The Chicago Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI-Chicago) announced today that it has elected six officers and six directors for the 2007-2008 term.

Incoming NIRI-Chicago president Ruth E. Venning said, “NIRI-Chicago is one of the largest and most active chapters of the National Investor Relations Institute, one with a vibrant and diverse membership. We, the newly elected 2007-2008 board, are committed to improving the value NIRI-Chicago provides our members and fostering an increased sense of professional community, as well as to advancing the stature of the investor relations profession in the Midwest. We look forward to serving the chapter and building on NIRI-Chicago’s reputation of excellence.”

The NIRI-Chicago chapter board for 2007-2008 comprises the following members:

Officers

President: Ruth E. Venning, manager, investor relations, Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP). Venning previously served as executive vice president, vice president-Programs and vice president-Communications. Before that she chaired the NIRI-Chicago workshop.

Executive Vice President: Kevin P. Kelly, managing director, Morrow & Co., Inc. Kelly previously served as vice president-Programs and has chaired the NIRI annual workshop committee for the past two years.

Vice President-Programs: Patty Paul, consultant. This is Paul’s first year on the NIRI-Chicago board, although she previously served on the board of NIRI’s New York Chapter. Paul also is co-chair of this year’s IR Workshop, the chapter’s largest event.

Vice President-Treasurer: Christine J. Hanneman, vice president of investor relations at Pactiv Corporation (NYSE: PTV). This is Hanneman’s fifth year as vice president-Treasurer for the chapter.

Vice President-Membership: Thomas J. Laughran, vice president, Fleishman-Hillard Inc. This is Laughran’s second year as vice president-Membership. He has also served as a director and has chaired the Triad Annual Report Awards Competition from 2003-2006.

Vice President-Communications: Maryellen T. Thielen, director, investor relations, Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLMS). An accredited business communicator, Thielen is beginning her second year on the NIRI-Chicago board as vice president-Communications.

Directors

Chairman: William D. Chapman, director, investor relations, W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW). Chapman previously has served as president, executive vice president, vice president-Programs and as a director of the chapter.

Director: David A. Prichard, director, investor relations, Corn Products International, Inc. (NYSE: CPO). Prichard previously has served as chairman of the board, president, executive vice president, vice president-Programs and vice president-Treasurer, as well as a director of the chapter.

Director: Steven D. Carr, managing director, Dresner Corporate Services Inc. Carr was previously chairman of the board, president, executive vice president and director.

Director: William H. Parke, senior associate, corporate and financial communications, Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: CME). Parke has served NIRI-Chicago in several capacities, including president of the chapter and chairman of the board.

Director: Lisa I. Ciota, director, investor relations, McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD). This is Ciota’s third year as a director.

Director: Joan L. Bates, director of investor relations, DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV). This is Bate’s second year as a director.

Departing Officers and Directors

The chapter officers and directors extend their gratitude to the following for his efforts and many contributions to the chapter:

Director: Jonathan V. Hubbard, president, Alltus Communications, Ltd. Hubbard was vice president-Membership of the chapter of the chapter for two years and a director for one. He also served as chairperson of the NIRI-Chicago workshop.

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 and the recipient of several NIRI awards for large chapters, including Best Chapter and Best Special Events. More information on is available at www.niri-chicago.org.