Exhibit Enterprises Appoints Kenneth W. Jacobson, Jr. Chief Financial Officer
4 October 2000
Exhibit Enterprises Appoints Kenneth W. Jacobson, Jr. Chief Financial OfficerCPA with Engineering Firm and 'Big Three' Experience Guides Finances at Leading Exhibit Company DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 4 Exhibit Enterprises Inc. (EEI) of Dearborn -- one of the world's leading exhibit and trade show production companies -- announced the appointment of Kenneth W. Jacobson, Jr. to chief financial officer. "Ken Jacobson's experience guiding the finances of major engineering firms and as a 'Big Three' supplier will stand him in good stead at EEI," said EEI President and CEO Derek Gentile. "He is particularly valuable to us because of our strategic emphasis on customizing solutions for individual clients. This includes meticulous financial reporting, which we use to track our progress on an ongoing basis." "In the development and implementation of this strategy, we are continually examining and improving all company processes, including financial planning, budgeting, estimating and other financial functions. Having strong financial controls enhances our ability to develop on-target, client-specific solutions, and actually gives our designers more leeway for creativity. In this environment, Ken Jacobson is a key player." Jacobson comes to EEI from Haden International Group, Auburn Hills, Mich., the paint and industrial systems division of Haden MacLellan Holdings, London where from 1998 to 2000 he was controller, responsible for several key administrative and financial functions. He led the authoring and implementation of the company's strategic business plan, streamlined accounting and administrative procedures, oversaw international tax compliance and consolidated domestic and international financial results. From 1996 to 1998 Jacobson was chief financial officer of Idea Engineering & Fabricating, Inc., of Detroit, an important tier-one supplier to the "Big Three" auto manufacturers, where he authored the company's strategic business plan and managed all aspects of finance, resulting in a significant augmentation of shareholder equity. From 1984 to 1996 Jacobson was president of Oakland Heating Supply, Inc., of Waterford, Mich. He oversaw that company's complete reorganization, including a conversion from manual to automated accounting and to automated real/time inventory and billing systems, and was responsible for all financial information, tax planning and cost controls. During his tenure the company enjoyed progressively more precise controls and systems, and experienced a 25 percent decrease in costs. Jacobson began his career in 1982 as a staff accountant with Price Waterhouse in Stamford, Conn., auditing clients in the commercial banking industry. Exhibit Enterprises is a premier international supplier of integrated, multimedia exhibit design, three-dimensional production and related services known for its exceptional creativity, bold innovations and leading edge use of progressive technologies. Exhibit Enterprises has been consistently recognized for its industry leadership throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The company's projects include custom show exhibits, exhibits management, permanent installations; film, video and special event production; and special event management. A partial list of clients includes DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM Powertrain, Delphi, Visteon, the Jurong Town Center in Singapore, Borg Warner, Detroit Diesel and Alcoa.