Renowned Investment Strategist Joe Battipaglia Returns to Lehigh Valley for Encore Presentation Keynotes Second Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast Sponsored by the Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley

Kenneth T. MacKenzie, AAMS
Associate Vice President/Investments
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
(610) 997-6413

Joe Lennert
President
Caruso Benefits Group, Inc.
(610) 865-0261

Janice Osborne
Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager: (610) 830-9771

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 17, 2009 - Joe Battipaglia, a nationally recognized market analyst for Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and chief investment strategist for Washington Crossing Advisors, returns to Bethlehem on Sept. 15 for the Second Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast hosted by the Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley.

The breakfast, sponsored by the Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and Caruso Benefits Group, will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Saucon Valley Country Club. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

"We are absolutely honored to have Joe return as our keynote speaker," said Kenneth MacKenzie, Associate Vice President/Investments at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated in Bethlehem, and president of the Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley. "Joe's views on the current and future state of the economy and market are topics that are top of mind to investors at all levels."

Battipaglia's accurate and often pointed analysis of the current national and international economic conditions make him a favorite for many in the national media and he is often seen and heard on CNBC, CNN, Fox and Nightly Business Report and he is frequently quoted in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and other major publications.

His 2008 appearance and the candor he demonstrated at last year's event brought strong praise from local business leaders who requested a return appearance.

"His open and honest discussion of policy, the economy and the markets was quite refreshing," said David Pike, owner of Minuteman Press franchises in Allentown and Bethlehem.

"This event will be an annual addition to our calendar. This was a great way to give some of our clients direct access to someone of Joe Battipaglia's caliber," added Victor Salicetti, owner and CEO of Americaven, and managing partner of Lehigh Valley Digital Signage Group, both in Bethlehem.

Battipaglia is the former chairman of investment policy at Ryan, Beck & Co., where he conducted strategic market and economic analysis in support of the firm's retail network and institutional presence. He graduated from Boston College and earned his MBA at the Wharton Graduate School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

Last year's breakfast raised $2,700 for the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. "We are indebted to Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley; Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated; and Caruso Benefits Group for sponsoring this event to benefit the Red Cross," said Executive Director John R. Hughes.

Cost for the breakfast is $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight. Seating is limited. Deadline for reservations and payment is Sept. 10. Table sponsorships are available and all sponsors will have the opportunity to display their corporate logos on digital displays created by Lehigh Valley Digital Signage.

For reservations and payment, contact Ana Vega at the American Red Cross at 610-865-4400, ext. 261 or VegaA@usa.redcross.org. Make checks payable to American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Credit card information will be accepted by phone.

For more information on the Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley, call Kenneth MacKenzie at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated at 610-997-6413.

For more information on the breakfast or the Red Cross, call Sandy Gaspar, American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 610-865-4400, ext. 258.

About the Sponsors:

The Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley is a dedicated group of business owners and executives who share a commitment to quality and to an ethical environment in which to promote Lehigh Valley business. Membership is exclusive, based on noncompeting products and services. http://www.lvexecutiveforum.org

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a full-service brokerage and investment banking firm, established in 1890 and based in St. Louis, Missouri. The Company provides securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. http://www.stifel.com

Caruso Benefits Group, Inc. specializes in benefits management with an emphasis on group medical, life, and disability. Among its three divisions - MJ Caruso & Associates, Independent Business Association, and The Benefits Firm - they service a clientele ranging from the individual entrepreneur to organizations with several thousand employees, primarily in Eastern Pennsylvania. http://www.carusobg.com

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 24,000 greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.