Renaissance Officer Press Release - March 17th 2008

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE RENAISSANCE GROUP OF

BONITA SPRINGS ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS

Bonita Springs, FL: March 18, 2008 - The Renaissance Group of Bonita Springs today announced the election of the following officers: Dennis Wilkie, President; Bernie Long, Secretary & Counsel; and Steven "Rusty" Whitley, Treasurer.

Mr. Wilkie, retired Corporate Vice President of both Ford Motor Company and Motorola, Inc., succeeds Pete Mootz, retired Controller of Monsanto Chemical Company, who is relocating his primary residence to Wake Forest, North Carolina. Mr. Long was most recently Senior Tax Partner with the firm of Dow Lohnes LLC, while Mr. Whitley is a partner in the firm of Wiltshire, Whitley, Richardson & English, certified public accountants.

Commenting on the change in leadership, Mr. Wilkie said, "We are very grateful for the countless contributions Pete has made to Renaissance. Under his leadership we have made significant progress in creating partnerships with other businesses, organizations, and the city as collectively we work to enhance our primary goal of creating affordable housing in Bonita Springs. He has been passionate in his efforts to help Bonita Springs become a better community in which to live. We are also very pleased that Pete has agreed to continue - at least for the foreseeable immediate future - as a member of our Board of Directors."

Mr. Mootz noted, "I have been very fortunate to work with so many fine, outstanding citizens who are committed to making Bonita Springs a great city. The credit for our success as an organization goes to the people who work tirelessly in eliminating undesirable housing conditions which adversely impact the image of our city. It has been an honor and a privilege to interact with so many dedicated people. Dennis Wilkie has been one of these individuals, and under his leadership I am most confident that the Renaissance Group will continue to make a positive impact on Bonita Springs.

In addition to Messrs. Mootz, Wilkie, Long, and Whitley, the following individuals also serve as members of the Board of Directors: Ross Roberts, retired Corporate Vice President and officer of Ford Motor Company; Fred Weinman, Vice President of Northern Trust,; and Bruce Wheatley, retired Senior Vice President of Commercial Intertech

Founded in 2004, The Renaissance Group is a 501 c (3) not-for-profit corporation, comprised of area citizens and private sector partners who are committed to enhancing the City of Bonita Springs for people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and financial means. Major projects since its founding have included a partnership with the Bonita Springs Area Housing Development Corporation and the City of Bonita Springs to provide 39 affordable homes in Rosemary Park; initiation of the Paint Your Heart Out Bonita program; funding the paving of several streets in Rosemary Park; and providing the leadership and funding for the Coalition of Affordable Housing that analyzed the need for such housing in the city.

For More Information: Bruce Wheatley
498-1870