MEDIA ADVISORY -- Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania Caps 20th Anniversary with Milestone Event


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) --



 WHAT:       Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern
             Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) is capping off their 20th
             Anniversary with a signature event showcasing its
             achievements and investments over the past two decades.

             The event includes the release of a historical document
             covering BFTP/SEP's evolution and work in Pennsylvania's
             southeast region. Six exhibits are organized around key
             characteristics of Ben Franklin the man as applied to
             Ben Franklin the organization. They include: visionary,
             inventor, partner, network builder, social architect,
             and wealth creator.

 WHO:        Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern
             Pennsylvania, Board Members, Partners and Staff.
             Additional invited guests.

 WHEN:       Thursday, February 12, 2004
             5:00 p.m. Reception
             5:30 p.m. "Franklin Coming of Age" Exhibit Dedication
             6:00 p.m. Open House

 WHERE:      Ben Franklin Technology Partners,
             Southeastern Pennsylvania
             1835 Market Street
             Suite 1100
             Philadelphia, PA 19103

 VISUALS:    The interactive exhibit will include:

             Visionary - This interactive exhibit will consist of an
             Atomic Force Microscopy remote user demonstration.
             Electrostatic contact nanolithography in thin film
             electronic materials. Courtesy of the University of
             Pennsylvania, the PENN Regional Nanotechnology Facility
             is a full service materials characterization lab with
             emphasis on the science and engineering in nanoscale
             systems.

             Inventor - This exhibit will showcase the technological
             innovations of two regional companies specifically
             highlighting innovative advances and products. Visitors
             will be invited to interact with the demonstrations
             available.

             Wealth Creator - This exhibit will challenge the
             assertion that money doesn't grow on trees. Comprised of
             three artificial trees foliated with BFTP/SEP dollar
             bills and a "risky business" gaming wheel at the table,
             guests will be asked to take a spin and select among
             seven items. "Where would you invest your dollar to grow
             the region's economy?"

 HIGHLIGHTS: Since its formation, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has
             provided innumerable opportunities for regional growth.
             Some statistics noted in the 20th Anniversary report
             include:

             -- Providing more than $110 million to more than 1,400
                regional enterprises through various funding
                mechanisms.
             -- Investing $20 million in biotechnology research alone.
             -- Maintaining an investment portfolio of approximately
                130 technology companies, representing more than $20
                million in direct investments.
             -- Leveraged more than $10 million annually in
                additional funding from other public and private
                sources.
             -- Seeded and invested in the creative ingenuity of more
                than 170 regional entrepreneurs.
             -- Worked with more than 160 established companies to
                increase their competitiveness by solving product
                development challenges and improving core processes.


            

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