NIRI-Chicago Workshop Focuses on Investor Relations Trends; Award-Winning Event Features Keynote by Corporate Governance Expert Charles M. Elson

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2006--The Chicago chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI-Chicago) today announced it will hold its annual workshop on September 15 at the Holiday Inn--Chicago Mart Plaza in downtown Chicago. Repeat winner of NIRI's "Best Special Event" award for a large chapter, the workshop addresses the vital topics and trends impacting the practice of investor relations, a strategic management responsibility that integrates finance, communications, marketing and securities law compliance.

This year's workshop "High Performance - IR Essentials" is designed to help investor relations professionals and others stay current with the industry's best practices and covers a range of timely subjects, including Wall Street trends, disclosure and Reg FD, corporate governance and hedge funds.

“This event will provide attendees with the crucial information they need to navigate this ever-changing field”

Keynote speaker for the event is Charles M. Elson, Chair in Corporate Governance, College of Business and Economics of the University of Delaware. Considered one of the top corporate governance experts in the country, Elson will offer a wide-ranging discussion on the climate and trends in governance, including executive compensation, proxies, dissident shareholders, backdating options and shareholder rights.

"This event will provide attendees with the crucial information they need to navigate this ever-changing field," said Kevin P. Kelly, NIRI-Chicago vice president of programs and workshop chairman. "We've surveyed NIRI members and industry practitioners to uncover current and emerging issues facing investor relations officers and have brought together nationally recognized experts to address these issues and provide the essential resources."

Attendance is open to the public, with last year's workshop garnering attendance from professionals across the Midwest and Canada. The program begins on Thursday, September 14, with a pre-event evening reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Inspire Fine Art Gallery at 435 E. Illinois St. in Chicago. The full-day seminar begins on Friday, September 15, at 7:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn--Chicago Mart Plaza with registration, continental breakfast and an exhibitor showcase. The cost is $100 for NIRI members and $125 for non-members through September 2. After that date, the cost is $125 for NIRI members and $150 for non-members. For those wishing to attend only the luncheon featuring Elson as speaker the charge is $40 for non-members. There is no charge for NIRI-Chicago members.

More information on the 2006 workshop is available on the NIRI-Chicago Web site at www.niri-chicago.org.

About NIRI-Chicago

The Chicago chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI-Chicago) works to advance the practice of investor relations and meet the growing professional development needs of those engaged in the field. The members of NIRI-Chicago include corporate officers, consultants, service providers, academics, and others involved in the practice of investor relations, which is a strategic management responsibility that integrates finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance. With more than 200 members, NIRI-Chicago is one of the largest NIRI chapters in the United States. For more information, visit www.niri-chicago.org.