Lt. General Russel Honore, commander of the First U.S. Army, and head of the military relief efforts in New Orleans following the devastating Hurricane Katrina, will receive the Bernie Abrams Leadership Award at a dinner in Atlanta at Buckhead Grand Hyatt on Thursday, November 16, 2006. The award is given annually by the Atlanta Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) to an individual who demonstrates energy, valor, clarity of vision and a capacity for achievement.

The dinner is the annual joint meeting of the Atlanta Chapters of ACG and the Financial Executives International (FEI). The joint dinner meeting is open only to members of ACG and FEI.

“We can all learn a lot about leadership in time of crisis from Gen. Honore,” said Carol Newman, president of the Atlanta Chapter of ACG. “All of America owes him a debt of gratitude for taking charge and leading federal troops to rescue thousands of stranded citizens in New Orleans,” she added.

It has been reported that at its peak, the military’s joint task had 22,000 military personnel in New Orleans. General Honore and his troops have been credited with treating civilians humanely and bridging much-needed humanitarian supplies and manpower to restore order to the city.

There will be a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. Gen. Honore will address the event at 8:00 p.m. for 30 minutes with a brief question and answer session.

About ACG

Founded in 1954, the Association for Corporate Growth (www.acg.org) is a global association for professionals involved in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. Today ACG stands at more than 10,000 members from corporations, private equity, finance, and professional service firms representing Fortune 500, Fortune1000, FTSE 100, and mid-market companies in 51 chapters in North America and Europe.

About FEI

Financial Executives International (FEI) is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its 15,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers and controllers. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, teleconferences and publications. Members participate in the activities of 85 chapters, 74 in the U.S., 11 in Canada.

CONTACT:

Quinn Hudson
404.374.7596
qhudson@hudsonslaton.com