NEW YORK STATE SENATOR TO SPEAK AT TRADESHOW ON SECURITY
Cygnus Expositions, the tradeshow division of business-to-business media leader Cygnus Business Media, and Infinity Expo Group announced today that New York Senator Michael Balboni will serve as the Keynote speaker at the upcoming Security & Systems Solutions Expo scheduled for June 2 - 3, 2004 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. Senator Balboni has been closely involved with issues concerning security and currently chairs New York's Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs and is a member of the Senate Task Force on State and Local Emergency Preparedness.
"Senator Balboni is not afraid to address the tough issues, even if it means standing up to powerful opponents," says Cygnus Security Group Publishing Director Joanne Lazar.

New York Governor Pataki recently proposed a 3% tax on security services including electronic security and alarm installations, a plan that Senator Balboni vehemently opposes especially given that the New York area has the largest concentration of security dealers and locksmiths in the country. Pataki's tax proposal is estimated to bring in nearly $30 million annually to the state for public safety measures, but would be levied on homeowners and businesses, a group which insiders feel should not be expected to fund such programs.



"The security industry has a powerful ally in the Senator," adds Lazar. "His work on homeland security and funding challenges in the security industry will be vital in the months and years ahead."
Senator Balboni was recently appointed to the Homeland Security Funding Task Force in Washington, D.C. by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Ridge.

"Funding for many security initiatives is available, but not easily accessible. We need to address what we are not doing in terms of security and why," says Balboni. In New York and across the nation, many state buildings and landmarks have undergone enormous security upgrades since 9-11.

The residential and commercial security market remains one of the fastest growing industries with spending projected to reach over the hundred billion dollar mark by year end. While home security system installations continue to grow, commercial systems have also been under the microscope. Schools, government buildings and municipalities are all looking at their own security issues. Many have begun the task of upgrading their systems, increased lighting, added motion sensors, and video surveillance.

In his new role as a member of the Homeland Security Funding Task Force Balboni hopes to make grants and other funding for security easier to obtain. The task force's current goal is to analyze the log jams that are hindering some municipalities from getting the funding they need for counter-terrorism equipment and training. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will also rely heavily on private industry and the academic community to create state-of-the-art systems and technologies.

"Science is going to be dictating a great deal in the form of counter-terrorism measures," says Balboni. "We are relying on companies, businesses and universities to assist in the design, research and development of cutting-edge opportunities to use in the war on terror."

Senator Balboni's Keynote is expected to have a standing room only crowd on June 2, especially given the long list of association and industry support of the Expo including PSA Security Network, the Long Island Alarm Association (LIAA), the New Jersey Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, Maryland Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, National Capital Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), and the Connecticut Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (CTBFAA). To learn more about Senator Balboni, log onto www.senatorbalboni.com.

The Expo is scheduled to launch June 2 and 3 and focus exclusively on technology areas such as CCTV, electronic access control, alarm systems, perimeter protection, video systems & surveillance, systems monitoring, identification products and professional security services. For more information about Security & Systems Solutions Expo, log onto www.SecurityExpoNewYork.com. For information on exhibiting, please contact sales@SecurityExpoNewYork.com.

Cygnus Business Media is a leading, diversified business-to-business media company with a portfolio of over 200 media products reaching five million professionals annually within 15 major markets. Its four distinct divisions - Cygnus Publishing, Cygnus Expositions, Cygnus Interactive and Cygnus Custom Marketing - provide comprehensive, integrated advertising and marketing programs for Cygnus' valued customers and clients. The company's leading business publications, trade shows, conferences, Web sites, online products and custom marketing capabilities enhance brand identity, generate sales leads, and build product awareness as they strengthen customer/client relationships. For more information on how Cygnus Business Media can help you achieve your advertising and marketing objectives, visit www.cygnusb2b.com.

Infinity Expo Group is a full service, privately held exhibition management company producing events in partnership with publishers, associations and entrepreneurs. For more information about Infinity Expo Group, log on to www.infinityexpo.com.



CONTACT: Cygnus Business Media, Atlanta
Kathy Scott, 770-427-5290
Kathy.Scott@cygnusb2b.com