Innis Maggiore Group Hires Director of Research Services

CANTON, Ohio (February 27, 2002) -- Innis Maggiore Group, Inc., a leading regional integrated communications firm, announces the hiring of John Ballantyne as director of research services. In this new position, he is responsible for managing and directing research projects for a variety of Innis Maggiore clients.

Ballantyne most recently held the position of associate director of U.S. marketing for CAP Gemini Ernst & Young Consulting, a global consulting company headquartered in New York. Prior to that, he held a senior management post at Liggett-Stashower Advertising in Cleveland, where he built and managed the agency's research department.

Ballantyne holds a master's degree from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's degree from The University of Michigan. He is a resident of Akron.

"John brings with him stellar credentials which elevate Innis Maggiore Group's ability to listen and understand our clients' customers," said Tom Merrill, vice president of client services.

With offices in Canton and Youngstown, Ohio, Innis Maggiore Group is an advertising and public relations firm employing 38 associates. The company has tripled in size since 1997, with 2001 capitalized billings of more than $19 million. Key clients include Aultman Health Foundation, Brewster Dairy, Louisiana-Pacific Corp., NancyLopezGolf, NEOUCOM, Nickles Bakery, Parker Hannifin, Rainbow Rentals, Republic Technologies International, Smithers-Oasis Co., Square Two Golf and Waikem Auto Group. Innis Maggiore is a member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, the Public Relations Society of America and the National Investor Relations Institute.