Corning, N.Y. - February 1, 2000 - Following on the heels of their most successful year in business to date, Virtual Development Systems has chosen a new name to better represent its current suite of management consulting solutions. After doubling sales for the third year and with a host of new clients on board, the company is renaming itself Avantt Consulting. This change will also be reflected in the launch of a new web site to communicate with current and prospective clients.

Avantt Consulting takes its name from the French word “avant,” which means “before” or “in front of.” Because Avantt Consulting specializes in growth strategies and change management, the word “avant” describes the necessity for companies to plan in advance for growth – ahead of the competition and before change becomes an overwhelming need.

“It’s ironic that we’re changing our name,” says David Leis, president of Avantt Consulting. “We constantly urge our clients to anticipate trends in their business environment and change accordingly. Now we’re changing too!” According to Leis, “We encourage long-term thinking, preparing for growth before it happens. The ability to handle rapid change makes companies nimble – seizing opportunity as it occurs. Avantt Consulting better describes our role as agents of change.”

David Leis is founder and president of Avantt Consulting, headquartered in Corning, NY, with an additional office in New Jersey and affiliates in Boston, Atlanta and Fort Meyers. Avantt Consulting is a management consulting firm specializing in high growth strategies with expertise in corporate strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, organizational development and a host of support services. Avantt has helped many local companies succeed including Corning Incorporated, Toshiba, Welliver McGuire Inc., Hunt Engineers and Architects PC, Corning Natural Gas, Prudential Ambrose & Shoemaker and many others.