SAN FRANCISCO - Continuing to anticipate and meet the demands of technology-based companies, TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group announced the opening of its first full-service office in San Francisco, an area which has become synonymous with technology and entrepreneurial spirit. TFA/Leo Burnett, one of the nation's leading integrated strategic marketing communications agencies serving the business-to-business and consumer sectors of the high-technology industry, has established the San Francisco office to strategically align with the 7,000 technology-based companies based in the Bay Area.

"As we expand nationally, the Bay Area, which houses the highest concentration of high-technology firms and professionals anywhere, is an obvious strategic next step for TFA/Leo Burnett," said Sean B. Bisceglia, chief executive officer, TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group. "The companies based in this area possess entrepreneurial spirit, innovative ideals and a desire to become the best - qualities we can relate to. While people may 'leave their heart in San Francisco', TFA/Leo Burnett is moving in to become the pulse of technology marketing in the Bay Area."

Robert Ahearn, a Bay Area native, is president of TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group, San Francisco, managing the agency's daily operations and directing all strategic client-development activities. Ahearn brings 12 years of advertising and marketing experience, most recently holding the position of director of business development with Euro RSCG World Wide, Marketing Services Network. At Euro he was instrumental in establishing a worldwide network of marketing services agencies, allowing the firm to offer an integrated solution to clients globally.

"There is a clear need for a marcom company that truly understands the value of branding in the technology industry - especially in these rapidly changing times when differentiated offerings can mean success or failure," said Ahearn. "TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group is unique in melding the Burnett history and proprietary branding techniques with TFA's industry expertise within the high-tech market."

Tremendous opportunities lie in the Bay Area. Its geography extends across 30 cities, including San Jose, Santa Clara and Alameda, and includes more than 1.2 million jobs and 2.3 million residents.

"Bringing TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group to Silicon Valley makes perfect sense because technology is the most immediate industry, and it's important for us as marketing partners to have experts on the ground to work with clients," said Linda Wolf, group president of Leo Burnett North America. "There is a tremendous opportunity for us to make a tangible impact on the companies in this area which will have access to the vast resources of Leo Burnett, including StarCom, Starcom IP and others, as well as the tech savvy of TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group."

By the year 2000, the agency projects its San Francisco billings to reach $14 million or approximately 33 percent of TFA/Leo Burnett's annual national billings. Initially, 11 employees will staff the new office, located at 301 Howard Street, with 22 expected by year-end.

TFA/Leo Burnett Technology Group is a fully integrated marketing communications firm with offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and Austin. The agency focuses on promoting and positioning high-technology products and services for business-to-business companies. In April 1999, Marketing Computers ranked the agency as the fourth largest high-technology business-to-business marketing communications agency in the U.S., with 1998 capitalized billings of more than $107 million. TFA/Leo Burnett's clients include Motorola, Open Market, CMGI, IMRglobal, ADP Dealer Services and Efficient Networks. The agency recently received eight Marcom awards and one Golden Icon award for its strategic and creative programs. Other awards received include three Pro-Comm awards in the categories of direct mail, newsletter development and Web site design.

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