LOBBYING FIRM TO MERGE INTO BoseTreacy Associates LLC ASSOCIATES

August 26, 2004

Indianapolis, Ind. - BoseTreacy Associates LLC, a full service public affairs and association management firm, has added the services of three familiar names in the State House hallways to provide even greater depth to the firm prior to the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly. This merger continues a trend in the lobby industry.

Veteran lobbyists Thomas E. Fruechtenicht, John V. Barnett, Jr. and Carolyn T. Elliott, of the firm Fruechtenicht & Barnett, will join BoseTreacy Associates LLC effective September 1. Fruechtenicht and Barnett will now serve as senior vice presidents with BoseTreacy Associates LLC, and Elliott will operate as a lobbyist with the firm. Also joining BoseTreacy Associates LLC from Fruechtenicht & Barnett is associate Christi Heiney.

Fruechtenicht & Barnett represents more than 30 clients. Representative clients include the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Casino Association of Indiana, FedEx, the Indiana Association of Health Plans, Indiana Fireworks Distributors Association, Indiana Funeral Directors Association, the Indiana Sheriff's Association, Kroger and McDonald's Corporation. These join more than 50 current clients of BoseTreacy Associates LLC.

"We are elated to have three of the most experienced, well-respected and well-known lobbyists in state government join BoseTreacy Associates LLC," said Daniel B. Seitz, principal with BoseTreacy Associates LLC. "There is no doubt that our firm is now stronger and better poised to meet the needs of our existing and future clients as a result of their addition."

"BoseTreacy Associates LLC is an outstanding government relations firm with an impeccable reputation. We felt comfortable with the personalities and the operation," Fruechtenicht said. "With BoseTreacy Associates LLC's expanded capacity and capabilities, our clients will enjoy even better service. We are just convinced it is the right fit at the right time."

Added Barnett, "As we planned for the future growth of our practice, it became apparent that the best opportunity was going to be a merger. We were, of course, familiar with the people at BoseTreacy Associates LLC from our years lobbying at the State House. We knew and respected their people and when the opportunity to merge presented itself, we accepted. We believe this will provide outstanding opportunities for us, our loyal employees, our clients and BoseTreacy Associates LLC."

Fruechtenicht holds his law degree from Indiana University Law School. He served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1972-1982, engaging in the practice of law and government relations the following year. As state representative, he was elected House assistant minority caucus chairman, served as chairman of the House Public Policy Committee and as a member of the Courts & Criminal Code and Judiciary committees. He has been a registered lobbyist since 1983 representing numerous clients before the Indiana General Assembly and administrative agencies. He is a Master Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation and a Sagamore of the Wabash.

Barnett is an attorney and former director of public affairs at The Kroger Company. He has been a registered lobbyist in Indiana since 1971. He has vast experience representing clients before governmental agencies with an emphasis on environment, franchise issues, gaming, utilities and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, Barnett specializes in issues pertaining to information technology, taxation, workplace, financial institutions and health. He has also been awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award by the state of Indiana.

Elliott served in government affairs with the Indiana Healthcare Association before joining Fruechtenicht & Barnett in 1991. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with High Distinction from Indiana University. She holds affiliations with philanthropic sorority Delta Theta Tau, social sorority Pi Beta Phi, and the American and Indiana Angus associations. Additionally, she is a patron of the Putnam County Playhouse.

Based in Indianapolis, Ind., BoseTreacy Associates LLC is a full service public affairs and association management firm offering more than 100 years combined experience to affect the decisions of government-at the local, state, national and international levels. Offering services in government relations, public affairs consulting, lobbying and association management, BoseTreacy Associates LLC is an active member of The Advocacy Group (TAG), an international network that allows clients to obtain professional assistance throughout the United States and other countries.