Evanston, IL – iParenting Media, producer of the highly regarded iParenting Media Awards Program (IPMA Awards), launches its Retailer Network Program for the promotion of award-winning products, and proudly names Learning Express, the leading specialty toy retail franchise, as the first affiliated member.

Learning Express, made up of 112 stores in 34 states, was recently named the No. 1 franchise opportunity in its class by Forbes 500. In addition to hosting the IPMA Awards Program, iParenting Media is the leading source and authority on preconception, pregnancy and parenting in multiple forms of media including Internet, print and radio.

The iParenting Media Awards Retailer Network Program will provide member retailers with numerous benefits including new business opportunities, award system credibility, in-store events, territory-specific marketing support, publicity and continuous branding services.

“We strive to implement innovative ways to connect iParenting Media’s millions of consumers with iParenting Media Award-winning product selections online and offline,” says Alvin All, Chief Executive Officer of iParenting Media. “The iParenting Media Awards Retailer Network Program will support this mission in an ever changing and challenging retail marketplace. We believe the Retailer Program also will create a new breed of distribution by unifying the voice of independent retailers, while pulling through sales opportunities efficiently and evenly for manufacturers to all of their distribution outlets.”

“We are excited to have Learning Express as the first member and strategic partner in our Retailer Network program as they are a prominent, highly respected and influential force in the specialty toy industry,” All says.

“Our partnership with iParenting Media will help our customers choose award-winning products for their children,” says Learning Express President Joe Diaz. “Learning Express prides itself in identifying and providing the highest quality educational and developmental toys for children. Our partnership with iParenting Media will allow us to reach a broader audience and help parents select the most appropriate toys.”

www.iParentingMediaAwards.com

The iParenting Media Awards process debuted to the public in August 2003 after years of reviewing thousands of products submitted to iParenting Media and the Pregnancy Buyer’s Guide magazine, for which iParenting Media produces the content.

The iParenting Media Awards process utilizes a thorough evaluation procedure to review each submitted item. Products are submitted through a proprietary online technical platform, which is password protected within an encrypted system, and managed by the manufacturer or submitter of the product. This assures accountability, security, credibility and overall improvement in the current product awards industry.

The reviews are conducted through a qualified base of hundreds of reviewers that complete a comprehensive survey. All iParenting Media Award reviewers, including licensed childcare facilities/schools, product experts and parents, are contracted exclusively for iParenting Media and paid for their services, and they review each product thoroughly, ensuring a fair and objective process.

iParenting also operates one of the Internet’s most popular communities for parents and parents-to-be at www.iparenting.com. The company is the content provider for several national magazines including: Pregnancy, Baby Years, Women’s Health & Fitness and Pregnancy Buyer’s Guide. iParenting Editor-in-Chief Elisa Ast All, MSJ, writes a syndicated monthly newspaper column and hosts an A.I.R. Award-nominated radio show, “Points on Parenting.”

Learning Express, which began with one store in 1987, is the largest franchiser of specialty toy stores in the world. Headquartered in Ayer, Mass., each store is independently owned and operated. Both in-store and online, Learning Express offers a wide selection of the highest quality, award-winning toys and games that inspire young minds. In addition, Learning Express offers in-store workshops and events and special services like free gift-wrapping and personalization, a frequent buyer discount program and gift registries. The company supports its local communities through fundraising programs for schools and civic organizations and through discounts to educators and day care providers.

For more information about iParenting Media, contact: Jeanne Murphy Director of Business Development 570-595-0211 Jeanne@iparenting.com

For more information about Learning Express, contact: Jessica Hopp Marketing Assistant 978-889-1070