THE PHELPS GROUP ADDS SIX TO GROWING STAFF

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – (September 27, 2004) – The Phelps Group, one of the nation’s leading integrated marketing communications firms, recently hired six new associates at its Santa Monica headquarters in response to a steady increase in business. The new hires included: Frank Ramirez, team manager; Bahareh Ramin, public relations specialist; Creedance Gose, team coordinator; Molly Engel, team coordinator; Nina Hamamura, accounting specialist; and Jennifer Wheaton, media specialist.

Frank Ramirez manages production of client collateral, including television and point-of-purchase elements, handles ongoing client sweepstakes and develops marketing strategies for PETCO and CJ Foods. He currently serves as the Multicultural Chair for AD2LA. Frank successfully completed the AAAA’s Institute of Advanced Advertising Studies program in 2002 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California State University Northridge.

Bahareh Ramin services the Malaysia Airlines and Whole Foods Market accounts. She brings to The Phelps Group four years of public relations experience in technology, food and wine, toys and consumer electronics industries. She holds a Master of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and communications studies from the University of California Los Angeles.

Creedance Gose serves IndyMac Bank and Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions as team coordinator. Prior to joining The Phelps Group, Creedance held marketing communications positions for four years in the entertainment and restaurant industries. She earned both a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Pepperdine University.

Molly Engel coordinates print and online projects for Seiko Printers, Earthrise Nutritionals, MWS Specialty Wire and Specialty Restaurants Corporation. Her marketing communications experience includes four years of in-house work for consumer and fashion companies. Molly graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, specializing in marketing.

Nina Hamamura provides accounting and billing services for various clients. She comes to The Phelps Group with marketing and accounting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree in art and minors in digital arts and film studies from the University of California Irvine.

Jennifer Wheaton coordinates media planning and buying for a variety of The Phelps Group’s clients. She has three years of advertising and public relations experience, having worked for CBS Spot Sales and several agencies. Jennifer received a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Washington University, with concentration in marketing and a minor in psychology.

About The Phelps Group
The Phelps Group is an integrated marketing communications firm offering public relations, advertising, direct response, promotions, strategic alliance and interactive services. Its clients, most of which are world leaders in their industry, include Malaysia Airlines, ARAMARK, Tahiti Tourism, Countrywide, City of Hope, Crystal Cruises, Fairmont Hotels, IndyMac Bank, Panasonic, PETCO, Whole Foods Markets, Dunn-Edwards Paints and Monrovia Growers. The agency has more than 70 associates in its Santa Monica headquarters and Laguna Beach office and annual billings in excess of $60 million. For more information about The Phelps Group, visit www.thephelpsgroup.com.