Verrecchia Group Grabs Top "Geek" Peter Shankman as Associate Account Director

"Publicity Innovator" puts Verrecchia Group Communications in a New York State of Mind

Montreal, April 15, 2002 - Peter Shankman, founder and CEO of former New York-based Geek Factory, Inc., has joined Verrecchia Group Communications as its newest Associate Account Director. Peter brings with him the same off-the-wall and effective creativity and passion for the 'unordinary' that established The Geek Factory as a highly recognized brand.

Described by PR Week as someone who is "redefining the art of networking," Peter leverages his expertise and originality to build pioneering public relations, marketing, event and communication programs that always raise eyebrows, and now awareness for clients of the Verrecchia Group.

"There's only a few people who understand technology and know how to bring it to the masses," says Susan Verrecchia, President of Verrecchia Group Communications. "There's no doubt that Peter is one of the few. With a keen eye for what works and how to get that message to the critical mass, we're very excited to have him on board."

Prior to founding The Geek Factory public relations agency, Peter was Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication for Jumbo! (a Top 40 website) where he oversaw the company's Public Relations, Marketing and Promotion activities for both Jumbo! and Homework Central, the largest educational research website on the Internet. Over the course of his career, Peter was also Director of New Media for The New Jersey Devils' hockey team, as well as Editor/Producer for AOL News & Politics. Today, he is a speaker at events and conferences (including NAB, Comdex and various PRSA events), he is often quoted in major media and trade publications (including the Wall St. Journal, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Associated Press, Reuters and USA Today) and is a contributing columnist and guest columnist for various trade publications and magazines including PR Week, Marketing Sherpa, GameWEEK, and Internet.com.

About Verrecchia Group Communications Inc.

"Technology People Marketing Technology" is the core differentiator of Montreal-based Verrecchia Group Communications Inc., a results oriented agency that provides comprehensive public relations and superior marketing services to the technology sector. Founded in 1995, Verrecchia Group is dedicated to providing its clients with strategic planning, hands-on marketing and flawless execution of effective marketing and public relations programs that create awareness, capture mind share, open sales channels, and drive customer leads both in the U.S. and Canada. Each senior member of Verrecchia Group has substantial industry experience and has worked the frontlines of the technology revolution for multinational corporations and smaller organizations. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Verrecchia Group has consultants located in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Chicago and Austin, and represents clients ranging from start-ups to internationally recognized corporations. For more information, call 514-935-0166, or visit the company web site at www.vergroup.com.
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