• by August 2, 2000

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SPOTLIGHT:

Mediasmith, Inc. announced today that industry veteran MICHAEL D. DREXLER has joined the company as Executive Vice President and member of the company's executive committee. In his new role at the company, Drexler will open a New York office, marking the expansion of the firm's operations beyond its San Francisco headquarters.

Drexler, 61, most recently served as Executive Vice President and Media Director of FCB Worldwide. Prior to that he was Chairman of TN Media, the media buying unit of True North Communications. Before the agency was purchased by True North in 1997, Drexler headed Bozell's global media planning and buying operations as Worldwide Media Director.

"Technology is changing the way that advertising works and results are measured", Drexler commented. "In my opinion this company is the place to be now."

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"Mediasmith is taking the leadership role in the development of new media applications and measurements that provide advertisers with full accountability for their marketing investments; just what they need and want today," he added. "It delivers full integration between traditional and new media; it's way ahead of the curve and the competition in terms of Interactive measurement; and it really knows how to give clients the optimal mix of media designed to achieve their goals. This is true, whether the goals are branding, direct response on the Web, audience development and traffic building or based on other metrics."

"Mike Drexler brings with him 40 years of experience and a reputation as one of the advertising industry's leading media experts," noted Dave Smith, the firm's founder and President. "His track record of insights and innovation are a perfect match for what our company is known for today, and more specifically where we're headed in the future."

Launched in 1989, Mediasmith began as an agency specializing in the planning and buying of traditional media advertising. Mediasmith projects its billings to reach $100 million this year, double its 1999 volume, with a blend of offline and online media. Currently Mediasmith has a staff of 50 in its San Francisco office. Plans call for adding staff in New York beginning immediately.

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