WIT, BEAR STEARNS AND GRANT THORNTON ANNOUNCE FIVE FINALISTS FOR WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN TECHNOLOGY AWARD 2003

Women in Technology (WIT), a society of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), in partnership with sponsors Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Grant Thornton LLP named the five finalists for the fourth annual Woman of the Year in Technology Award. These finalists represent Georgia's top organizations, including Delta, Mapics, KnowledgeStorm, Georgia Institute of Technology and Worldspan.

ATLANTA, GA -- January 17, 2003 --Women in Technology (WIT), a society of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), in partnership with pioneering sponsors Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Grant Thornton LLP named the following five finalists for the fourth annual Woman of the Year in Technology Award:

·   Shirley Bridges -- Vice President -- Airline Operations, Delta Technology
·   Sandra Hofmann -- Chief Information and Chief People Officer, MAPICS
·   Kelly Gay -- Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, KnowledgeStorm
·   Dr. Mahera Mimi" S. Philobos    -- Professor -- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Director -- Women in Engineering Program, Georgia Institute of Technology
·   Sue Powers -- Senior Vice President -- Worldwide Product Solutions, Worldspan

Woman of the Year in Technology is a prestigious award that celebrates Georgia women who have contributed to the growth and success of the technology industry in Georgia.

The winner of the award is selected among a group of five finalists hand-picked by a nomination committee and a distinguished panel of judges which include: Martin Tilson, senior partner with the Atlanta office of Kilpatrick Stockton LLP; Monica Kaufman, anchor for WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News; Magaret Wagner Dahl, director of Research Development and Technology Alliances with University of Georgia; and Lewis A. Massey, president and CEO of SciTrek.

Previous Women of the Year in Technology award winners are Joan Herbig, CEO of Xcellenet; Karen Robinson, president and CEO PrimePoint Media; and Elizabeth R. Lee Lee" James, vice chairman, CIO and chief people officer with Synovus.

Each year we witness an extraordinary display of technology innovation and business savvy from the growing pool of women leaders in Georgia who are directly impacting strategic growth and direction at their companies," said. Dawn Patrick, president of WIT and Deloitte & Touche tax partner. The 2003 award holds special significance because it represents the culmination of 10 years of WIT history and excellence."

Added Paul Marshall, managing director of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Each year has drawn an increasingly impressive group of nominees throughout Georgia, of whom these finalists are the best and brightest. Bear Stearns is honored to be in such excellent company and we are pleased to take part in recognizing the critical roles these women play and the important contributions these women have made in the technology sector."

This year's finalists reflect the changing economic landscape, representing a multitude of industries and company sizes from all over the state of Georgia. Each woman truly epitomizes success as an executive, an entrepreneur and a role model for both her exemplary leadership and her focus on quality of life," said André Schnabl, managing partner of Grant Thorntons Atlanta office. We believe this award not only recognizes talented women but also creates rewarding opportunities for them. It has been exciting to watch finalists from prior years become the spokespeople on a number of issues affecting technology in the State of Georgia."

Marci McCarthy, executive advisory board member for WIT and director of marketing with Lancope, adds, It is exciting to see how this event has evolved, its growing impact on the community and the exemplary list of nominees it continues to draw. These women serve as role models for all women in technology."

The award will be presented in the Egyptian Room at the Fox Theatre on February 20, 2003. Individual tickets are $60 for TAG members and $75 for non-members. Tables of 10 are available for $600. To RSVP or for more information, visit the TAG Web site at www.tagonline.org, email events@tagonline.org or call 817-3333.

About Bear Stearns
Founded in 1923, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. is a leading worldwide investment banking and securities trading and brokerage firm, and the major subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE:BSC). With approximately $30.6 billion in total capital, Bear Stearns serves governments, corporations, institutions and individuals worldwide. The company's business includes corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, institutional equities and fixed income sales, trading and research, private client services, derivatives, foreign exchange and futures sales and trading, asset management and custody services. Through Bear, Stearns Securities Corp., it offers prime broker and broker dealer services, including securities lending. Headquartered in New York City, the company has approximately 10,500 employees worldwide. For additional information about Bear Stearns, please visit the firms Web site at http://www.bearstearns.com.

About Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is the leading global accounting, tax, and business advisory firm dedicated to serving the needs of middle-market companies. Founded in 1924, Grant Thornton serves public and private middle-market clients through 51 offices in the United States and in more than 585 offices in 110 countries through Grant Thornton International. Grant Thornton's Web site address is www.GrantThornton.com.

About Women In Technology
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Women in Technology (WIT), a society of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), is the leading professional association devoted to the development of Georgia's businesswomen in the technology industry. WIT accelerates the growth path of women through initiatives that promote visibility and opportunities for their individual goals and success in the industry.

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is an umbrella membership organization that serves more than 3,500 members of the Georgia technology community. For more information on TAG or WIT, please visit www.tagonline.org or call 404.817.3333.
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