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John Hlinko, 'Draft Wesley Clark' Leader and AAPC 'Rookie of the Year,' Joins Grassroots Enterprise

For Immediate Release
April 6, 2004

(WASHINGTON, D.C., April 6, 2004) John Hlinko, winner of the 2004 Pollie for "Rookie of the Year," has joined Grassroots Enterprise Inc. as Vice President of Marketing and Creative Engagement, announced company chairman Mike McCurry, the former White House Press Secretary.

"John Hlinko has pushed the envelope when it comes to groundbreaking strategies to attract, engage, and activate grassroots supporters," said McCurry. "John is a rising superstar, and his creativity and out-of-the-box thinking will really be a great asset for the grassroots programs of our clients."

Long recognized as a creative innovator on the grassroots engagement front, Hlinko led the 'Draft Wesley Clark' campaign, one of the most successful grassroots movements in American political history. In recognition of this achievement, the American Association of Political Consultants awarded him its prestigious "Rookie of the Year" Pollie, an award for excellence in public affairs. Hlinko has been covered by a range of media throughout the years, including all the major broadcast TV networks, CNN, Fox, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and many others.

"Joining Grassroots Enterprise gives me the chance to be part of a true grassroots dream team. Grassroots Enterprise is the only firm that encompasses unparalleled political knowledge, world-class technology, and cutting-edge 'buzz-building' techniques," said Hlinko.

"The world of advocacy and political persuasion is waking up to the powerful difference the Internet makes and Grassroots Enterprise is benefiting from the explosive growth we see," said McCurry. "With the addition of John and other key hires in recent months, we're set to do some remarkable things for our clients, in 2004 and beyond."

About John Hlinko

Hlinko was the founder of "DraftWesleyClark.com," the 2004 "Golden Dot" winner for "Best Breakout/Impact Internet Movement," and one of the most successful grassroots movements in American political history. Started in March, 2003, the effort generated nearly $2 million in pledges for a Clark candidacy, engaged tens of thousands of volunteers, and earned worldwide media coverage. Following the effort, Hlinko served as Director of Internet Strategy for the Clark for President campaign.

Hlinko was also the founder of a number of other creative grassroots efforts, including ActForLove.org, a dating site for activists. In 1998, he helped lead MoveOn.org, an anti-impeachment petition that generated over half a million signatures and several million dollars in donations.

Other Hlinko work experience includes the Carol/Trevelyan Strategy Group, Ogilvy Public Relations, Zimmerman and Markman, the ACLU, and Lehman Brothers. Hlinko holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MA in public policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

About Grassroots Enterprise

Founded in 1999, Grassroots Enterprise uses sophisticated technologies and communications strategies to help its clients identify, inform and mobilize their most powerful resources, their members, employees, supporters, customers, business partners, and other stakeholders, to influence legislative and regulatory debates and shape public opinion. GRE serves a wide range of Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and advocacy organizations across the country. It is a privately held, non-partisan company.

Grassroots Enterprise, Inc. has offices at 727 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20005 and at 410 Jessie Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103. For more information, contact: John Hlinko at john.hlinko@grassroots.com or 202-741-3798. The company Web site address is: http://www.grassroots.com.