FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

October 1, 2004

Randy Nehrt

White Signs New Contract To Purchase License Plates
From Macon Resources Incorporated

DECATUR — Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that his office has entered into a new contract with Macon Resources Incorporated (MRI) that could allow the Decatur company to produce the majority of license plates for Illinois through June, 2008. The new contract is a one-year deal with three annual mutual renewal options.

"Macon Resources Incorporated has produced license plates for the state of Illinois for two decades," White said. "We are pleased to be able to continue our relationship with this company that provides jobs for central Illinois. They are a valuable asset to the community and the state. Thanks to their service and dependability we were able to successfully complete the largest replating effort in the state's history."

Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville), State Rep. Robert Flider (D-Mt. Zion) and State Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) attended the press conference with White to announce the new deal. The legislators pushed for MRI to produce a greater percentage of license plates once the state's replating effort ended.

White credited MRI for making their operation more efficient to reduce prices. He said the lower prices would allow the state to purchase a greater percentage of license plates from the Decatur company, thus protecting central Illinois jobs. MRI is the only Illinois company that produces license plates.

MRI is a private, not for profit agency that provides comprehensive training programs and supports to children and adults who have a developmental disability, mental illness or other disabling condition. MRI's vocational training program has produced license plates for the Secretary of State's Vehicle License Plate Division since 1983.

"The license plate contract represents a significant part of our vocational program and contract revenues," said Dreux Lewandowski, Executive Director of MRI. "We are pleased to continue our relationship with the Secretary of State's Office and appreciate the opportunity to help build Illinois with the increased production."

"Macon Resources provides wonderful employment and educational opportunities for citizens with developmental disabilities who are eager, willing and able to be part of the work force. The company also provide a quality work product at a competitive price," said Watson. "This agreement benefits both our community and the State of Illinois. I am pleased that Secretary of State Jesse White recognized Macon Resources' outstanding service record for the past two decades."

"This contract shows a commitment by the state to protect jobs in Central Illinois," said Flider. "Macon Resources provides a quality service and we are proud to have Illinois license plates manufactured right here in Macon County. I applaud Secretary White and MRI for reaching this deal and protecting these jobs."

"I am very pleased with today's announcement that Illinois license plates will be made by Illinois workers," said Mitchell.