SAN DIEGO (Sept. 19, 2005) – Hundreds gathered at the Convention Center on Thursday, September 16 to honor 40 of San Diego’s savviest business and community leaders under the age of forty at the Metropolitan Magazine’s annual 40 Under Forty Awards. Seasoned public relations pro, Chris Wahl, Vice President and Partner of Southwest Strategies, was among those honored at the luncheon.

“Southwest Strategies is very proud that Chris was nominated for the 40 Under Forty award,” said Alan Ziegaus, President and Partner of Southwest Strategies. “as a young professional, Chris has a wealth of talent, experience and knowledge.”

With nearly 15 years of experience in strategic communications, it’s no wonder Wahl, 35, was nominated for the prestigious award. In 1996, he founded Wahl Associates Inc., based in San Luis Obispo, in order to pursue his passion for complex and challenging public policy issues. His business thrived, working with clients such as Unocal Corporation and the Tosco Refining Company.

In 2000, Wahl started Southwest Strategies with two of San Diego’s most well known and experienced public relations practitioners, Alan Ziegaus and Bernie Rhinerson. What once started as a four-person company has grown to about five times the original size. Southwest Strategies has consistently been noted as one of San Diego’s top 10 public relations firms by the San Diego Business Journal. The firm offers a full range of communications and strategic services including; public affairs, community relations, crisis communications, public relations, media relations, and government affairs.

Through his work at Southwest Strategies, Wahl counsels some of San Diego County’s biggest companies such as Westfield Corporation, San Diego Gas & Electric, the Cities of Coronado and Poway, the Dow

Wahl is no stranger to success; in 2003 he was presented with an Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America’s for his work as the media spokesperson for Tapestry Solutions, a San Diego-based military software company victimized by terrorism in Kuwait. Wahl demonstrated his impeccable media skills by staying calm during the crisis as he was featured on CNN, the CBS Evening News and all television stations in San Diego.

Not only is Wahl a business leader, he also is active in the community, volunteering for a number of local organizations and causes. He is a member of the board of directors for Kids’ Turn San Diego, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children of divorce. He is also a member of the Holiday Bowl Committee and a Board Member of the San Diego Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.