WEST VALDEVA, Conn; December 10, 1996 - FlagBenders USA, manufacturers and designers of custom flags and banners, has named Jim Sweeney as its new Vice President of Sales.

Mr. Sweeney, who had been Vice President of Marketing at rival Polemark, will be in charge of managing and increasing FlagBenders' network of sales representatives and distributors. FlagBenders, which has focused exclusively on the Northeast, will expand its efforts nationally. Mr. Sweeney will spearhead this drive.

"The expansion of our sales rep and distribution team further strengthens our ability to meet the needs of our customers," noted Sally Smith, President of FlagBenders USA. "Jim Sweeney's comprehensive understanding flag and banner sales and marketing will greatly benefit FlagBenders, our sales network, and our clients."

Before joining FlagBenders USA, Mr. Sweeney oversaw marketing for Polemark, where he put together that company's distribution network. While at Polemark, he won the 1991 Innovation Award from the International Banner Marketing Association.

Prior to Polemark, he worked for Mutual Outdoors, which creates outdoor and shelter advertising for a wide variety of companies.

Mr. Sweeney has an MBA in Marketing from State University, and a BA in Psychology from Le City College.

He and his wife Francis live in Beauville, Conn.