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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Digital Signage Forum Announces Digital Signage Woman and Man of 2006 

Virginia Cargill, CEO of SignStorey and David Laird, CEO of Strategy Institute recognized for industry development contributions

SILVERDALE, WA (January 08, 2006) – Digital Signage Forum (www.digitalsignageforum.com), the leading interactive forum media source, Digital Signage News, Buyer’s Guide and Network Database today announces Virginia Cargill of SignStorey as Digital Signage Woman of 2006, and David Laird, CEO of Strategy Institute as Digital Signage Man of 2006.

Each was distinguished for their notable impact on their Digital Signage business or the industry in general, which working directly in the Digital Signage industry as an outstanding employee, manager or business owner.

“We are honored to have this panel of judges and high caliber of nominees and winners. They represent credibility, insight and expertise into digital signage from a variety of job perspectives,” said Lisa Jachimowicz, President of the Digital Signage Forum. The Men & Women of Digital Signage distinction acknowledges the contributions of people to the development of the digital signage industry.

Virginia Cargill, President & CEO of SignStorey was named Digital Signage Woman of the Year for 2006. In nominating Virginia Cargill, June Eva- People of DS-IQ and stated “As CEO of one of the largest US digital retail networks, Virginia has made a major contribution to the growth of digital signage in the grocery vertical segment. Under Virginia's guiding hand the SignStorey system is located in more than 1,350 stores in six chains reaching 57 million people every month.”

Virginia has more than 25 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods and in-store marketing industries, both as a client and a service provider. Previous to her current role, she was a founder-principal of New Communications before the company was acquired in 2002 by SignStorey. Prior to that, she was the president of Lamaze Publishing Company, now renamed iVillage Parenting Group after the company's sale to iVillage Inc. in 2001. Cargill has also held significant leadership roles with in-store communications provider ActMedia, where she helped develop and manage in-store promotional products for more than 12 years before the company was purchased by News Corporation. Cargill began her career at General Mills after she received degrees from Wellesley College and the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.

David Laird, CEO of Strategy Institute was named Digital Signage Man of the Year for 2006. 250 people have presented to 1500 delegates over 9 digital signage events, which have served as the forum for suppliers, analysts, network operators, media planner and others to share their views in elevating industry knowledge and practices. Partnerships and relationship needed for the complex supply chain for network deployments have been developed at Strategy Institute events, which has reduced project risk significantly and dramatically improved supply capability.

In the nomination, Rich Perry of BTV⁺ stated “As Founder and CEO of Strategy Institute, David Laird  recognized the transformational potential of Digital Signage and In-Store TV and in 2004 began conference programming that would accelerate the growth of all elements of digital signage to big "I" industry status”. This grew during 2005 and by 2006; Strategy Institute was offering in-depth programming on digital signage technology integration, business models, investment, and content.

These developments have resulted in a significant increase of understanding and awareness of the digital signage world well beyond the nucleus of the industry.  The ripple affect of this work has strengthened the industry and spawned new business to develop around the country to take advantage of a growing market.

This Industry success is in large part from the efforts of David Laird, whose contributions during 2006 further consolidated the industry, trained, profiled and advanced best practices, and offered regular gathering points for those spearheading digital signage industry growth.

President, Irwin Communications, Inc. Chair, SATCON and Digital Signage Forum Judge stated, “It is clear that Virginia Cargill is the leading woman candidate.  SignStory is certainly a leading company in the evolving digital signage business, and her position as president and CEO is an indication of her contribution to the industry.  In addition, her long-time career in in-store marketing makes her an excellent choice as our Woman of Digital Signage for this year."

Laura Davis-Taylor Retail Media Consulting and Digital Signage Forum Judge stated” David Laird has really put a lot of time and effort into the industry. He really cares about it and has worked hard to educate those involved.

Lyle Bunn, Strategy Architect of Alchemy, a St. Joseph's Communications Company, who was recognized in the 2005 Top Ten List and served as 2006 judge said “Virginia Cargill stands out based her corporate accomplishments and advancement of the industry through substantial deployments” adding “ David Laird has made a notable impact on Digital Signage businesses and the industry at large.” The judging panel agreed that, as Man of Digital Signage, David Laird is a leading force at a time when the most important ingredient in moving the industry forward is that of education.  Strategy Institute has been the primary source of education on Digital Signage, through its conferences, and obviously David Laird has been the force behind Strategy Institute's focus on this sector.

Each Winner receives one month of free advertising on the Digital Signage Forum (www.digitalsignageforum.com) and a certificate award of accomplishment as Man and Women of Digital Signage 2006 from the Digital Signage Forum.

About The Judges: The six judges were: Lyle Bunn, Strategy Architect with the Alchemy; Laura Davis-Taylor, President of Retail Media Consulting, Inc; Susan Irwin, President of Irwin Communications, Inc; Carré Dawson, Vice President of EVision Inc; John Greening, Associate Professor of Northwestern University and Rob Winston, Out-of Home advertising specialist of Arbitron, Inc. Each is recognized for their knowledge of and contributions to the Digital Signage industry.

Read more about the Judges here: http://www.digitalsignageforum.com/judges.htm

About The Digital Signage Forum:
The Digital Signage Forum is an equal global opportunity buyer’s guide, network database and forum that offers opportunities to learn, contribute expertise and be a part of a community that is recognized in all nations. It is the leading news, information and interactive source of the Digital Signage industry today.

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Media contact:
Lisa Jachimowicz
Digital Signage Forum
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