``Al Osborne's remarkable career spans business, government and academia,'' said Don Kurz, Equity's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. ``His expertise in new business development and experience with high-growth companies will greatly enhance our board.''

Dr. Osborne joined UCLA nearly 30 years ago, having served as a management professor, an Associate Dean and the Director of the MBA program before founding the Harold Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in 1987. During that time, he was also the Brookings Institution Economic Policy Fellow at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Osborne has received several political appointments and is an active member of the business community. He served on California Governor Pete Wilson's Council of Economic Advisors and on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala's Advisory Committee on Head Start Quality and Expansion. He was a commissioner of the Redevelopment Agency for the City of Los Angeles and a governor of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. He is currently on the Boards of Directors of Nordstrom, Inc. and K2, Inc., and is an individual general partner of Technology Funding Venture Partners V and a trustee of the WM Group of Funds. Previously, his board memberships included The Times Mirror Company, U S Filter, Greyhound Lines, Inc. and First Interstate Bank of California until those companies were sold or acquired. He is also the author of numerous business books and articles.

Dr. Osborne is the first recipient of the Richard J. Riordan Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for his support of entrepreneurship in Southern California.

``Equity is in a dynamic period of growth and transformation, which makes this an ideal time to join its board,'' said Dr. Osborne. ``I have been impressed with the company's ability to respond nimbly and effectively to its environment, and its strategic plan for the future is solid. I look forward to contributing to the company's expansion and development.''

Dr. Osborne holds a Ph.D. in Business-Economics, an M.B.A. in Finance, an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, all from Stanford University.

Equity Marketing, Inc., a leading marketing services company, designs and produces custom promotional programs that build sales and brand value for retailers, restaurant chains and consumer goods companies such as Burger King Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, CVS/pharmacy and others. The company complements its core promotions business by developing and marketing distinctive consumer products, based on trademarks it owns or classic licensed properties, which are sold through specialty and mass-marketing retailers. More information about Equity Marketing is available on the company's web site at www.equity-marketing.com.

SOURCE: Equity Marketing, Inc.

[Posted 12/14/2000]