Innovative Training Strategies, Inc. Becomes Ardent; New Name Reflects Attitude, Approach; Will Open California Office

    ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 19 Innovative Training Strategies,
Inc., a fast-growing learning consulting company with an impressive
multinational client base, today announced it has a new name:  Ardent.
    "It's more than a name for our company, it's the way we work.  It's who we
are," says Ken Caiazza, chief executive officer of the Rochester,
New York-based firm.  Ardent is best known for developing customized learning
solutions programs for such leading auto manufacturers as Volvo, Honda,
Porsche, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz, as well the hot Internet recruiting
company, HotJobs.com, and Gambro HealthCare.
    In addition to introducing a new name, Ardent is also planning to open a
new office in Irvine, California later this Summer.
    "Being in Southern California will provide additional convenience and
access for our West Coast clients," Caiazza says.  "It's part of what being
Ardent is all about."
    Caiazza, who brings 15 years of experience in studying human behavior and
adult learning patterns, has built the company he founded in 1992 with only
one contract into a $6 million enterprise.
    "When employees have the information and skills to do their jobs well,
they are the key to building customer loyalty," Caiazza says.  "Our programs
work because they are based on understanding our clients and their
needs very well.  Each program is customized.  We don't do 'off the shelf'
training."

    "Be Brilliant"
    The name Ardent and a new positioning tagline -- "Be Brilliant" -- were
chosen following a comprehensive positioning process that included in-depth
interviews with many of the company's clients.  All valued the company's
professionalism, responsiveness and positive attitude.
    "Ardent is a good name for them," confirms Robert Appleton, Director of
Training and Development for Volvo Cars of North America.  "They're involved,
creative, professional and fun to work with, and they encourage all those same
qualities in others.  They understand our business and how to really motivate
our employees to improve."
    For information about customized training programs, contact Ardent at
(716) 454-1240 or visit our website at http://www.ardentlearning.com.