For Immediate Release
March 28, 1996

Contact: Tony Loiacono
(650)802-8300
Craig Senn-QBN
(316)685-2266

Tony Loiacono of Copenhagen Balloons & Promotions, Burlingame California, recently earned Certified Balloon (CBA) status. Loiacono was one of Forty-nine balloon professionals who successfully completed the series of written, oral and practical CBA examinations. Testing was conducted March 20 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. The certification was administered by the Qualatex Balloon Network sm (QBN),a trade organization for balloon professionals. There are currently 472 Certified Balloon Artists Worldswide.

To achieve certification, Loiacono was required to:

1. complete skills demonstrations on building balloon deliveries and designing balloons arrangements.

2. give an oral presentation to a panel of industry leaders.

3. satisfactorily complete written exams.

Loiacono's preparation included studying written and videotaped materials produced by Pioneer Balloon Company, Manufacturer of Qualatex balloons.