Saddle Brook, NJ, November 3, 2005 - The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) announced the three inductees into the 2005 AICPA Business and Industry Hall of Fame, an annual event sponsored by Ajilon Finance, a leading accounting and financial staffing services company.

The AICPA Business & Industry Hall of Fame honors CPAs who demonstrate strong business ethics, lead by example and commitment, provide insight and vision using knowledge of broad business issues, and inspire and motivate others to excellence. The Hall of Famers understand business beyond the numbers to effectively manage shareholder and customer expectations within their organizations to meet the challenges of today's dynamic market conditions. The induction ceremony took place at this year's AICPA Fall Business & Industry Financial Executive Forum in New York City, October 27-28, 2005.

The three winners are: Clark Blackman, managing director and chief investment officer of Investec Advisory Group, L.P.; Jean Trainor, chief executive officer and president of John Deere Community Credit Union; and Ralph Kauten, chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Quintessence Biosciences, Inc. These inductees were noted for their contributions to creating and sustaining cultures of leadership, developing strong employees and strategic partnerships and creating and envisioning strategies for company advancement.

Clark Blackman - Managing Director, CIO, Investec Advisory Group, L.P., CPA
Clark Blackman is the managing director and chief investment officer of Investec Advisory Group, L.P. (Houston, TX), an investment consulting and financial planning services firm for affluent individuals and their families. Known for his professionalism and his commitment to maintaining high ethical standards, he provides excellent client service in the individual and institutional business lines. Clark was selected by Worth magazine as one of the best financial advisors in America (1996-2004) and was chosen by Robb Report Worth publishers as one of “The Nation’s 100 Most Exclusive Wealth Advisors.”

Jean Trainor - CEO and President, John Deere Community Credit Union, CPA
Jean Trainor is the CEO and president of John Deere Community Credit Union (Waterloo, Iowa), a full-service financial institution offering a broad range of products and services to fit a variety of member preferences and lifestyles. During her tenure as CEO, Jean has guided JDCCU from a small credit union with $197 million in assets to the largest credit union in Iowa and a leading credit union in the U.S. with more than $1 billion in assets. The Iowa Society of CPAs selected Jean as Iowa’s Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry for 2005.

Ralph Kauten - Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Quintessence Biosciences, Inc., CPA
As chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Quintessence Biosciences, Inc. (Madison, WI), Ralph Kauten’s efforts and code of ethics play an integral role in his success. Through mentoring programs, profit sharing and performance-based compensation programs, he has helped to establish a strong, ethical and employee-friendly business culture. He has established a solid rapport between Quintessence and the celebrated scientists at the University of Wisconsin by providing shared ideas, opportunities and technology.

“Ajilon Finance is honored to participate in the recognition of the accomplishments of these exceptional inductees,” said Neil Lebovits, president and COO of Ajilon Finance. “They are principled, honorable people known for their commitment to the highest standard of ethics in business and embody the beliefs of this award in their everyday work.”

“The winners are intelligent, talented practitioners who are highly deserving of this honor,” said John F. Morrow, CPA, vice president of the AICPA. “They are motivated individuals who promote cooperation, innovation, creativity and personal responsibility.”

A panel of judges assembled by the AICPA considered the 15 finalists. The judges were David Blansfield, publisher of Business Finance Magazine, Bob Mahan, CFO of Ajilon Finance, and one of last year’s winners, John Higgins, co-founder of CPA Crossings.

For more information about the AICPA Business & Industry Hall of Fame, please call the AICPA at (212) 596-6157, email halloffame@aicpa.org, or call Ajilon Finance at (201) 843-0006.

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