RUDEN McCLOSKY ATTORNEY GUILENE F. THEODORE APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR'S HAITI ADVISORY GROUP

TAMPA - The law firm of Ruden McClosky is pleased to announce that Governor Jeb Bush has appointed Ruden McClosky Partner Guilene F. Theodore to the newly formed Haiti Advisory Group. Effective September 1, 2004, the new advisory group's focus is on issues related to Haiti's reconstruction including economic development, education, technology and the environment. The Haiti Advisory Group's 17 members were chosen from the medical, business, legal, non-profit and education communities to work with Haitian leaders on the reconstruction of the Caribbean nation. Ms. Theodore is a partner in the law firm's Administrative & Governmental Law Practice and is based in Tampa.

The Governor's Haiti Advisory Group was established to identify critical short-term and long-term needs of Haiti in the areas of stimulating economic development and job creation; promoting infrastructure development; promoting effective management of environmental resources; strengthening Haiti's preparation for and response to natural disasters; improving healthcare; improving educational opportunities; and promoting the administration of justice and adherence to the Rule of Law, including combating corruption at all levels. The Advisory Group will also develop a work plan for supporting volunteers who desire to provide assistance to Haiti and act as a clearinghouse for information on initiatives and resources available from the private and public sectors. Florida's Haitian elected officials will serve as Ex-Officio members of the Advisory Group.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 230,000 Haitians live in Florida, making the Sunshine State home to the largest Haitian population in the U.S., followed by New York. The U.S. remains Haiti's largest trading partner, with Florida leading the nation in business exchanges.