RIVER BEND GROWTH ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JOINS MADISON-BOND

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD:

Lends Economic Development & Regional Workforce Expertise to the Organization

GODFREY, ILL., August 4, 2008 - The River Bend Growth Association today announced that its president, Monica Bristow, has proudly accepted a position to serve on the board of directors of the Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board. Charged with the task of integrating workforce services to meet the needs of businesses and job seekers, the Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board taps the talents of local business professionals and leaders in education, labor and government.

Monica Bristow was appointed by the Madison County Board Chairman Alan J. Dunstan. Chairman Dunstan said, �We are pleased that Monica Bristow will bring her experience and skills to the Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board. We are happy to have her expertise available to assist the board in working to improve our areas� workforce. Her addition to the Workforce Board is another step in working to improve the services the county can provide to business and the workers in Madison County.�

Bristow joins the Board to offer her expertise in economic development to include workforce development initiatives undertaken by the River Bend Growth Association. With a broad understanding of the river bend area, Bristow will also serve the interests of the 11 communities that the River Bend Growth Association serves and the businesses and organizations that it represents as the River Bend�s designated Chamber of Commerce.

�The Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board oversees the implementation of a variety of services available to businesses and job seekers throughout the region � services that compliment the River Bend Growth Association�s mission to attract and retain employers in the area. I am pleased to join the Board and look forward to working with the many other business leaders who lend their time to develop and promote workforce development initiatives that ultimately will impact future growth and development in the St. Louis region,� said Bristow.

Bristow has served the River Bend Growth Association as its president since July 2003. Prior to joining the Growth Association as its leader, she had been on the board since 1997 and its board chairman in 2001 through her position at Olin Corporation, the region�s largest employer. While at Olin Corporation for 22 years, Bristow worked in various functions including human resources, compensation and public relations.

Bristow earned her BA in Business from Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Missouri. She serves or has served many non-profit community organizations by sitting on their boards or serving on various committees. They include the United Way of Southwestern Illinois, the YWCA of Alton, Pride, Inc., St. Anthony�s business and professional committee, The Meeting of the Rivers Foundation, and Marquette Catholic High School in Alton.

The Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board assures, in conjunction with the Madison County Employment and Training Department, that the Workforce Investment Act fund is used in a way that will most effectively enhance the economic well-being of the local community. Currently, there are thirty four board members. Please visit www.madisonbondwib.org or www.progresspartner.org to learn more about the Board and its many programs.

The Growth Association of Southwestern Illinois is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the River Bend. For more information about the Growth Association and its Education Committee, please visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Laura Reed- Reed Communications
(618) 656-7333
Or
Monica Bristow- River Bend Growth Association
(618) 467-2280