ADVISORY/Hand Benefits & Trust Inc. Proposes Focusing Reform on Technological and Procedural Controls: Amendment Passed by the House in a 418-2 Vote.

Business Editors/Finance Writers

ADVISORY...for Tuesday (Dec. 2)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Expected Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule Changes Could

Harm Investments of Millions of 401(k) Participants

WHAT:        On Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, the Securities and Exchange
             Commission (SEC) is expected to announce proposed rule
             changes to curb the illegal practice of late trading. If
             the SEC adopts a "hard close" rule, a substantial
             majority of 401(k) participants will inadvertently be
             forced into next-day trading status. The 4 p.m. close
             would require significant modifications to current record
             keeping systems at substantial cost to the record keepers
             and those employers and employees who sponsor and
             participate in these plans.

             Over 70 million Americans participate in 401(k) plans,
             almost half of which are invested in mutual funds. It is
             imperative that regulatory reforms avoid unnecessary
             adverse impacts that might put these participants at a
             disadvantage relative to other investors. David Hand is
             available for one-on-one interviews to discuss recently
             approved house bill reforms using existing technology
             that will help protect 401(k) participants.

WHO:         David Hand, president of Hand Benefits & Trust Inc.
             Co-chair of the American Society of Pension Actuaries
             (ASPA) Task Force

WHEN:        David Hand is available throughout the month of December
             for interviews.

WHAT ELSE:   David Hand, president of Hand Benefits & Trust Inc.,
             co-chaired a special task force of the ASPA that was
             instrumental in fashioning the approved amendment to bill
             HR 2420, which passed Wednesday, Nov. 19 in a 418-2 vote,
             that will protect the interests of 401(k) participants by
             focusing reform efforts on technological and procedural
             controls. These controls, subject to an independent
             audit, can be implemented quickly at reasonable cost and
             with certainty that after hours trading will be
             impossible.

             Established in 1963, Hand Benefits & Trust Inc. serves as
             administrative trustee, agent, or custodian for a variety
             of employee benefit plans, IRA's and personal investment
             accounts. Hand Benefits & Trust Inc. believes a culture
             of fiduciary responsibility is indispensable to the long
             term success of its clients. Today, the company is one of
             the largest full-service independent trust companies in
             the state.

             Founded in 1966, the purpose of ASPA is to educate
             pension actuaries, consultants, administrators and other
             benefits professionals, and to preserve and enhance the
             private pension system as part of the development of a
             cohesive and coherent national retirement income policy.
             Currently, ASPA has over 5,000 members strong, with over
             3,500 designated members and over 1,500 affiliate
             members.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Alison Croyle ([e-mail]) at 512-472-3515.