Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide Joins Distinguished List of ``100 Best Companies for Working Mothers'' for Fourth Year in a Row.

Business Editors

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2000

Leading Technology Public Relations Firm Singled Out for Innovative

Work/Life and Family Initiatives

Continuing to garner praise for its unique corporate culture, Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide, a leading technology public relations firm based in Silicon Valley, has been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine for the fourth consecutive year.

Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide maintains its standing as the smallest company to earn this award, with approximately 100 employees throughout offices in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Portland, Ore. and Orange County, Calif. The firm will be honored along with the other winners at a gala awards dinner on Sept. 27 in New York City.

In addition to her company being named one of the 100 best companies for working mothers, Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer Sheri Benjamin has also been named by the publication as its first-ever Small Business Champion.

Benjamin, herself a mother of two, has championed a wide range of innovative benefits and work/life initiatives for employees since the firm's inception in 1988. These include part-time phase-backs for new moms returning from maternity leave and adoption benefits, as well as flex-time, job sharing and telecommuting options. Employees can also take advantage of the company's licensed on-site childcare facilities.

"Sheri Benjamin and Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that distinguishes the small businesses included among this year's honorees," said Working Mother Editor in Chief Lisa Benenson. "Her commitment to balancing the work/life equation is prevalent in all aspects of Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide's corporate culture. We are proud to name her as the recipient of our first Small Business Champion Award."

"In today's very competitive job market, employers need to seriously think about what kinds of benefits and work environment will attract and retain the best employees," said Benjamin. "Employers need to think of employees as their number one customers, and create out-of-the-box retention programs that are highly valued by their staff. When employees are happy and have successful lives, they do their best work."

Employees also receive rewards to work out at health clubs or enjoy the great outdoors by walking, running, biking -- even surfing. To relieve stress and promote teamwork, the company sponsors "Day of Fun" programs where employees can take a break from the daily grind and experience a wide range of activities such as scavenger hunts, trips to local amusement parks and beach parties.

The company places a strong emphasis on development and through its internal university program, Jammin' U, offers a large selection of on-site classes in subjects ranging from work/life success to account management skills. Additionally, the company offers career counseling, mentoring and leadership training.

About Working Mother and its "100 Best Companies" Award

Working Mother selected 2000's "100 Best Companies" based on five criteria: childcare, leave for new parents, flexible work arrangements, work/life benefits such as elder care and adoption assistance, and opportunities for women. Editors looked at a range of supportive company offerings, including health insurance premiums, availability of time off to care for sick kids, mentoring programs and extras such as on-site gyms and other conveniences.

Working Mother magazine, founded in 1979, reaches more than 3 million readers each month, and is the only national business magazine written for executive and entrepreneurial mothers. It is part of Working Woman Network (WWN), a leading global resource for businesswomen in today's digital economy, which also includes Working Woman magazine, the National Association for Female Executives, a conference division, Businesswomen's Research Institute and The Business Women's Network. In August, under the leadership of CEO Kay Koplovitz, WWN launched WorkingWoman.com, the first online resource center exclusively for women in business.

About Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide

Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide provides public relations for the digital age. Benjamin Group, which was acquired by BSMG Worldwide and renamed Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide in July 1999, is the technology brand of BSMG Worldwide. The agency delivers strategic public relations and marketing counsel and partners with its clients to deliver "Communication that Connects" to pivotal industry, business and consumer audiences. Some of the agency's clients include Toshiba America, Mentor Graphics, Quantum, Ingram Micro, Conexant and Nuance.

Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide is the largest public relations firm in Silicon Valley as ranked by the Silicon Valley Business Journal; the Southern California office was also named the largest public relations firm as ranked by the Orange County Business Journal. More can be learned about the company at www.benjamingroup.com.

About BSMG Worldwide

BSMG Worldwide has offices in principal cities around the globe. A unit of True North Communications, BSMG Worldwide specializes in public relations, marketing communications, corporate communications, financial and transactional communications, public affairs, issues and advocacy advertising, and research and measurement. True North Communications (NYSE: TNO) is a top global advertising and communications holding company with annual revenues exceeding $1.4 billion and annual billings of more than $14 billion.