Association Sets 'No Minors Under 16' Standard

WINTER PARK, Fla. The Act
requires marketers to obtain parental consent for children aged 15 or younger
who are employed to participate in a Sales Force Network, which includes word-
of-mouth marketing efforts. "Our growth over the past year reflects the recent
expansion of our capabilities as we build a base of world -class
clients.merklenet.

group age

merklenet.S.
"We are proud to once again be ranked among the top marketing
services agencies in the United States," said Merkle President and CEO
David Williams.

by youth

, The Viral + Buzz Marketing
Association (VBMA), the premiere international trade organization for the
rapidly growing viral, buzz and word of mouth industries, today identified the
recruitment and use of minors to disseminate marketing messages as the most
serious issue facing the industry, and voiced its praise for legislation
proposed by Massachusetts State Representative Mike Festa, Vice Chair of the
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, to combat
the issue."

About The Viral + Buzz Marketing Association
VBMA is the leading international association for viral and buzz
marketers. With over 100 members worldwide, it is the largest and only
association created and run for viral and buzz marketers, by viral and buzz
marketers. Marketing Services Agencies, according to the 18th Annual
Marketing Services Report by Advertising Age. The list ranks the top
100 agencies in the U."
For the report, Advertising Age ranked advertising agencies based
on revenue, which was defined as the sum of all commissions on media
billings, markup on materials and services, and agency fees.

About Merkle

Merkle is a database marketing agency offering quantitative ,
innovative marketing strategies that maximize results and demonstrate
return on investment.

by youth

The proposed legislation, "An Act to Regulate Certain Employment Practices
in Connection with Children's Marketing Activities," is aimed at protecting
children from exploitation by youth marketers on the Internet.
"We've been concerned about the issue of marketing on the backs of minors
for a long time," said VBMA President Brian Clark. Festa is an important step toward protecting kids
from exploitation, and we encourage all of our word-of-mouth industry
colleagues to join us and take a stand on this critical issue. according to their revenues from marketing
services disciplines in 2004.S. Merkle's services and solutions include strategic
marketing and consulting, business intelligence and analytics,
development and maintenance of Marketing Knowledge Centers, data
products, and direct mail production and processing services.

youth business

"We believe the
legislation offered by Rep."
"The Massachusetts legislation is addressing the very concerns that the
VBMA's been raising for months," continued Clark. "Our standard goes even
further than the proposed legislation because , as marketers, we recognize the
inherent difficulties in verifying "parental consent" for children online. Its core aims are: to create international collaborations, swap
case studies and develop best practice in the field of viral, buzz and word of
mouth marketing; and to connect relevant brands , agencies, experts and
academics with each other to encourage constructive dialogue about the
industry .vbma.----Merkle
(www.

business marketing

Merkle Ranks Among Top Marketing Agencies In the United States; Database Marketing Agency Reports 2004 Revenues Up More Than 22 Percent from 2003

S. Merkle also appeared in the top one third of the overall
list, at number 27, improving three places from last year.

business kids

The VBMA also issued a formal call for marketers to end the use of
children under 16 to disseminate marketing messages in campaigns for
corporations and brands.
Simply put, it's safer for kids -- and more honorable for marketers -- to quit
using kids in marketing efforts, period. Learn more at http://www.net. Merkle is ranked number 15 in the list
of the largest U. We are confident that our ranking within the industry will
climb in the future as we continue delivering successful quantitative
marketing strategies and solutions to our clients.

by marketing

Viral + Buzz Marketing Association Praises Festa Legislation Protecting Children From Marketing Exploitation

Business Editors/Advertising Editors

LANHAM, Md.com), a leading database marketing agency, is one of
the top U. marketing agencies that specialize in direct
marketing. These
rankings reflect Merkle's strong revenue growth in 2004, an increase
of more than 22 percent from 2003 revenues. Merkle's clients span a variety of industries
and include leaders in the fundraising, financial and consumer
marketplace. Founded
in 1971, the privately held corporation is based in Lanham, Maryland.
For more information, contact Merkle at 1-888-4-MERKLE or visit
www.com

youth kids

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