affected by it.

Overstock.com is also doing a site-wide "Big Game Day Sale" which includes 10 percent off select items and site-wide free shipping. Overstock is also holding an online contest to guess the winner of Sunday's game with a prize of a 5 percent off coupon. To find out more go to http://www.overstock.com/big-game-party/21411/static.html?TID=HP_BG_Main_Boozer

About Overstock.com

Overstock.com, Inc. is an online retailer offering brand-name merchandise at discount prices. The company offers its customers an opportunity to shop for bargains conveniently, while offering its suppliers an alternative inventory distribution channel. Overstock.com, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market System and can be found online at http://www.overstock.com. Overstock.com regularly posts information about the company and other related matters on its website under the heading "Investor Relations."

Overstock.com(R) is a registered trademark of Overstock.com, Inc. Super Bowl(R) is a registered trademark of the National Football League. NBA(R) and NBA All-Star Game(TM) are trademarks of NBA Properties, Inc. No sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement of this press release or Overstock.com, Inc. by the National Football League or NBA Properties, Inc. is implied.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the airing and timing of the commercial and promotions planned by the Company. Our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or any amendments thereto, and our other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections, estimates or forward-looking statements.

Football Fans and Advertisers Flock to Radio for Sunday's Game

NEW YORK, Jan 30 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 400 sports radio broadcasters converging on "radio row" in Tampa this year including Marv Albert, Mike Francesa, Boomer Esiason, Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic and Chris Myers, radio is rallying those football fans who enjoy listening before, after and even while they watch.

With television spots for Sunday's game costing an estimated $3 million each, many advertisers utilize radio campaigns to connect with consumers, considering that more radio listeners prefer football to other sports. According to a survey commissioned earlier this year by industry group Radio Heard Here, and conducted by IPSOS Public Affairs, a third of those who like listening to sports on the radio, prefer football over basketball, baseball, soccer, motor sports, hockey and golf.

Westwood One, which has been airing the game since 1967, has more than 625 affiliates covering this year's game.

According to Inside Radio, Westwood One's VP Peter Sessa says, "The Super Bowl is the most sought after and revered real estate in advertising. We are thrilled to offer this highly valued property to our advertisers like Volkswagen and Subway."

ESPN Radio is planning extensive coverage this weekend with their flagship programs "Mike & Mike in the Morning," "Tirico & Van Pelt," and "The Herd" on-site in Tampa and broadcasting through Sunday. Utilizing their web and cable television properties, ESPN Radio is offering multi-platform campaign opportunities to their advertising partners including DiGiorno, Dial For Men, Sprint/Nextel and Tabasco.

The Fox Sports Radio Network has the game covered with the introduction of its all new line-up featuring their programs "Out of Bounds on Fox with Craig Shemon & James Washington," and "Fox Super Saturday Warm-Up with Steve Duemig."

About Radio Heard Here

Radio Heard Here, a coalition of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Advertising Bureau and the HD Digital Radio Alliance, representing commercial radio stations across America, is a far-reaching, multiyear initiative designed to reignite the public's passion for radio. Despite the arrival of new communications and entertainment devices within the past 20 years or so, radio has maintained its integral and near-ubiquitous presence in American life. For more information, log on to www.radioheardhere.com.

Russ Berrie Announces New Interim Chief Financial Officer

OAKLAND, N.J., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (NYSE: RUS) (the "Company") announced today that it has appointed Guy A. Paglinco as interim Chief Financial Officer. He will succeed Anthony Cappiello, who has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and interim principal financial officer of the Company, and is leaving the Company.

Bruce Crain, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "We would like to thank Tony for the leadership and efforts he brought to Russ Berrie over the past several years during a critical repositioning period. On behalf of the board of directors and management team, we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Mr. Paglinco, 51, will also continue to serve as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, a position he has held since November 2007. He joined the Company as Vice President - Corporate Controller in September 2006. Immediately prior to joining the Company, Mr. Paglinco served in various roles at Emerson Radio Corp., an AMEX-listed international distributor of consumer products, including Chief Financial Officer from 2004 to 2006, and Corporate Controller from 1998 to 2004. Earlier in his career, Mr. Paglinco was an audit manager with KMG Main Hurdman. Mr. Paglinco is a CPA and holds a Masters of Business Administration degree.

About Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.

Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries are leaders in the design, development and distribution of infant and juvenile branded products. Its design-led products are sold primarily through mass market, specialty, food, drug and independent retailers worldwide.

The Company's business is composed of four wholly-owned subsidiaries: Kids Line, LLC; Sassy, Inc.; LaJobi, Inc; and CoCaLo, Inc. The Kids Line division designs and markets infant bedding and related nursery accessories. The Sassy division offers products and collections such as infant development toys, teething, feeding, bathing and baby care products. LaJobi is a leading designer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded infant furniture and related products. CoCaLo is a leading manufacturer and distributor of infant bedding and accessory products under the brands of CoCaLo Baby, CoCaLo Couture and CoCaLo Naturals. The businesses also license brands for select categories and markets including Disney(R), Carter's(R), Graco(R) for cribs and Serta(R) for crib mattresses.

Note: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Additional written and oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and otherwise. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe-harbor for forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases including, but not limited to, "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "intend", "may", "planned", "potential", "should", "will" or "would". The Company cautions readers that results predicted by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the Company's future business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, order backlog, interest costs and income are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Specific risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those set forth under Item 1A, "Risk Factors", of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    AT THE COMPANY                               AT FINANCIAL DYNAMICS
    Marc S. Goldfarb                             Erica Pettit / Leigh Parrish
    Senior Vice President & General Counsel      General Information
    201-337-9000                                 212-850-5600

Posner Selected as Finalist by NAHB's Pillars Awards for 'Best Overall Condo Sales Campaign' for Toll Brothers' Northside Piers

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The NAHB Multi-Family Housing Councils' 2009 "Pillars of the Industry" Awards have just announced the finalists for its marketing categories and the judges have selected Posner as a finalist for "Best Overall Sales Campaign for a Condominium Community," for its client, Toll Brothers' Northside Piers.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090130/NY65076 )

After Toll Brothers' City Living division had completed 70% of the units at One Northside Piers, the first of three buildings on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn waterfront, sales had come to a halt by the winter of 2007/2008. Realizing that the most expensive units were not selling, Toll Brothers engaged Posner Advertising to re-brand the project and conceive an entirely new marketing initiative that would also introduce Two Northside Piers - the second building. The goal was to make the ad campaign work harder, elevate the brand's perceived value, attract buyers from Manhattan and compete more effectively with other new buildings in the area that possessed large marketing budgets.

With pricing on nearly half of the homes in excess of $1M, and those priced below $700K selling themselves, Posner quickly identified an opportunity. "We needed to reach established buyers with a dual household income in excess of $300k, in addition to having a minimum of $250K in cash for the down payment and, accordingly, needed to not just reshape the media plan, but also re-position the property's look-and-feel to be more elegant, sophisticated and fashionable," said Win Peniston, VP Strategy & Development at Posner.

With this goal in mind, Posner deployed a campaign targeting aspiring Manhattan prospects, mostly couples, 30-to-50 years old, engaged, newlyweds, gays, pregnant or with young children through online media, print and outdoor advertising. This target would be compelled by waterfront views, but would likely be unable to afford new waterfront construction in Manhattan. This target would also look for ground-floor opportunities that new construction offers and appreciate a neighborhood that offers independently owned restaurants, shops, and diversity.

With the launch in late Sept. 2008 of the new marketing/re-branding effort for Two Northside Piers, Toll Brothers is experiencing revitalized sales of units in both buildings. "In the six weeks that have passed since the New Sales Center Grand Opening, we have seen traffic soar from 15 per week to 60 per week.

"In addition to having a superb waterfront location and stellar views of Manhattan, Two Northside Piers features sought-after amenities such as an indoor pool, Pro-Concierge services, a fitness center, treatment rooms and interiors designed by the renowned Stephen Alton. The right product with the right features finishes, positioned properly and extended across the right media has resulted in sales that are currently outperforming the competition and we are thrilled that our creative execution, in addition to our strategy, is being recognized by the National Association of Home Builders," Mr. Posner added.

About Posner Advertising: With experience that spans six decades, Posner Advertising www.posneradv.com is a full-service, lifestyle-focused agency with expertise in the real estate industry. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Florida and California, Posner's services include branding, advertising, traditional/digital marketing, public relations, as well as media planning/buying, and performance tracking services. Posner's interactive team includes a group of professionals that are certified in Google AdWords, Yahoo PPC and Microsoft AdCenter professional programs. Posner's rapport with Google enables the agency, and its clients, to be part of advertising beta programs to which very few marketing firms have access. For inquiries, please contact Win Peniston, VP Strategy, 212 867 3900 x 166, Win@PosnerAdv.com.

Super Bowl Ad Nauseam - Monday Afternoon at UDM

DETROIT, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The talk around the water cooler following the Super Bowl each year is as much about the advertising as it is about the game itself. The stakes may be just as high for the advertisers as for the competing football teams with a 30-second ad priced at $3 million this year.

While more than a thousand students from around the country will be voting on their favorites on the America's Marketing High School website after the game, hundreds of metro Detroit students will visit University of Detroit Mercy for the school's annual "Pizza, Pop and Pretzels" press party in UDM's Student Center Ballroom on the McNichols Campus, second floor on Monday, February 2 at noon. Refreshments are being provided by PizzaPapalis of Southfield. UDM's McNichols campus is located at 4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit, 48221.

This year, prior to the annual press party at noon, participating high school students have also been invited to a special America's Marketing High School College Road Trip from 9 - 11:15 a.m. These students will attend a "World of Business" presentation, interact with UDM students and take a campus tour prior to the press debriefing.

Can you imagine a better opportunity for high school and college students to study marketing than to first take part in a series of brief lectures (podcasts) aligned with a comprehensive marketing curriculum then review these multi-million dollar ads under the tutelage of University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) marketing professor Dr. Michael Bernacchi and Oakland Schools Technical Campus marketing instructor Paul Galbenski?

Bernacchi has hosted his renowned "Super Bowl Ad Nauseam" annually since 1985 with UDM students. For the past five years, he has also partnered with Oakland Schools, which has helped to expand student participation to more than 60 Michigan high schools last year as well as participation in the online America's Marketing High School curriculum (www.americasmarketinghighschool.org) to classrooms across the United States.

For more information on America's Marketing High School and the Super Bowl Ad Nauseam, please contact either Dr. Michael Bernacchi (313.993.1116) or Paul Galbenski (248.288.4236). Contact UDM Media Relations Director for further details (313.993.1254).

The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest private Catholic University, with approximately 100 academic majors and programs. Sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Regional Community of Detroit, the University has campuses located in downtown and northwest Detroit. UDM is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities and the largest of 18 Mercy institutions of higher education in the United States.

For the eight consecutive year, University of Detroit Mercy is listed in the top tier of Midwestern Master's Universities in the 2009 edition of the U.S.News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges."

    CONTACT:
    Gary D. Lichtman
    (313) 993-1254

SocialMedia Networks Inc. Attracts Series B Funding Led by IDG Ventures SF and Co-Investor Charles River Ventures

SocialMedia to Use Financing to Expand Sales team in Chicago, NY and Internationally. Emphasis will be placed on Corporate Partnerships After Record Year Profits.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- SocialMedia Networks, the largest independent social media advertising network, delivering ads within 5,000+ applications running on Facebook, Bebo, Hi5 and MySpace, today announced that it has secured Series B financing of $6 million. The investment was led by IDG Ventures SF with co-investment from Charles River Ventures.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080429/AQTU109LOGO)

SocialMedia Networks provides an independent social media advertising network. Their primary product is Word-of-Mouth ads, which are sold to brand advertisers. These ads are shown within a social network like Facebook, MySpace or Twitter to the friends of the user who engages with branded content. In the majority of the cases, the process starts when a consumer interacts with an opt-in banner (where they answer a question, fill out a poll, etc.) the results of their interactions are then delivered to their friends through the Word of mouth ad.

"We have followed SocialMedia for months as it has become the leader in how social networks are monetized," said Alex Rosen, Managing Director at IDG Ventures SF. "We are excited to become investors in SocialMedia, and are looking forward to applying our media business expertise towards building out its sales and increasing its partnership activity."

"Our new product really resonated with brand advertisers leaving us with record profits and the ability to take on less growth capital," said Seth Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of SocialMedia Networks. "We are in a great position to now work on corporate partnerships and grow our sales team and are thrilled to have IDG Ventures SF as a financial partner in our business"

SocialMedia Networks raised initial venture investment through the Charles River Ventures QuickStart program, a seed funding program that allowed SocialMedia Networks to prototype its idea and test the market potential prior to series A financing.

About SocialMedia.com

SocialMedia.com is the largest independent social media advertising network, delivering ads within 5,000+ applications running on Facebook, Bebo, Hi5 and Myspace. The company has created the SocialMedia Advertising platform, enabling advertisers to buy positive "word of mouth" about their products and brands while reaching over 25M monthly unique users through its network.

Web Site: http://www.socialmedia.com

About IDG Ventures SF

IDG Ventures SF is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in New Media and IT companies in the US. The fund is part of IDG Ventures, a global network of technology venture funds with over $2 billion under management and 10 offices across Asia and North America. The fund works closely with International Data Group (IDG), the world's largest IT media company. By combining the IDG platform - an unparalleled combination of global publishing, market research (IDC), and conferences and exhibition resources - with years of hands-on experience in early-stage company building, IDG Ventures helps its portfolio companies understand their markets better and penetrate them faster than their competition. Leading technology companies that IDG has invested in include Netscape, Excite, Infoseek, Epiphany, F5 Networks, BabyCenter, Service Metrics, and Spinner.com in North America and Vinagames, Ctrip and Baidu in Asia.

Web Site: http://www.idgvsf.com/

If We Care, Why Aren't We Making Change Happen?

New administration works to close "Service Gap" between Americans' convictions about key issues and their volunteer activism

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A Porter Novelli Styles survey reveals a significant Service Gap between Americans who say they are concerned about causes and those who are willing to volunteer their own time and energy to support them. While more than 7 in 10 Americans indicate that a variety of causes are important to them -- supporting health research for problem diseases, protecting the environment and improving schools among them -- fewer than 1 in 5 have actively worked for betterment of these issues in the past 12 months.

In fact, for most causes, only 1 in 10, or fewer, Americans made personal efforts. President Obama took his first steps toward closing the Service Gap with his national Call to Service over the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend, which drew an estimated one million volunteers, as part of the highly anticipated launch of his administration's online organizing efforts (usaservice.org). Obama famously made community service a part of his campaign platform and vowed to utilize the Internet to create channels of communication enabling citizen volunteerism. "I will ask for your service and your active citizenship when I am president of the United States. This will not be a call issued in one speech or program; this will be a cause of my presidency," he said. His administration's goals include offering a tax credit to college students in exchange for hours of service work, and activating the swelling ranks of retirees into key volunteer service opportunities, among many others.

President Obama's own story of community involvement has put activism in the sights of millions of young Americans -- as a career path. As the country shifts away from consumer-focused industries and toward future-critical industries, college graduates are beginning to turn to service-oriented careers in droves. For example, this year, an unprecedented 19,000 graduates applied to Teach for America, making the nonprofit one of the largest hirers of college seniors -- eclipsing big names like Microsoft, Procter & Gamble and Accenture.

"When Teach for America moves into the position of one of the most desirable Ivy League employers," said Wendy Hagen, EVP/Partner and Director of Planning and Integration for Porter Novelli, "you know that volunteerism in America has attracted a whole new generation."

In this unprecedented time of need, the real challenge is how to engage everyday citizens in volunteering and service beyond an annual day of service. "By making it easier for Americans to find specific volunteer opportunities that align with their personal passions, skills and time availability, we could motivate even more people to get engaged in volunteering and sustain their involvement over time," said Hagen.

Porter Novelli Styles is a suite of annual surveys conducted among a variety of audiences. The base survey, ConsumerStyles, was conducted May through June 2008 among a total of 10,108 consumers. The data are weighted to ensure a nationally representative sample. The margin of error is +/- 1% for the total sample, and larger for subgroups. For additional Styles information, contact Styles@porternovelli.com.

About Porter Novelli

PORTER NOVELLI was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972 and is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). With 100 offices in 60 countries, we take a 360-degree view of clients' businesses to build powerful communications programs that resonate with critical stakeholders. Our reputation is built on our foundation in strategic planning and insights generation and our ability to adopt a media-neutral approach. We ensure our clients achieve Intelligent Influence, systematically mapping the most effective interactions, making them happen and measuring the outcome. Many minds. Singular results.

Advertising Creative Veteran Eddie Snyder Joins Partners+Napier

ATLANTA, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta office of Partners+Napier announced today it has hired award-winning, 28-year-creative veteran Eddie Snyder as its senior vice president and creative director.

Snyder has served as creative director or partner at several advertising agencies during his career, but joins Partners+Napier most recently from Fitzgerald+CO, an Atlanta-based advertising agency where he served as executive vice president and chief creative officer. Snyder helped build Fitzgerald+CO from 32 to 164 employees and from $15 to $200 million in billings, while working on well-known and creative brands including Coca-Cola, Durex, Time Warner, Aruba Tourism Authority, Russell Athletic, Havertys and Black and Decker. Additionally, he provided pro bono work to the National Black Arts Festival, National Kidney Foundation and Zoo Atlanta

"Eddie brings the kind of vision, imagination and passion our clients won't find anywhere else," said Steve Crabb, president, Partners+Napier Atlanta. "He truly provides clients with business-building and award-winning creativity and we look forward to offering that expertise to our current and future clients, staff and partners."

Snyder's prestigious awards have come from advertising and film industry leaders including the Cannes Film Festival, The One Show and Communication Arts and he has been featured in publications such as Creativity, PRINT and Graphis. Snyder also currently serves as director of advertising arts at the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, where he has been an instructor for more than 18 years.

Snyder joined Partners+Napier due to the agency's "innovation, creative thinking, fresh visual approach and smart people." But above all, because of his belief in Partners+Napier's corporate purpose, "liberating promise."

"For me, liberating promise was a point of differentiation from any other agency," said Snyder. "It's about thinking beyond the usual ways of doing things and searching for compelling ways to create a stronger bond between brands and consumers. It feels right for the business and feels right for me."

Snyder has served as the president of the Creative Club of Atlanta, chairman of ShowSouth and judged award competitions across the country. Raised in Nitro, W.Va., Snyder attended West Virginia University and began his career in creative shops in Hilton Head Island, S.C. He has raised identical twin sons, Matt and Nick, and resides with his wife, LeeAnn, in Roswell, Ga.

About Partners+Napier

Partners+Napier has 127 employees in offices in Rochester, N.Y., Atlanta and San Francisco. With $15 million revenue and $130 million in capitalized billings, Partners+Napier leads a larger network called the Partners Group, with offices in New York City and Toronto. Globally, Partners+Napier partners with thenetworkone(TM), a network of 300 independent agencies with the same vision and approach. The Atlanta office was established in 1999 and serves clients including Kodak, United Parcel Service, Shared Health, Simmons, Southern Linc and Kids II.

Mangos Recognized with Gold Graphis Award for Advertising Excellence

International competition honors the best in visual creative communications.

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Mangos, a full-service advertising agency, has been honored with another award for its outstanding creative work. The International Journal of Visual Communication recognized a print ad Mangos created for Cannondale bicycles with a Gold Graphis Award.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080306/AQTH073LOGO)

The Graphis Awards competition is highly selective, having grown out of the Graphis annual publication of the most influential work worldwide in Design, Advertising and Photography. In 2008 the Graphis Award competition attracted a pool of more than 840 international entries.

The ad, featuring Cannondale-sponsored pro cyclist Danillo DiLuca, was placed in top consumer cycling publications following his victory at the 2007 Giro d'Italia. Bradley Gast, President of Mangos, explains: "We leveraged DiLuca's victory by capturing the moment professional cyclists dream about - crossing the finish line first. The ad invited consumers to: 'Ride it. Feel it. Judge for yourself. Test ride the bike that won the Giro d'Italia.' Cannondale was pleased with our ability to wrap these layered messages into a single compelling piece."

In addition to the recent selection by Graphis, in 2008 Mangos received two gold awards from Medical Marketing & Media, two awards from AIGA for their 365 Annual Design Competition, eleven ADDYs (Philadelphia Regional Ad Club), and eleven awards from Healthcare Marketing Report.

About Mangos

Mangos is a full-service advertising agency, independently owned since 1977. Clients around the world turn to them to make complex business issues simple, human and relevant. Mangos has earned a reputation for creating award-winning work that delivers proven results.

Samples from the Mangos portfolio can be viewed at www.mangosinc.com.

    Media Contact:

    Jackie Gelman
    Mangos Inc.
    10 Great Valley Parkway
    Malvern, PA 19355
    610-296-2555
    jgelman@mangosinc.com

BuzzBack Market Research Announces Record Results in 2008

Sales were up 35 percent and business expanded last year

NEW YORK, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- BuzzBack Market Research, a leading Internet consumer research and marketing firm, today announced record results for 2008.

Sales were up 35% over one year ago, with increases in profits as the company saw a global expansion of its business. BuzzBack also added more than a dozen new clients to its portfolio of Fortune 100 consumer product companies and now works with six of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies.

Due to the increase in business, BuzzBack added new employees in 2008 and moved to a new larger headquarters in New York City, as well as expanded its year-old London office to meet growing European business demand.

"We are extremely pleased by the company's performance in 2008," said Carol Fitzgerald, co-founder and President of BuzzBack Market Research. "Driven primarily by an increased need for global research and adoption of our award-winning innovative technologies such as eCollage, our business grew by providing critical research and information to our many brand name consumer product and pharmaceutical companies."

Fitzgerald is hopeful for continued BuzzBack success in 2009 citing the need for Fortune 100 companies to have better research and information about our rapidly changing spending environment and the need to better understand consumers and market products in tough economic times. Fitzgerald said the company has upcoming plans to introduce new innovative technologies in the first half of 2009 that will help its clients achieve those goals.

About BuzzBack Market Research:

Since April 2000, BuzzBack Market Research headquartered in New York, NY and now with offices in London, UK, has pioneered new tools and technologies that provide fast, meaningful and actionable market research insights by developing more efficient and engaging online interviewing and reporting techniques. In 2007 BuzzBack was recognized by the MRS/ASC as the winner of the Technology Effectiveness Award.

For more information plus online demonstrations of BuzzBack's tools, visit www.BuzzBack.com

New Super Bowl Ad Reminds Minnesotans: 'We All Pay the Price for Tobacco'

ClearWay Minnesota(SM) highlights important health message during the big game

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Super Bowl is known as much for its striking ads as it is for the actual football game. Among this year's offerings will be a new ad from ClearWay Minnesota that somberly reminds Minnesotans that "we all pay the price for tobacco."

The devastating economic, emotional and health consequences of tobacco use are explored though a series of fast-paced, provocative images in a new spot called "Cash Register." The new spot will air during the Super Bowl in Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester, and statewide in the months to follow. Other elements of the campaign will include a website and print, online and bus ads.

"Our hope is that this campaign will spur renewed awareness that the cost of tobacco use, in lives lost, disease and health care costs, continues to be too high for individuals, families and the state," said David Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer of ClearWay Minnesota. "As Minnesota wrestles with historic budget deficits and soaring health care costs, the goal of continuing to reduce tobacco use needs to be a part of the solution."

The spot ends with the new campaign's website, www.weallpaytheprice.com, which provides facts about the comprehensive costs of tobacco, as well as highlighting areas where progress has been made and resources for people who want to quit.

The We All Pay the Price campaign highlights the following facts about tobacco use in Minnesota:

• Annually, tobacco use costs more than 5,500 Minnesotans their lives in addition to nearly $2 billion in health care costs, according to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
• Seventeen percent of Minnesotans, or 634,000 people, continue to smoke, according to the 2007 Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey.
• Each pack of cigarettes smoked in Minnesota costs an estimated $8.85 in medical expenses and lost productivity, according to the CDC. The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $4.24.

"ClearWay Minnesota has a history of launching new and innovative campaigns during the Super Bowl," said Jerry Fury, Vice President Creative Director at Clarity Coverdale Fury, the Minneapolis advertising agency that created the campaign. "The campaign's power is in the message that 'we all pay the price of tobacco.' That sentiment really hits home for the majority of Minnesotans, who have all been touched in some way by the devastating consequences of tobacco use."

The We All Pay the Price campaign will run through June. To view the television spot, contact Kerri Gordon for a copy on DVD, or visit www.weallpaytheprice.com on Friday, January 30.

All Minnesota adults have access to free professional stop-smoking help through QUITPLAN(R) Services, including free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. During the past eight years, more than 12,700 Minnesotans quit smoking with the help of QUITPLAN Services. Call 1-888-354-PLAN or visit www.quitplan.com for more information.

ClearWay Minnesota is an independent, nonprofit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. ClearWay Minnesota serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, QUITPLAN(R) stop-smoking services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state's 1998 tobacco settlement.

For more information on ClearWay Minnesota or QUITPLAN Services, call 952-767-1400 or visit www.clearwaymn.org.

Glam Media Acquires AdaptiveAds

Acquisition of Silicon Valley Ad-Technology Startup Provides Brand Engagement and Ad Optimization Across Content Verticals for Brand Ads Using BrandWords(TM)

Opens Glam Technology Center in India

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., NEW YORK and MUMBAI, India, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Glam Media, Inc. (www.GlamMedia.com), a vertical content network with more than 900 publishers worldwide and a comScore Media Metrix Top 10 Web property, today announced the acquisition of AdaptiveAds, a venture-backed display ad targeting and optimization company based in San Francisco and Mumbai, India. AdaptiveAds brings smart, creative audience targeting, adaptive ad optimization and brand engagement tracking to Glam Media's powerful brand ads platform--Glam Media Evolution(TM), and enables both agency direct and self-service media buying solutions. Through the acquisition, Glam Media is opening an office in Mumbai and establishing an engineering presence in Pune, India. In December 2008, Glam Media reached more than 100 million unique visitors globally for the first time as reported by comScore Media Metrix.

"AdaptiveAds supercharges Glam Media's brand engagement technology, delivering insight into how ads behave with different audiences and giving brands the ability to dynamically act based on this knowledge," said Samir Arora, chairman & CEO of Glam Media. "This acquisition will help optimize results for brand ad campaigns across Glam Media's targeted content verticals, passion groups and geographies."

AdaptiveAds' next generation ad serving platform, now renamed GlamAdapt, makes complex real-time ad serving and targeting decisions with the primary goal of optimizing brand engagement across a range of metrics critical for brand advertisers. GlamAdapt provides a breakthrough level of reporting intelligence for brands by delivering valuable return on investment analysis that is essential for managing marketing programs in the current economic environment. The platform will arm brands with insights into not only which specific vertical audiences or passion groups respond to their ads, but also which messages and marketing solutions provide the greatest engagement levels for each type of audience.

GlamAdapt BrandWords(TM) brings a simple yet revolutionary technology for advertisers to target audiences for brand engagement, similar to keywords used to optimize direct response search ads. Today, brands are limited to either terms a user may have searched for or weak contextual terms, neither of which provide the insight needed to execute successful campaigns. BrandWords are built the way brands think--by offering a wide range of targetable terms such as audience, context, sites, behavior, primetime and placement. For example, an advertiser can select Women 24-40, Fashionista, Beauty, At Home and Above the Fold for a campaign for a beauty product; Men, Urban, New York, Very High Income, Influential, and Follows Style could help launch a new luxury product. GlamAdapt helps find the best match for the BrandWords selected, then dynamically monitors and adapts the campaigns to ensure the best brand reach and engagement.

AdaptiveAds' self-service ad technology will become the platform for GlamAds, the only self-serve brand advertising system of its kind focused on premium display. The display ads direct self-serve system, offering both vertical targeting and scale, will let agencies quickly create and place custom media ad buys across any verticals in the Glam Media network. A version of GlamAds will also provide the same service directly to small and medium-sized businesses, bringing purchasing power and pricing transparency never before seen in the premium online display ad ecosystem. Publishers in the network will be able to manage their primetime ads, advertorials, sponsorships and widget ads, and use GlamAds to manage non-primetime inventory.

"The integration of Glam Media and AdaptiveAds delivers the next generation of ad targeting, serving, optimization and reporting technologies that provide brands smart audience engagement not possible in print and TV advertising," said Yogesh Sharma, CEO of AdaptiveAds. "Together Glam and AdaptiveAds are bringing advanced technology to help break down the barriers to effective brand ads online."

AdaptiveAds is a three-year old start-up with investors who include top-tier VC firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson, key Silicon Valley startup investors and a list of blue-chip customers. AdaptiveAds' US-based employees will join Glam's ad products team in Brisbane, Calif. Offices in Mumbai and Pune will become Glam's engineering and product development centers in India. AdaptiveAds co-founder and CEO Yogesh Sharma will become Vice President & General Manager of Ad Solutions at Glam Media. Glam is also reorganizing its technology, engineering and content teams to focus on brand engagement and display optimization, and expects to hire engineering employees in India. AdaptiveAds co-founder Sanjay Sharma will lead the team in India. Glam expects a net addition of approximately 20 new employees with this acquisition, bringing the total employees at Glam globally to 200.

"Technology innovation has been one of Glam's key differentiators since the beginning," said Fernando Ruarte, co-founder and CTO of Glam Media. "The acquisition of AdaptiveAds helps Glam bring advanced targeting, optimization and tracking technology using simple BrandWords to a reach of over 100 million unique visitors globally."

More than 1,000 of the world's top brands have taken advantage of Glam Media's creative advertising solutions and sophisticated ad-targeting and measurement system. Glam Evolution(TM), the Web's first primetime inventory placement and vertical targeting platform, enables vertical targeting by audience, content, primetime and placement, filling a sweet spot in brand display advertising, which stands out in contrast to remnant display advertising solution. Glam Evolution(TM) is deployed across the Glam distributed media network of 900+ publishers worldwide. Both GlamAds and GlamAdapt will be launched as part of Glam Evolution(TM) platform later this quarter on Glam.com women's and Brash.com men's vertical networks.

About Glam Media

Glam Media is the pioneer and global leader of Vertical Content Networks, leveraging a revolutionary new media model that brings brand advertisers to targeted vertical audiences online. With more than 900 publishers worldwide, Glam Media comprises Glam.com, a carefully curated network of popular and influential lifestyle women's websites, blogs and magazines, and Brash.com, the newly launched network catering exclusively to men. Glam Media's reach is deep and far-reaching; it is a comScore Top 10 Web property, with a total reach of 61 million unique monthly visitors in the U.S. and 110 million uniques globally, and is also a Top 10 Display Ad Publisher. Glam Media is #1 for Women in US, UK, and Germany, and has been the fastest growing company in 2007 and 2008. Glam Media is backed by Hubert Burda Media, GLG Partners, Accel Partners, DAG Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Walden Venture Capital and Information Capital. The company is headquartered in New York City, New York and Silicon Valley, California, with international offices in London, Munich, Berlin and Tokyo.

Infomercial Production a Hot Topic at Upcoming DRTV Course

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Working effectively with an infomercial production company requires the ability to collaborate. And this collaborative effort is the foundation of a successful DRTV campaign.

"In my experience, the best possible results come from a true partnership between the marketer and the infomercial production company," says Direct Response Academy CEO Greg Sarnow. "Marketers know their products better than anyone. Their input is vital during creative development. The combination of that knowledge with the production team's expertise and experience in developing the right type of infomercial for your product and target audience is very powerful."

The upcoming DRTV Management Boot Camp - Special Focus: Customer Acquisition program in Miami offers the opportunity to learn the infomercial production process. Sarnow will share the critical steps the technical experts follow to produce the best spot for a particular product. The course will also include a study of the most successful infomercial style: the customer acquisition model.

The DRTV Management Boot Camp is the industry's gold standard training program. The course explores a full infomercial campaign from start to finish. Participants will learn to:

• Determine if a product is feasible for an infomercial campaign
• Build a compelling product offer
• Choose the best creative approach and production format
• Build a sound financial model
• Analyze media placement results
• Maximize effectiveness of telemarketing and product fulfillment vendors
• Integrate web sales with a DRTV campaign
• Brand DRTV products for sale at the retail level

The Back-End Management program completes the course. Participants learn to manage a campaign when an infomercial is a hit, concentrating on the sales process, telemarketing, fulfillment, customer service, and financial components.

This program is designed for anyone involved in direct response television, from marketing and advertising managers, to inventors, entrepreneurs, and DRTV service providers.

The course will be held at the Marriott South Beach from February 18-20. For more information, contact Mark Warren at markw@directresponseacademy.com. Visit: www.DirectResponseAcademy.com/

The Direct Response Academy in Austin, Texas is the only educational company dedicated to teaching the best practices of direct response television marketing. The Academy offers on-site and public training, infomercial campaign management, and consulting services for companies and individuals who are launching or managing DRTV campaigns.

    CONTACT:  Patricia Mellody
              512-301-5900
              pat@directresponseacademy.com

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Greg Sarnow

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=67583

Affinion Loyalty Group Hires Veteran Industry Leader

Mark Shipley Joins Company as Vice President of Sales

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinion Loyalty Group (ALG) today announced that Mark Shipley, formerly of Maritz Loyalty and MasterCard, has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. In this role, Shipley will lead new client expansion, as well as play a critical role in the organization's strategic planning efforts.

"Mark's vision of the loyalty industry validates and complements the philosophies that drive ALG's business success," said Marti Beller, President, ALG. "We are excited to have such a well-respected industry innovator join us. His knowledge and experience will help us capitalize on an unprecedented year of growth in 2008 to further shape the future of loyalty."

Shipley is a pioneer of the new loyalty landscape, playing a key part in re-defining the broader role that technology, analytics and dialogue play in customer engagement in every form, including acquisition and retention programs. He is the former Senior Vice President of Global Loyalty and Rewards for MasterCard Worldwide; President of Loyalty Marketing for Maritz Loyalty Marketing; and has held various management roles in AT&T's Network division, including business development, product management and training.

"I've always respected ALG's forward thinking strategy that allows for the best solutions for its clients and the best value for its clients' customers," Shipley stated. "When the opportunity to join forces with the recognized leader in the loyalty industry arose, I knew it would be the perfect fit for me. I've witnessed ALG transform into a dominating force within the loyalty industry, and based on the company's wins in 2008, I couldn't imagine pairing with anyone else."

Shipley brings nearly 15 years of experience in the loyalty industry to the company. He has earned a Master's degree from Washington University and a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University. In addition to his role as Vice President of Sales, Shipley will act as one of ALG's spokespersons to promote the company's vision of the loyalty industry.

About Affinion Loyalty Group: Affinion Loyalty Group (ALG) is a leading loyalty provider whose products and services touch one in every three Americans. With nearly 30 years of experience, the company drives incremental revenue by increasing customer loyalty for its clients who include top financial institutions, hotel and airline companies, and automotive manufacturers. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., ALG is the loyalty division of Affinion Group, the global leader in customer engagement. For more information, visit www.affinion.com/loyalty or call 800.622.4863.

New York Women in Communications Presents the 2009 Matrix Awards

Distinguished Honorees Will Include... Campbell Brown, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linda Wells, Leslee Dart, Linda Sawyer, Among Many Others

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- New YorkWomen in Communications will present the 2009 Matrix Awards, sponsored by Seventeen, during a luncheon held at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City to eight distinguished women on Monday, April 27, 2009. The prestigious annual award recognizes exceptional women who have established themselves in communications fields such as, advertising, arts & entertainment, broadcasting, digital media, magazines, marketing, newspapers and public relations.

The Matrix Awards luncheon is recognized by New York's communications and entertainment community as one of the most outstanding events of the year, with more than fifteen hundred people expected to gather in salute of exceptional women in the communications fields. Portions of the proceeds from the Matrix Awards Luncheon go to our Foundation which offers a full range of scholarships. Additionally, proceeds are used by the organization to develop and maintain a full calendar of affordable programs and special events, networking and support systems for the organization's members and the community at large.

The 2009 award honorees are as follows:

Advertising: Linda Sawyer, chief executive officer, Deutsch, Inc.

Arts & Entertainment: S. Epatha Merkerson, award-winning actress, Law & Order

Broadcasting: Campbell Brown, CNN anchor, "No Bias, No Bull"

Digital Media: Dany Levy, founder and editorial director, Daily Candy, Inc.

Magazines: Linda Wells, editor-in-chief, Allure Magazine

Marketing: Sherrie Rollins Westin, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Sesame Workshop

Newspapers: Monica Langley, deputy bureau chief, The Wall Street Journal

Public Relations: Leslee Dart, founder and chief executive officer, 42West

"In the 80th year of our organization, New York Women in Communications is thrilled to host the Matrix Awards, in celebration of the achievements of our distinguished honorees and to showcase 'Women Who Change the World,'" said Nancy Rabstejnek Nichols, senior vice president, external affairs at Weber Shandwick Worldwide and president of New York Women in Communications.

TICKETS: Individual tickets for members and non-members, as well as information on sponsorships and program advertising opportunities are now available at www.nywici.org.

About The Matrix Awards

Since 1970, New York Women in Communications' Matrix Awards Luncheon has been recognized by New York's communications and entertainment communities as one of the most outstanding events of the year. Past recipients include Arianna Huffington, Katie Couric, Meryl Streep, Nora Ephron, Ann Moore, Toni Morrison, Barbara Walters and Anna Quindlen.

Proceeds from the Matrix Awards Luncheon are used by New York Women in Communications to develop and maintain a full calendar of affordable programs and special events, networking and support systems for the organization's members and the community at large. Additionally, the New York Women in Communications Foundation awards scholarships and provides educational programs for women, whether just beginning their careers or embarking on a transition in their careers. It is the largest foundation for communications scholarships for women in the tri-state area. Recipients are introduced at the luncheon.

New York Women in Communications

New York Women in Communications, founded in 1929, is a not-for-profit organization of almost 2,000 communications professionals dedicated to promoting the highest standards throughout the industry and to providing education and leadership for the next generation. The membership encompasses senior executives and other experienced communicators from a wide range of enterprises as well as young professionals and students. The organization empowers women in all communications disciplines to reach their full potential by promoting their professional growth and inspiring them to achieve and share their successes in the rapidly changing world of communications.

Seventeen

Seventeen (www.seventeen.com) is the best-selling monthly teen magazine, reaching more than 13 million readers every month. In each issue, Seventeen reports on the latest in fashion, beauty, health and entertainment, as well as information and advice on the complex real-life issues that young women face every day. Readers can also interact with the brand on the digital front, with Seventeen mobile (m.seventeen.com). In addition to its U.S. flagship, Seventeen publishes 13 editions around the world. Seventeen is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with nearly 200 editions around the world, including 16 U.S. titles and 19 magazines in the United Kingdom, published through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (70.6 million total adults, according to MRI, Fall 2008).

    Contact:
    Kristen Kurtz: 212.297.2135
    kkurtz@kellencompany.com

Generate Inks Exclusive Television Development & Production Deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Generate (www.generatela.com), the cross-platform production and management company, has signed an exclusive multiyear television development and production deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV). The announcement was made today by Generate CEO, Jordan Levin, Pete Aronson, president of Generate Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Television Executive Vice President of Creative Affairs, Jennifer Nicholson-Salke at the annual National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference taking place this week in Las Vegas.

Under the multiyear deal, Generate will develop scripted broadcast and cable series concepts exclusively for TCFTV, which will also get a first look at any alternative or reality programming concepts developed by Generate over the course of the deal.

Generate, which develops franchise entertainment properties across broadband, television, film and publishing, is responsible for producing two of the fall television season's most critically-lauded new series: The David Alan Grier vehicle, Chocolate News for Comedy Central and Somebodies, BET's first original scripted series based on the Sundance-honored film of the same name.

"We are very excited to be partnering with Twentieth, a studio my partners and I have had the pleasure of working with in various capacities over the years," said Levin. "Forging this increasingly rare type of deal is an important milestone for our growing television division."

"We have a long history with Jordan and Pete and are excited to be working with them again," commented Nicholson-Salke. "They are smart, creative guys with fantastic taste in both talent and material and we can't wait to get a crack at their development."

As CEO of the WB Television Network, Levin worked in partnership with TCFTV Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden on audience favorites like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Reba and Roswell. Aronson served as president of Regency Television, the studio created from a partnership between News Corp.'s Fox TV Studios and Arnon Milchan's Regency Enterprises, before joining the studio's Bernie Mac Show as executive producer.

"Following a busy 2008, we are well-positioned for further growth and continued success creating compelling entertainment concepts, informed by our background in both traditional TV and multiplatform digital content," added Aronson.

In addition to Chocolate News and Somebodies, Generate's fall 2008 slate included two scripted, original Web series: The political satire Republicrats produced exclusively for MSN; and the second season of the dark comedy, Pink: The Series, which recently cracked the top 15 most-subscribed channels on YouTube.

Generate is represented by UTA and Abel Lezcano of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein & Lezcano, LLP.

About Generate

Launched in 2006 by leading entertainment executives with diverse experience in television, film, digital and talent management, Generate is the first cross-platform production and management company established to develop franchise entertainment properties for the transmedia generation. Generate develops professionally produced, premium content that can migrate from broadband to television, film, publishing and beyond, and creates innovative concepts to integrate into the advertising, technology and entertainment communities. Generate's talent management arm boasts a large concentration of online talent including actors, comedians, writers, producers and directors. Headquartered in Los Angeles and New York, Generate was recently named by TV Week magazine as a Top Web Video Creator and to the 2008 AlwaysOn OnHollywood 100 as a top private company in digital entertainment and media. The company completed a $6 million Series A round backed by Velocity Interactive Group and MK Capital in March 2008. For more information on Generate visit www.generatela.com.

About Twentieth Century Fox Television

Twentieth Century Fox Television, a division of News Corp, is a leading supplier of entertainment programming domestically and around the world.

Delphi Display Systems and Allure Global Solutions Partner to Deliver Integrated Outdoor Digital Menu Boards and Order Confirmation for Restaurants

ATLANTA, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Allure Global Solutions, Inc. today announced a partnership with Delphi Display Systems, Inc. to deliver integrated outdoor digital menu boards and order confirmation displays for the restaurant industry.

Allure Global's digital signage networks are designed to influence customer purchasing behavior and maximize restaurant revenues. The company can integrate its digital media offerings with industry-leading point-of-sale (POS) software to maximize efficiency and marketing effectiveness in restaurant environments. Its digital media content for drive-thru menu boards can be centrally managed along with in-store menu displays for a streamlined solution and a consistent look and feel.

Delphi Display Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of ruggedized, sunlight-readable Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology for outdoor use. One of its primary solutions includes drive-thru order confirmation systems (OCS), which it provides for nationwide chains such as McDonald's, Jack-in-the-Box, Wendy's, Taco Bell, KFC, Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. The partnership with Allure Global will deliver integrated digital media content on Delphi Display Systems' Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) solutions.

"Digital signage is proven to be more effective than static signage in driving QSR sales," said Ken Neeld, President and CEO for Delphi Display Systems. "Our partnership with Allure Global will play on the strengths of both companies to bring high-quality, reliable digital media to restaurants that helps showcase new menu items, special promotions and most importantly, ensures the accuracy of the customer order."

According to Delphi Display Systems, errors in the drive-thru can hurt profits and leave a bad impression with customers. Delphi Order Confirmation System (OCS) Displays help customers confirm what they order and provide a running total of the order. From a restaurant perspective, this enables customers to know how much (more) they can spend. They are typically positioned near the menu board to be viewed as part of the ordering process. The Delphi OCS Display can also be used to display graphics of new or promoted items to customers positioned at the critical purchase point. Allure Global's digital media content solutions will be offered in partnership with Delphi Display Systems, including:

Digital Menu Boards and Order Confirmation System Displays-designed to help restaurant operators increase sales, reduce merchandising costs and increase guest awareness. Allure Global's flexible components enable the use of motion-graphic marketing messages, all managed through a central server. Menu board and OCS Display content can be integrated with an existing POS system.

Digital Product Merchandisers-enhances retail merchandising, marketing, spot promotions and advertising with high-impact motion graphics. The Allure Global solution helps increase sales and reduces operating expenses with a completely Web-based application and POS integration.

"We are thrilled to offer a joint solution for digital media with an industry leader like Delphi Display Systems," said Craig K. Chapin, CEO of Allure Global Solutions. "Delphi's emphasis on customer service and product reliability is complementary to Allure Global's focus on high-quality, enterprise digital signage technology. We believe this partnership will benefit restaurants by helping to drive revenues, streamline costs and enhance the customer experience."

About Delphi Display Systems, Inc.

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA., Delphi Display Systems designs and manufactures a wide variety of outdoor digital signage products serving the quick service restaurant (QSR), petroleum retail and other retail market verticals. Applications include drive-thru order confirmation, digital menu boards, gas pump top video displays, outdoor information kiosks and outdoor digital signage solutions for arenas, parks, stadiums and more. For more information about the company please visit them on the Web at www.DelphiDisplay.com or call (800) 456-0060.

About Allure Global Solutions, Inc.

Allure Global Solutions, Inc. provides dynamic digital media solutions and comprehensive, flexible enterprise point-of-sale (POS) software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Allure Global's wide array of POS and digital media offerings are bolstering sales at theaters, restaurants, convenience stores, theme parks and retail spaces worldwide.

The company's mission is to create, deploy and support high-quality enterprise software solutions for cinema-specific point-of-sale systems, self- service kiosks, fountain display solutions, digital menu boards, digital merchandising screens and order confirmation displays. Please visit www.allureglobal.com for more information, or call (770) 951-0000.

Enter Your Best Work for IABC/Detroit Awards

DETROIT, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- IABC/Detroit invites communications professionals to submit their work in the association's call for entries for its 2009 Renaissance Awards program. Industry peers will recognize best practices in communication management, marketing, public relations, writing, and graphic design.

The program is open to all professionals in Southeast Michigan, Northwest Ohio and Southwest Ontario. You do not need to be an IABC member to submit entries.

The awards focus on three communications disciplines: communications management, skills and creative. Judged by industry experts, the Renaissance Awards are seen as a credible measure of you and your company's professional skills and expertise. The award is a distinctive accomplishment to add to your professional resume.

Entry guidelines are available by going to the chapter Website at: http://www.iabcdetroit.com . Entries received by March 10, 2009 are $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Entries received after March 10 but by the final deadline of March 18, 2009 are $85 for members and $105 for non-members.

All entries are must be received by Wednesday, March 18. Winners will be notified in mid-May and will be recognized at a June awards ceremony. Entries should be submitted to:

    2009 IABC Detroit Renaissance Awards
    301 W. 4th Street
    Suite 300
    Royal Oak, MI 48067

IABC/Detroit is one of the largest chapters within the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). IABC is a global network of more than 15,000 communications professionals and the only multidisciplinary professional association dedicated to both internal and external communications. For more information about IABC/Detroit, visit http://www.iabcdetroit.com .

A 21st Century Business Management Governance System Taught in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Smarter Solutions, Inc. has enhanced the traditional Lean Six Sigma training courses by not only providing the roadmaps and tools sets for truly blending Lean and Six Sigma tools at the process improvement project execution level, but by also providing a business management governance system.

An American Management Association (AMA) MWorld Winter 2008-09 article describes a 21st century business management governance system that addresses this reinvention need. This article describes an Integrated Enterprise Excellence (IEE) business governance system for going Beyond Lean Six and the Balanced Scorecard. IEE provides a long-lasting business management framework for healthy policy-creation with a no-nonsense, structured integration of scorecards, strategic planning, business improvement, and controls.

IEE Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Master Black Belt training helps organizations create a risk-avoidance system that is not so dependent upon the decisions a superman or superwomen makes when running a business; e.g., Steve Jobs' success at Apple. IEE helps organizations create a system for systematically orchestrating the blending of analytics with innovation so that the enterprise and its scorecards, as a whole, benefits.

        A recent student, Mark Kocour Director of Continuous Improvement at
        MGP Ingredients, stated: "Forrest and his Team do a great job of
        teaching the concepts of Lean Six Sigma in a practical manner, and
        excel at linking these concepts to the performance of the overall
        business through use of the Integrated Enterprise Excellence project
        system.  Their grasp of knowledge in improvement methodologies is
        unparalleled, and I would highly recommend their services to any
        organization which desires to improve their overall business
        performance."

IEE Black Belt and Master Black Belt training follows the detailed roadmaps provided in a new set of books. The author, Forrest Breyfogle, describes IEE training as "not only teaching the tools but also the thought process of how to wisely use Lean and Six Sigma methodologies for both process improvement project execution and enterprise business management governance as well. The IEE Project Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (P-DMAIC) roadmap described in Volume III of the book set guides practitioners through the process improvement project execution. While, the Enterprise process DMAIC (E-DMAIC) system in Volume II provides the roadmap for creating and executing a no-nonsense business governance system that addresses today's business issues."

        Chris Ellis from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company says, "With the
        skills and tools I learned from Smarter Solutions Black Belt
        training, I am able to address organizational and business
        problems with a greater degree of effectiveness than ever
        before." 

IEE provides the framework where non-profit and for-profit organizations can reduce firefighting and move towards the 3 Rs of business; i.e., everyone doing the Right things and doing them Right, at the Right time. The IEE system helps organizations make structural risk assessments, for unintended consequence avoidance. IEE provides the organizational roadmap for achievement of the three Rs of business.

www.SmarterSolutions.com