Hylant Group Announces the Addition of James R. Lash, Vice President,
Financial Products

CINCINNATI, Ohio - June 1, 2005 - Hylant Group announces the addition of Jim Lash to its growing Risk Management practice in Columbus and Cincinnati. Jim joins Hylant Group after 10 years of employment with Chubb Insurance Company as the Ohio Valley Regional Manager for Chubb's Specialty Insurance operation. Jim's area of expertise includes Directors' & Officers' Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary Liability, Fidelity Coverage, Kidnap/Ransom, Internet and Cyber Liability, Workplace Violence, Professional Liability and Surety Bonding.

Commenting on the new position, Jim states, "These are challenging times for most organizations as they navigate through changing financial exposures in order to protect the interests of their shareholders, their balance sheet, and even the personal wealth of their Directors, Officers, Trustees and Fiduciaries. With the passage of new State and Federal legislation and the increased frequency and severity of D&O, Employment and ERISA litigation, customers need direction as to what loss prevention and risk transfer options are available. I look forward to assisting our customers to find the insurance solution that best fits their individual needs."

Patrick Hylant, Chairman & CEO of Hylant Group, states, "Jim's depth of knowledge and local expertise brings tremendous value to our clients in the Columbus and Cincinnati areas. His addition enhances the team significantly."

Hylant Group is a 70-year old, privately held insurance agency offering complete risk management services, employee benefits, loss control engineering, 401(k) services, financial services, health care management, and insurance for businesses and individuals around the world. In addition to the Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio offices, the firm has offices in Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio; Troy and Ann Arbor, Michigan; as well as Indianapolis, Bloomington and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hylant is also a member of the Worldwide Broker Network. Hylant Group is currently ranked by the Hales Report as the 7th largest privately held broker in the nation.