ANOTHER CLIENT WIN FOR STELLAR – Watertown South Dakota

The economic development group Focus Watertown (Watertown SD) has announced that it has retained STELLAR Fundraising Executives Inc., to complete a Feasibility Study and funding campaign for continued business expansion and retention activities beginning in June, 2003.

Focus Watertown was formed in 1997 when the Watertown Development Company and the Chamber of Commerce met in an effort to re-tool economic development. The group looked at Watertown's future and the need to better prepare the community for a renewed approach to growth and development. The resulting multi-year plan began in 1999 and is funded by a blend of private and public sector sources. Its purpose is to deliver a dynamic and purposeful mix of business attraction, retention and community development services.

The primary objectives of the original five-year plan include the attraction of four new primary sector employers that complement the existing employment base, enhancement of Watertown's competitive position, and better use of the community’s strategic advantages. The program goal is to help create 1,000 new "family wage" jobs.

The group’s President and CEO, Richard Benda, said Focus Watertown is ahead of schedule in meeting its objectives. “We are right on track for adding additional jobs and capital investment in Watertown and STELLAR is also assisting us with the development of a powerful new return-on-investment Report Card for our investors detailing our many successes” he said.

The addition of Forward Watertown to the client roster of STELLAR is another testament to the young firm’s quick rise to the top of its industry. “In Watertown, I believe our economic development fundraising expertise, service and process flexibility and commitment to communities both large and small gave us the edge over our competition,” said STELLAR President and CEO Terry Cusack. “Our experience and added value we bring to the process has earned us the opportunity to serve communities that had previously worked with other national community fundraising firms. We look forward to assisting Watertown in improving their economic prosperity and commend them on their commitment to quality growth for their community and its residents,” he concluded.

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ORLANDO MAYOR DYER APPOINTS STELLAR OFFICER GEORGE STUART TO DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC TRANSITION TEAM

ORLANDO, FL (April 30, 2003) – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer appoints STELLAR Fundraising Executives Senior Vice President George Stuart to a 26-member Downtown Strategic Transition Team, chaired by Cari Coats.

The team has been charged with looking at all facets of how to best redevelop the downtown area. It will make recommendations to the Mayor and will not be confined to fact-finding. As a result, all meetings of the team will be open to the public.

“We are pleased that Mayor Dyer recognizes the strong contribution George Stuart can make to assist with the redevelopment of downtown Orlando and this experience will only further George’s ability to help all STELLAR client communities with their own downtown development efforts” said STELLAR Fundraising Executives President and CEO Terry Cusack.

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STELLAR Lends Experience to Help

STELLAR Fundraising Executives Founder and CEO Terry J. Cusack was recently interviewed by Area Development magazine, one of the leading trade industry magazines for the economic development profession.

In the article, Cusack is interviewed on the benefits of public-private partnerships and regional economic development efforts. A leading authority on the benefits of private-sector led economic development in communities, Cusack shared his expertise in an effort to foster more joint initiatives.

“Businesses invest in local economic and community development programs out of what we call “enlightened self-interest,” Cusack said. “We help tell the story and make the case as to why and how an investment will bring tangible returns on their investment.”

Ask for a FREE copy of this great article: info@stellarfundraising.com

As further recognition of his expertise on the subject, Cusack was also recently invited to give presentations on private sector funding of economic development initiatives before a meeting of the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) and the Professional Developers Iowa (PDI). MAEDC is an organization of economic development practitioners from an eleven-state region in the Midwest and PDI is also an organization of economic development practitioners from the great State of Iowa.

“We’re pleased to be able to share what we have learned over fourteen years with helping more than forty US communities in hopes that it will have a ripple effect. By making individual communities stronger, we strengthen our nation at the same time,” Cusack concluded.

About STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.

STELLAR Fundraising Executives provides comprehensive campaign management and consulting. We design and direct initiatives for leading economic and community development organizations, as well as other nonprofits across the United States. We're different in specific and meaningful ways. And, that makes us better.

When you let STELLAR Fundraising Executives apply its fourteen years of experience to your organization and its needs, you benefit from the knowledge that has assisted more than forty organizations. Our experience with multi-year fundraising initiatives throughout the United States has raised more than $100 million.

Contact STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.

Learn more about STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc. at www.stellarfundraising.com or call Terry J. Cusack, President and CEO at 770.476.3049. Fax: 770.232.0367

E-mail: info@stellarfundraising.com for a FREE STELLAR Fundraising Executives info kit today!