PR Agency Fleishman-Hillard and Strat@comm Join Forces

Combination Will Create Transportation Communications Powerhouse

WASHINGTON, March 29 -- Fleishman-Hillard International Communications announced today that it has acquired a majority interest in Strat@comm, a D.C.-based public affairs firm specializing in transportation public affairs with offices in Washington, D.C., and Detroit, Michigan. Strat@comm has the largest automotive public affairs practice in the country and is one of the nation's leaders in overall transportation public affairs.

"I am pleased to announce the addition of Strat@comm to the Fleishman- Hillard network," said John D. Graham, Fleishman-Hillard's chairman and chief executive officer. "Jeff Conley, Ron DeFore, and Diane Steed -- Strat@comm's founding principals -- are three of the most respected communications professionals serving the transportation industry. Together, they have built one of the most successful and influential public affairs firms in Washington, D.C. The addition of Strat@comm to the Fleishman-Hillard family not only reinforces our position as the world's leading public affairs consultancy, but strengthens our leadership position in the Washington, D.C., market and adds a presence for us in the Detroit market as well."

Strat@comm will operate independently as a Fleishman-Hillard company and maintain its existing offices under the leadership of Jeff Conley, Ron DeFore, and Diane Steed. Strat@comm will draw upon Fleishman-Hillard's worldwide resources in public affairs, crisis communications, corporate branding, marketing communications, employee communications, issues management, investor relations, interactive design, and government relations, to offer clients strategic counsel on a range of issues.

"This is a real added plus for Strat@comm clients," said Strat@comm principal Jeff Conley. "By becoming part of one of the world's largest public relations agencies, we can offer Strat@comm clients direct access to the powerful, global resources of a team of outstanding communications professionals who share our passion for great service and quality results. In our shared culture and values and in our commitment to our clients, our firms complement each other in every way."

"Since its founding in 1995, Strat@comm has earned a reputation as one of the industry's true movers and shakers," said Paul W. Johnson, regional president of Fleishman-Hillard's Mid-Atlantic region. "Strat@comm's strengths, combined with Fleishman-Hillard's existing public relations, social impact marketing, issues advertising, government relations, and political consulting operations in Washington, D.C., create a communications powerhouse in our nation's capital.

"Jeff, Ron, and Diane, with their unequaled combination of strategic abilities and understanding of the Washington, D.C., policy and communications landscape, are a powerful addition to our team of senior counselors at Fleishman-Hillard, GMMB, and Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations," said Johnson. "They expand our ability to offer clients a complete portfolio of services, including public relations, public affairs, lobbying, advertising, graphic design, video production, e-commerce solutions, and political consulting."

Jeff Conley, principal and cofounder of Strat@comm, is a recognized authority on automotive, environmental, and energy public affairs who has counseled clients throughout the country. His specialties include managing sensitive public policy issues and developing and implementing image campaigns. Prior to starting Strat@comm, Conley was executive vice president and chief financial officer of the E. Bruce Harrison Company (Ruder Finn), Washington, D.C.

Ron DeFore, principal and cofounder of Strat@comm, has 25 years of experience in public affairs, promotions, and radio, television, and film production. DeFore has worked with national and local media on a wide variety of issues in his positions as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation; director of public and consumer affairs, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; press officer and acting director of public affairs, U.S. Peace Corps; and news and production positions at Paramount Studios and KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.

Diane Steed is a recognized expert in government relations, with more than 25 years of top-level Washington, D.C., experience. In her government career, Steed served as the longest-tenured administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency that regulates the automotive industry. At NHTSA, she initiated a nationwide public education campaign that resulted in the tripling of safety belt use by American motorists.

In addition to Strat@comm's transportation practice, the firm has successfully expanded into food and beverage, environmental, and health and safety public affairs. Strat@comm has a strong track record of developing successful campaigns for its clients that include strategy and program development, media placements, coalition building, grassroots activation, media training, and award-winning graphics and video productions.

One of the world's leading public relations firms, Fleishman-Hillard has built its reputation on using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa through its 83 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at www.fleishman.com .

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. , a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.