For Immediate Release

Expansion of Private Firm Substantiates Growing Trend in Design Industry. Increasing number of clients turn to private companies to meet their branding needs.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — December 3, 2003 — PhilippeBecker Design (PBD), a leading Bay Area packaging and branding agency, today announced the formal expansion of its business, with not only a physical office move, but an overall increase in staff. The expansion was brought, explained the company, by a growing trend in the branding and design industry: a customer variance from using the established industry giants to the smaller, privately-owned firms.

"More and more, we're seeing today a shift in priorities, not only on the customer side, but in the employees as well," explained PhilippeBecker, creative director, PBD. "A good portion of the creative talent out there is getting tired of working for the larger agencies, so they are moving to the smaller firms. That, in turn, benefits our clients. As a smaller company who is hiring these experienced, talented individuals, we're able to provide as good or better creative output at a more cost-effective retainer."

This trend has been clearly visible at PBD in just this last quarter. Over the past six months, Becker increased his workforce by 50%, all of whom came from larger agencies. Likewise, the growth in the PBD workforce and clientele has meant an increase in space. This week marks the inception of the company's new San Francisco offices, an increase of more than 5000 sq ft. Yet despite the expansion, it is committed to maintaining its small-firm ethos.

"The smaller agency environment definitely offers benefits from both the designer and client standpoint," explained PBD project director Scott Hagely who moved to the company from a larger San Francisco-based agency. "As an employee of a smaller firm, each individual has more of an opportunity to grow, and shape the company. We have more of an opportunity to contribute to the collective vision."

"From the client's perspective, the level of trust is established a lot quicker with a smaller firm. They know they are getting senior-level attention and experience, so they're reassured. That automatic body of experience earns their trust and respect right away. And almost every time it has resulted in not only successful campaigns, but repeat work for that client."

PBD's team of senior-level talent has had a direct effect on the company's business portfolio. In much the same way that the designers are shifting, so are the clients. Accounts that would have ordinarily gone to a corporate agencies a couple of years ago, are now turning to the smaller firms. The small agency whose business once relied on small accounts now has a client roster that includes such well-known companies as Disney, Safeway and Whole Foods, all clear indicators that PBD is destined to grow even more.

"I think that companies are recognizing that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better," says David Becker, president. "Our clients demand hands-on, senior talent. With today's extremely competitive marketplace, nor do they want to compromise on timelines, budgets, or quality. And with us they don't have to."

"We are currently working on a number of accounts that we could have only hoped to have a few years ago. Names that we are really excited about. Because today we are equipped to handle them. We've got the resources, we've got the space and, more importantly, we've got the talent."

About PBD
PhilippeBecker Design is a leading packaging and branding agency leveraging the best of large firm experience in a smart, efficient team, yielding exceptional results for its clients. The company was founded in 1998 by PhilippeBecker, following 11 years as Senior Designer for Primo Angeli Inc. His work has garnered numerous design awards, including Clio and Mobius. PBD team leads are all senior level with 10 or more years of large agency experience, and particular expertise in the food and beverage industry. The firm's approach is relentlessly client-focused, fueled by a collective desire to deliver excellence of design with a minimum of bureaucracy. PBD's clients include Disney, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, Forbes, Stremicks Heritage Foods, Foster Farms and Napa Valley Wine Auction.

PR Contact:
Heather Clarke
Horn Group Inc. (for PBD)
415.905.4014
hclarke@horngroup.com