Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone Appoints New Board Member; Names Marketing Committee Chair.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 2003

John T. Lyons III, founder of Intercontinental Business Services (IBS Corp.) has been appointed to the board of the Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone (GFTZ), which establishes and maintains federally approved foreign-trade zones in the state. Lyons will serve as a member-at-large, representing the International Chambers of Commerce. In addition, current board member Mark Plunkett, regional manager of cargo sales with the Georgia Ports Authority, was named the board's marketing committee chair.

"Mark and John's extensive experience and their valuable insights will strengthen the board's ability to guide our organization," says GFTZ President and CEO Julie Brown. Companies operating in foreign-trade zones benefit from significant cost savings by reducing, delaying or eliminating U.S. Customs duties and experience the advantage of expedited importing processes.

"GFTZ activities help create and keep jobs in the state, as well as attract businesses to Georgia by creating a positive business environment," says Lyons.

"It's gratifying to serve on the GFTZ board," adds Plunkett, "because we help companies gain competitive advantages by removing trade barriers. These efforts help local economies and ultimately impact our national interests."

Lyons founded IBS Corp. during 1979 as a vehicle to orchestrate and help establish numerous French-speaking companies in the United States. He also assists American companies in gaining a foothold in France. He is past president and co-founder of the Atlanta chapter of French-American Chamber of Commerce. Lyons received a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Plunkett, who works and resides in Atlanta, has been employed by the Georgia Ports Authority for more than 12 years. He is responsible for generating new business, as well as maintaining existing business from exporters and importers. Prior to joining the Authority, Plunkett held various management positions with Nedlloyd Lines, Crowley Maritime and Puerto Rico Marine Management. He is a graduate of The Citadel, Charleston, S.C.

About Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone

The Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone (GFTZ) establishes and maintains federally approved Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) in Georgia, enabling individuals or companies to import merchandise to specified sites without going through formal customs entry procedures or paying import duties. Zone users defer and often reduce custom duties. The program promotes American competitiveness and stimulates local economic growth by removing trade barriers. It also encourages companies to maintain and expand their Georgia operations. GFTZ is a non-profit organization established to promote use of the FTZ program and facilitate the FTZ application process. For more information, visit www.georgiaftz.com.