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NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Craig TerBlanche, AXIA
(904) 425-6652 x303

NORTHEAST FLORIDA (Mar. 17, 2008) — Bausch & Lomb will end its 22-year title sponsorship streak of the Amelia Island women’s professional tennis tournament, Bausch & Lomb Championships, in April and organizers are seeking a new title sponsor for the 2009 tournament.

Bausch & Lomb has relinquished its position following recent legislation that prevents the company from using the event to entertain physicians. Bausch & Lomb is the second longest-running continued U.S. title sponsor in women’s professional tennis.

“The Bausch & Lomb Championships has a rich and vibrant history on Amelia Island,” said John Arrix, tournament director. “We are in search of a long-term alliance with a new title sponsor to help ensure the success of this iconic event for many years to come.”

Octagon has selected AXIA Public Relations and Marketing as a marketing consultant to secure a title sponsor for the 2009 championships.

The title sponsorship up for grabs will require a minimum two-year contract at no less than $450,000 per year. AXIA is also the appointed agent for additional sponsorship packages.

“This tournament offers several unique features to corporate sponsors,” said Jason Mudd, CEO of AXIA. “Not only is it a very intimate setting on beautiful Amelia Island ideal for entertaining, there is also significant visibility in the sport locally and nationally. A smart company could take advantage of the tournament and the resort community for conferences, retreats and other opportunities”

This year’s Bausch & Lomb championships will take place on Amelia Island Plantation April 7-13. Tournament organizers are seeking a new 2009 title sponsor and additional sponsorship opportunities are available for 2009. Interested companies should reach Jason Mudd at (904) 425-6652.

Each year, the tournament features many top players and up-and-coming stars in the game. With attendance of more than 50,000 fans, it is one of the most anticipated and intimate stops among fans and professionals on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

The Bausch & Lomb Championships is a premier women’s professional tennis tournament, part of the worldwide Sony Ericsson WTA Tour consisting of more than 1,400 players representing 75 nations competing for $62 million in prize money at the Tour’s 63 events in 35 countries. The Bausch & Lomb Championships is managed and owned by Octagon, the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency with global expertise in consulting, athletes & personalities, event management, property representation, marketing solutions, licensing and merchandising and talent procurement. As part of The Interpubic Group (NYSE: IPG), one of the world’s leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services, Octagon employs more than 1,000 people in 60 offices around the world.

About AXIA

AXIA is an integrated marketing consultancy that offers a full portfolio of regional and national marketing, advertising and public relations services. AXIA guides business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients with a comprehensive mix of research, strategic planning, and insight to implement integrated campaigns that build brands, boost sales and drive profits. AXIA is headquartered in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. For information, call (904) 425-6652, toll-free (866) 999-AXIA or visit www.axia.net.