Proactive Worldwide`s CEO Gary Maag Receives "Outstanding Marketing Alumnus" Award from Northern Illinois University

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
Competitive intelligence (CI) and decision support firm Proactive Worldwide,
Inc. announced that its Chairman and CEO, Gary D. Maag, has been honored as an
"Outstanding Marketing Alumnus" by Northern Illinois University in DeKalb,
Illinois. The award was presented at the Marketing Honor Society`s Annual
Scholars` Ceremony on November 3.

Mr. Maag was chosen for his professional accomplishments as a business owner as
well as for giving back to NIU`s Department of Marketing by remaining in contact
with faculty and students, sharing his expertise through guest lectures, and
hiring NIU graduates as interns, analysts, and researchers.

"At NIU, I learned how to navigate a path of my own to achieve my goals with the
help of NIU faculty and advisors," said Mr. Maag (B.A., Marketing) in accepting
the award. "I learned to make the most out of leadership positions and how to
open doors…which eventually landed me my first job at [advertising agency] Leo
Burnett & Co."

In introducing Mr. Maag at the award ceremony, Dr. Rick Ridnour, NIU Marketing
Professor, noted that "NIU alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves and
Northern in countless ways. Our awards program seeks to recognize some of those
outstanding individuals who have achieved great success in their personal and
professional lives."

Mr. Maag also observed, "Besides teaching the science of business, NIU also
taught me the art of emulating the critical behaviors that all business people
should demonstrate… a strong work ethic, a sense of gratitude, and the need to
contribute to make a difference in people`s lives." He added, "These are the
same principles that I apply every day as a business owner."

NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse student
body of more than 25,000.

About Proactive Worldwide, Inc.

Based outside Chicago, IL, Proactive Worldwide, Inc. specializes in customized
decision support research and consulting for U.S. and multinational clients. The
company is in the business of obtaining raw data, analyzing it, and identifying
relevant strategic and tactical steps that clients can take to stay Out in
Front® of the competition. Its multi-lingual staff has been providing CI
services for over 14 years in the fields of life sciences, financial services,
technology and telecommunications, and consumer and industrial goods. For more
information, call 847-483-9300, and visit www.proactiveworldwide.com.

Proactive Worldwide, Inc.
Kelley Loiacono, 847/483-7360

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