CHEN PR Seminar Offers Crucial Information on Best Practices in Asia Pacific Marketing and PR; Agency Co-founder Tapped for Enterprise Software Company Advisory Board.

WALTHAM, Mass. -- CHEN PR, Inc., one of the country's leading independent high-tech PR firms, today:

--Recapped its highly successful industry seminar on marketing and public relations best practices in Asia Pacific;

--Unveiled agency co-founder Barbara Heffner's appointment to the advisory board of commitment management company AgileWorkforce; and,

--Announced the promotion of a long-time CHEN PR team member.

CHEN PR Event Delivers Insights into Best Practices for Asia Pacific Marketing and Public Relations

China's economy is expected to surpass the U.S. economy by 2039, and exceed Japan's economy within 10 years. Asia Pacific (APAC) comprises 3.3 billion people, a gross domestic product of $9.8 trillion (compared to the U.S. at more than $12 trillion) and a 2004 information and communications technology spend of $633 billion. With the U.S. and European economies slowing, it is not surprising that both established and emerging companies alike are moving to seize the opportunities afforded in APAC.

In keeping with its mission to continue offering its clients and colleagues vital information on the most pertinent issues facing high technology companies, CHEN PR hosted a seminar on June 7 to showcase real-world examples of best-in-class business development, marketing and PR initiatives. The standing room-only event featured prominent industry experts from:

--Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE:FCS) (www.fairchildsemi.com), the world's top provider of power semiconductors with double the market share of any competitor in APAC and the top share in China;

--The York Group (www.theyorkgroup.com) a leading business development organization with offices and partners throughout the world that assists high tech companies in building international sales and distribution channels; and,

--Techworks Asia (www.techworksasia.com), the premier public relations agency focusing on Asia and, specifically, Greater China.

While opportunities abound in APAC, speakers cautioned that companies must select their initial markets carefully, understand that this region is complex and highly diverse, be prepared to invest time and funds, and think long term. Among the key discussion points:

--It is vital to keep CEOs involved and available for the marketing effort in APAC, appreciating that certain senior titles command more respect than others.

--Companies with plans to do business in China must be able to discuss their business strategy, not their sales strategy, and demonstrate at least a long-term (five-plus year) commitment to the region.

--Localization of messages and materials is critical. What works in the West often will not work in APAC. Localization must be done for each country, to address the cultural, legal and business differences between countries such as Japan, Korea and China. Understanding the subtleties and nuances affecting the various countries and provinces also is essential to success.

CHEN PR Co-founder and Principal Chris Carleton said, "Our clients and colleagues tell us that CHEN PR is unique in delivering the kind of strategic PR counsel and results-driven programs that build market share and increase company valuations. Asia Pac represents perhaps the greatest marketing, branding and business development opportunity and challenge for high tech firms. Together with executives who have directly applicable, on-the-ground experience in the region, we've been able to help communications professionals understand more completely what's required to succeed in APAC."

Seminar presentations are available at www.chenpr.com.

Agency Co-Founder Barbara Heffner Joins AgileWorkforce Advisory Board

Based on her expertise and insights into the enterprise software market, CHEN PR Co-founder and Principal Barbara Heffner has been invited to join the advisory board of Agile Workforce, Inc. (www.agileworkforce.com). Providing software for coordinating human interaction, the company's Commitment Manager System is a performance management system that improves personal and enterprise productivity, removes organizational waste and improves profitability. Ms. Heffner will work alongside fellow board members Chauncey Bell, Mark Cavender, Leena Ilmola, Ed Lambert and Hal Macomber.

CHEN PR Promotes Long-Time Staffer

The agency also announced the promotion of Alyson Goodrow to Account Manager. Ms. Goodrow was recruited by CHEN PR in 1999, following successful marketing communications and public relations tenures at several growing technology firms.

About CHEN PR

CHEN PR (www.chenpr.com) is one of the top independent PR firms in the U.S. The agency was founded in 1996 by four senior industry executives who remain actively involved in every client's account. CHEN PR creates market leaders by providing highly strategic public relations programs that help clients achieve their business objectives. The agency works in a wide range of technology areas including enterprise and open source software, networking and communications, storage, security/compliance and semiconductors.

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