MAYOR, BUFFALO ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE CORPORATION WELCOMES TEK 21 TO THE BUFFALO BYTE BELT
TEK 21, THE BUCKLE IN BUFFALO'S BYTE BELT

Buffalo, NY-Mayor Anthony M. Masiello and the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation today welcomed TEK 21, Inc., the newest addition to the Buffalo Byte Belt. TEK 21's capacity to lead the way in developing Buffalo's own information technology hot zone was recognized at a press conference at City Hall.

Mayor Masiello stated, "TEK 21's ability to utilize its network of Internet partners to attract high technology enterprises to the Buffalo area will create a platform for the growth of our area into a leading Information Technology center."

The Mayor joined Dan Robbie, one of TEK 21's founders and the former President of the Miami Dolphins, along with Chairman of the Board Rodrigo Rocha and President Thom Barends in describing the role that the City expects TEK 21 to play in advancing the Byte Belt Initiative.

"TEK 21 is an econet," explained Dan Robbie. "An econet is a new form of business entity that utilizes the global potential of the Internet to affiliate a network of promising high tech enterprises, to incubate and grow businesses in a complete development-to-market environment. The TEK 21 econet strategy is two-fold: create an extensive network of partners; then continuously move forward companies that offer ways for the partners to increase the value and strength of their internet presence."

TEK 21's network of over 100 partners includes industry giants such as Anheuser-Busch, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Regal Cinemas and The PGA. Founded in February 1998, TEK 21 now employs over 30 people with many new jobs projected for network administrators, webmasters, graphic designers and sales and marketing staff.

"When we kicked off our Buffalo Byte Belt Technology Development Initiative in November, we knew that we were encouraging our age's industrial revolution. When companies like TEK 21 open their doors, with a bold vision, aggressive business plans and infinite potential, our beliefs are confirmed. We are capitalizing on an emerging sector which provides tremendous opportunities for Downtown Buffalo." said Mayor Masiello.

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SafePlayer.com, a producer of dynamic multimedia technology, is the newest addition to the TEK 21 econet. SafePlayer.com is relocating to the Buffalo Byte Belt from its present location in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. With SafePlayer.com tools, users can access the Internet directly from their desktop. This technology creates a more powerful and enjoyable Internet user experience. SafePlayer.com and TEK 21 anticipate attracting upwards of 100 employees locally for their new venture.

On December 22, 1999 The Erie County Legislature recognized TEK 21 as a leader in the Buffalo Information Technology community and the contributions that they have made in providing jobs and economic opportunity.

"Mayor Masiello's initiative encourages our company's commitment to the Buffalo area," said Dan Robbie. "With the kind of support this administration is providing we are part of a winning team that will establish Western New York as a major force in the global information technology business."