Former Congressman Forbes Named Managing Director of Brookfield Capital, National Investment Banking Firm on Long Island.

Business Editors

RONKONKOMA, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2001

Ronald S. Gray, Chairman of the Board of Brookfield Capital Partners, today announced the appointment of U. S. Congressman Michael P. Forbes (D-Suffolk County) as Managing Director.

Forbes, a lifelong resident of Long Island, retired from the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month. He is President and C.E.O. of PR/Strategies International, LLC, a strategic communications and grassroots advocacy firm with offices in Washington, DC, New York City and Long Island.

"Mike Forbes' years of public service, at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and in Congress adds a unique and unparalleled perspective to Brookfield Capital Partners," Gray said. "His involvement as a partner will benefit our clients and add depth to our services."

"This is an exciting opportunity. I'm very impressed with Ron Gray and the dynamic Board that serves Brookfield. The chance to again work with entrepreneurs and successful, fast-growing companies and be a catalyst for new jobs and a robust economy is, frankly, irresistible," Forbes noted. "They've got a winning formula at Brookfield and I'm looking forward to adding to their successes."

Gray said it was Forbes' " ...successful track record, keen understanding of the needs of entrepreneurs and overall experience that got our attention and caused us to invite the former Congressman to join Brookfield."

Forbes, elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994, brings to Brookfield a solid record of accomplishment in the public sector and, as a member of the influential Appropriations, Banking and Small Business committees, he nurtured a reputation for delivering for his constituents. In 1988 President George H.W. Bush appointed him to the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he served as a top advisor and regional administrator in New York.

Gray, a successful investment banker before founding Brookfield Capital Partners in 1996, said he has raised in excess of $900 million. The unprecedented response from investors and clients alike led to the formation of a new entity, Brookfield Capital Management Group, a merchant banking division, to specifically focus on development companies. Brookfield Capital Partners and Brookfield Capital Management Group are located in Ronkonkoma, New York.

For more information please call Brookfield Capital Partners, +US 631/467-4544.