Corning, N.Y. - March 13, 2000 - Dave Leis, president of Virtual Development Systems, Inc., was presented the Gold Consultant Award for outstanding sales achievement at the 21st annual Carlson International Business conference hosted by Carlson Learning Company. The conference was held February 10-12, 2000 at the Palm Springs Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, CA.

Carlson International Business Conference represented the largest gathering of independent trainers and consultants around the world. Nearly 400 trainers and consultants gathered to learn about new products, share ideas and receive recognition for their success in integrating Carlson Learning Company products in their training and consulting solutions. This premier event explored leading-edge approaches to improving individual and organizational performance in today's diverse workplace. "Receiving this award is an honor," said David Leis, president of Virtual Development Systems, Inc. "Carlson Learning products have been very helpful in developing growth strategies for our clients."

Carlson Learning Company is the leading publisher of quality learning resources in the areas of personal development and performance improvement. Carlson's learning instruments are used by business and educational organizations in over 80 countries and have been translated into seventeen languages. Carlson Learning Company is part of the multi-billion dollar Carlson Companies, Inc., the parent company of international travel and hospitality groups such as Carlson-Wagonlit Travel, Radisson Hotels and T.G.I. Friday's Restaurants.

David Leis is founder and president of Virtual Development Systems, Inc. (VDS), headquartered in Corning, NY with offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Virtual Development Systems is a management consulting firm specializing in organizational growth strategies with expertise in corporate strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, organizational development and a host of support services.