ATLANTA � AUG. 14, 2002 � TESA Entry Systems Inc., the world leader in electronic solutions for the hospitality industry, has retained PRPRO, a hospitality-specific public relations firm based in Cleveland, to manage its public relations and marketing communications. PRPRO will work with TESA ESI to launch a rebranding and repositioning strategy developed with Landor Associates, the worldwide experts in corporate identity development and brand strategies. This repositioning encompasses the expansion of services and the offering of integrated technological solutions to hotels.

�We aligned with PRPRO because of their contacts and extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry,� said Pascal Metivier, Vice President - Global Sales & Marketing for TESA ESI.  �As former editors of HOTEL & MOTEL MANAGEMENT magazine, PRPRO has built coveted relationships with high-profile decision-makers at the chains, management companies and industry associations, and they network daily with members of the hospitality trade press and the vendor community. These relationships will help to open doors to new customers and new business partnerships while spreading the news of our re-branding to the widest audience possible.�

Metivier said through the combined efforts of Landor and PRPRO hoteliers will soon be �turned on� to a new suite of hospitality solutions never before offered from a single source.

�Our success within hospitality is based on our ability to consistently be the best in class for products and service � and that�s key to an industry that knows what service is about,� Metivier said. �PRPRO is best in class for their knowledge and experience in the industry, and they will play a key role in our marketing strategy.�

The PRPRO Advantage

PRPRO is a public relations and marketing-communications consulting and services group that is truly �in the know� when it comes to the hospitality industry.

The team, comprised of Barb Worcester, PRPRO principal, and Account Managers Marty Whitford, Robert Nozar and Bill Gillette, served on the editorial staff of HOTEL & MOTEL MANAGEMENT and represent more than 40 years of combined hospitality industry experience. In addition to H&MM, these veteran industry journalists have contributed articles to other respected industry publications such as Lodging, Lodging F&B, E-Hospitality, AAHOA Lodging Business, Lodging Real Estate, Corporate Meetings & Incentives, Hotel Interactive, Hotel Business, Hospitality Technology and National Hotel Executive. Worcester founded PRPRO in February 2001.

�We all have known for a long time that relationships are key in this industry�not only for �getting the story,� but for helping to implement a successful public-relations campaign,� Worcester said. �We once walked in the shoes of the media, so we know what editors consider newsworthy. We want to share that knowledge and experience as the hotel industry�s go-to public-relations professionals.�

As lead Account Manager for TESA ESI, Whitford will be working closely with Metivier and Heather Whitman, Global Communications Coordinator, to execute the company�s new rebranding/repositioning strategy. 

�Barb Worcester and I had the fortunate opportunity to write about the technology solutions offered by TESA ESI for several years while covering the technology beat for H&MM,� Whitford said. �We were impressed with TESA ESI, its product offerings, and people then�and we are even more thrilled to be working with Pascal, Heather and the entire TESA ESI team now, as we help them to create and distribute news of their expanded services and integrated technological solutions to the hospitality industry.�

Metivier said that as TESA ESI evolves, it will continue to offer services and products of the highest quality to its clients, while enhancing the benefits of choosing an integrated services provider.

�We want our new corporate image to reflect the innovative solutions we provide to multiple market segments,� Metivier said. �Our roots are buried in the manufacturing of electronic locks�but today our business is all about new growth fertilized by service. For us, service includes designing a broad spectrum of technology solutions with the direct input of our customers so that we best respond to their needs. It also includes an important role of consulting for new development, renovation and retrofit projects�confirming to clients across the globe that they can count on us today and tomorrow.

�We have long been the worldwide leader in electronic locks, but this only the foundation for our growth,� Metivier said. �With our electronic in-room safes, closed circuit television [CCTV] solutions and Senercomm energy management systems, we are anything but just a lock manufacturer. Consequently, our current name, TESA Entry Systems, feels like a suit that has become too tight. We strongly believe that the timing is perfect for us to have a new suit made�and that LANDOR Associates is the best tailor for the job, and PRPRO is the best partner to deliver our new message and new image to the industry.�

About TESA ESI

TESA ENTRY SYSTEMS is the leading international provider for electronic locking systems, and offers integrated technological solutions and services for the hospitality industry, including electronic in-room safes, CCTV surveillance systems by Philips, and Senercomm energy management solutions. Including manufacturing operations in Spain, Mexico and the U.S., TESA ESI has an extensive sales and service network that spans more than 115 countries around the globe. With innovative products specially designed to meet the needs of the hospitality industry, TESA ESI continues to provide technological advancements in real-world applications.

For more information on the company, please visit www.tesalocks.com.

About PRPRO

PRPRO writes and distributes Press Releases to the hospitality trade media, national news publications and Wire Services; designs Brochures and E-Newsletters; assists in Media Buys & Plans; coordinates Direct Marketing Campaigns; and provides Event and Tradeshow Management services exclusively for the hospitality industry. Current clients include: ARESCOM, Baymont Inns & Suites, Grand Tradition Hotels & Resorts, Green Suites International, High Country Hospitality, MyBed, RHR Systems and TESA ESI. For more information on the company, please visit www.prproconsulting.com.