Robert J. O'Brien, Sr. Inducted into Futures Hall of Fame.

Founder of R.J. O'Brien and Associates Honored by Futures Industry Association 

CHICAGO -- R.J. O'Brien and Associates, Inc. (RJO), the nation's largest independent futures brokerage, announced today that Robert J. O'Brien, Sr., founder and chairman emeritus, was inducted into the Futures Industry Association (FIA) Futures Hall of Fame. The FIA Futures Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to celebrate the accomplishments and recognize the significant contributions that certain individuals have made to the futures and options industry over the course of its history. Mr. O'Brien, who was honored in this year's ceremony, helped lay the foundation for the industry's extraordinary success and deserves the highest gratitude and respect, said the FIA.

"I am elated to see my Dad receive this accolade," said John W. O'Brien, now chairman of RJO. "He is an inspiration to me, our family and everyone at R.J. O'Brien, having taught us, through example, the importance of integrity, honesty and customer appreciation."

"The core values at RJO, and for many in the futures industry, are based on Dad's example," added Robert J. O'Brien, Jr., the company's vice chairman. "He is a born leader, whose genuine sense of fairness and sincerity led him to achieve remarkable things for many people in this industry and in Chicago."

"Industry-wide recognition of Bob's many accomplishments is a great honor for all of us at RJO," said Gerald F. Corcoran, CEO. "Bob's induction into the FIA Hall of Fame salutes his sweeping contributions in the evolution of the futures industry and ensures that his legacy will be preserved in history."

A Legendary Career

Robert J. O'Brien, Sr. (Bob) built a legendary career in the futures industry that spans more than five decades and is distinguished by his exceptional vision, fortitude, diligence and integrity.

Working in futures since 1952, Bob was an early member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and quickly demonstrated leadership qualities both at the helm of RJO and in his various roles at the CME. The late 1950's and early 1960's posed dramatic challenges at the CME when price supports ended futures trading in the majority of the exchange's commodity products. In 1964, when the exchange was left with a single commodity, eggs, and the future of the industry seemed uncertain, R.J. O'Brien, under Mr. O'Brien's tutelage, supported the exchange's initiative to begin trading live animal contracts. R.J. O'Brien became the first firm to take delivery on the Live Cattle contract, which continues to trade to this day, and Live Hogs were soon to follow.

In 1966, R.J. O'Brien broke ground again when RJO Secretary, Sandra Stevens, became the first woman to work on the trading floor of a major commodities exchange. Bob O'Brien personally sponsored Ms. Stevens to work at the CME. The impact of a woman working on the floor of an exchange ignited media attention and the Chicago Daily News sent reporters and photographers to the CME to record the event for posterity. Chicago radio station WAIT named Bob "Businessman of the Day" in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of Commerce and Industry in the city.

By the early 1970's, financial futures and currencies were introduced and in 1972, Bob was elected Director and Secretary of the International Monetary Market (IMM). He traveled to Europe with a delegation to promote these new products, which eventually eclipsed traditional commodities trading. Years later, his daughter, Nancy, became the first woman trader in the IMM.

Bob's contributions to the futures industry are expansive. They are best represented by the following list of initiatives:

Chairman - Chicago Mercantile Exchange, 1967 and 1968 (when there was
            a 2-year limit)
Chairman - Rules Committee of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chairman - Membership Committee of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chairman - Business Conduct Committee of the Chicago Mercantile
            Exchange
Chairman - Pork Products Committee of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chairman - Public Relations Committee of the Chicago Mercantile
            Exchange
Chairman - New Products Committee of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Also Served:    Approved Warehouse
                Live Hog
                Clearing House
                Executive
                Real Estate
                Special Egg Pricing
Director -  International Monetary Market
Director -  Chicago Bank of Commerce
Director -  St. Norbert's College
Director -  Holy Family Community
Treasurer - National Poultry Butter & Egg Association
The Executive Club of Chicago
The Economic Club of Chicago
The Chicago Farmers
The American National Cattlemen's Association
The American Meat Institute

Bob O'Brien's leadership and foresight in the futures industry has made him, and the company bearing his name, a focal point in the business. In 1989, the City of Chicago recognized R.J. O'Brien's contributions to the city and celebrated the 75th anniversary of the firm. In appreciation of the businesses built, both RJO and the CME, and the many jobs created, Mayor Daly proclaimed an "R.J. O'Brien Day" in honor of Bob.

Bob has shared a lifetime of ingenuity and enthusiasm for the futures industry and for Chicago that is only superseded by his love of family. He has five children, 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

About FIA

The FIA is the leading trade organization for the futures industry. Its membership includes more than 40 of the largest futures commission merchants.

About R.J. O'Brien

R.J. O'Brien is the largest independent futures brokerage in the United States. A privately owned Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), RJO is also one of the oldest futures brokerage firms, dating to 1914. RJO is a founding member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and is a full clearing member of: the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT); the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX and COMEX divisions); the New York Board of Trade (NYBOT); Eurex AG; Eurex US; EuronextLIFFE; and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), is on track to becoming a full clearing member of the Sydney Futures Exchange (SFE) during 2007. RJO offers the latest in order entry technology coupled with 24-hour execution and clearing on every futures exchange worldwide. RJO services a nationwide network of more than 250 introducing brokers and some of the world's largest financial, industrial and agricultural institutions. For further information, please visit www.rjobrien.com.