Hylant Group Promotes Jerry Lynott to Firm Wide Benefits Practice
Leader Position

CLEVELAND, Ohio - February 26, 2004 - Hylant Group announces the promotion of Jerry Lynott, Executive Vice President, Employee Benefits, Hylant of Cleveland to Employee Benefits Practice Leader for the group. In addition to his current responsibilities in Cleveland, Mr. Lynott will provide leadership and guidance to all nine Hylant Group employee benefit brokerage and consulting practices in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. This newly created benefits position is designed to increase efficiencies, consistency, and enhance client services through out the organization. In recognition of his additional responsibilities, Mr. Lynott has been elected as a Vice President of the Hylant Group.

Commenting on the announcement, Patrick R. Hylant, CEO states "Jerry is an experienced executive in the benefits arena. His promotion will enhance the development and growth of the Hylant Group employee benefit portfolio."

Mr. Lynott has over 18 years experience in the employee benefit and group insurance industry. He joined Hylant Group in 1999 and managed the Cleveland employee benefit operations, expanding it exponentially over the past 5 years. He is a member of the National Health Underwriters and is in the process of obtaining his Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.

Hylant Group, founded in 1935, is a privately held insurance agency offering complete risk management services, financial services, asset management, title insurance, health care management and employee benefits for businesses and individuals around the world. Hylant Group is ranked 32nd in size out of more than 15,000 insurance agencies nationwide.