GUARD DOG BRAND DEVELOPMENT WINS TOP HONORS IN THE 2009 HERMES CREATIVE AWARDS FOR CORPORATE BRAND DEVELOPMENT

ACKNOWLEDGED FOR EXCEEDING HIGH STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN STRATEGIC BRAND DESIGN

New York, NY (April 30, 2009) - Guard Dog Brand Development^® (GDBD) has been named Platinum and Gold winners of The 2009 Hermes Creative Awards, as announced by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. Hermes Creative Awards recognizes outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals.

"Of the 3,700 entries from throughout the United States and several other countries, for GDBD's work to receive a Platinum Award for excellence and creativity and a Gold Award for exceeding the high standards of the industry norm, is both humbling and thrilling," stated Maria Casini, Co-President, GDBD.

Hermes Creative Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, who oversees the awards and recognition programs, provides judges, and awards outstanding achievement and service to the profession. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

"The amalgam of brand strategy and strategic brand design is a powerful combination. We are extremely proud to receive both Platinum and Gold recognition from Hermes Creative Awards for our corporate brand development work," added Camille DeSantis, Co-President, GDBD.