March 6, 2006

Barney Bishop to serve as CEO and President of AIF

TALLAHASSEE — Barney Bishop III, president of Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), today was named Chief Executive Officer of the state’s premier business advocacy association. Bishop has served as president of AIF since January 2005, managing the day to day operations of AIF. He takes over as CEO, a position held by Jon Shebel who spent nearly four decades building AIF into one of Florida’s most powerful and successful government affairs and business lobbying groups.

“Over the past 37 years, Jon has provided unparalleled leadership to AIF and the business community in Florida. He has advanced not only the mission of AIF and its members, but has also impacted the way policymakers approach critical issues that are important to businesses in our state. We thank Jon for his leadership and dedication to helping foster a business-friendly culture which has contributed to an era in Florida that has seen phenomenal economic and business growth,” said Allen Keesler, AIF board chairman.

With Shebel stepping down, the AIF Board of Directors today unanimously approved Bishop as CEO along with his continuing role as president.

“A little over a year ago, I appointed Barney as president of our organization, and in a short time he has proven to be an invaluable and dedicated steward for AIF. With his solid and dynamic leadership style, AIF’s membership has experienced incredible growth, expanding into new and exciting business areas,” said Jon Shebel. “Barney has a unique ability to quickly understand critical issues important to our membership, and can passionately communicate the AIF position to our state’s decision makers and business leaders. I wouldn’t be making this decision if I wasn’t completely sure that AIF would continue on its successful path of progress and booming growth.”

Shebel will now focus his energies on overseeing the Association’s fast growing insurance operations for the 10,000 businesses AIF represents in Florida.

“I am proud to take on this new leadership role with AIF, but am truly humbled to fill the shoes of someone who has realized so many accomplishments for AIF and our business members. With the overwhelming growth we have seen in the past year, we recognize the valuable role Jon can play in devoting his full-time talents to our insurance operations. I thank the board for this opportunity and look forward to the challenge that awaits me as the new president and CEO.”