gem-connect-press-release-06-13-00

Young Company Wins $1.5 Million Gemconnect.com Advertising/Marketing Communications Account

SANTA MONICA, CA – June 13, 2000

Young Company Wins $1.5 Million Gemconnect.com Advertising/Marketing Communications Account - June 13, 2000

Business-to-business advertising, Internet marketing and public relations agency, Young Company, was recently selected by GemConnect.com, also of Santa Monica, to represent them in development of a worldwide branding identification and messaging strategy, to provide comprehensive sales support, and to develop and execute a global advertising campaign. The $1.5 million integrated program account will include both creative and media placement for GemConnect’s advertising.

Surendra ‘Sam’ Gadodia, president and cofounder of GemConnect.com, was the former director of product management for Ticketmaster Online-City Search, Inc. and prior to that spearheaded international diamond trade as director for L. K. Imports. Gadodia said “Young Company was chosen because of their business-to-business expertise and their understanding of branding e-commerce in a secure, global environment.”

GemConnect.com is a new business-to-business e-commerce exchange and online marketplace where diamond, jewelry and precious gem market buyers and sellers can transact business globally, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. GemConnect.com is dedicated to harnessing the power of the Internet to create value for the trading partners of this $50 billion+ market.

GemConnect.com’s investors include eCompanies Venture Group, backed by Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Soros Fund Management Partners, among others.

Young Company is a high-tech business marketing agency creating, integrating and driving strategic brand development, advertising, eMarketing, direct marketing, and public relations for accounts such as Agribuys.com, Aramark, Candle Corporation, Dassault Systemes, Samsung Office Automation, TDK Semiconductor, and Texas Instruments. Young Company is also an independent partner agency of BBN Ltd., the $500-million-strong, multicultural, international business branding network, headquartered in the U.K.