Sunday, September 9, 2001

For more information, contact: Jen Waller, Communications Assistant 859-288-6154 or http://gov.state.ky.us/sga/index.htm

NASDAQ Chairman discusses market with Southern Governors

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Alfred R. Berkeley, III, vice chair of the NASDAQ Stock Market, told southern governors today that the standard of living in their states and in the south is "in their hands" and strong public policy in education and science funding are key components for success.

A key leader in business and finance, Berkeley is part of the Southern Governors' Association's "Triple Crown" Conference happening this week in Lexington. The conference - "The Triple Crown of the South's New Economy: Research, Development and Technology" -- is providing the stage for the governors to explore future policy and priorities for the south.

Berkeley explained the NASDAQ, its history and outlined market competition in order to show how they affect public policy.

"Capital, science and skilled labor drive improvements in living standards, and public policy drives capital, science and skills," he said.

Using several graphics, Berkeley highlighted these areas:

· Capital -- Domestic public equity markets are efficient and global equity markets are fragmented.

· Science -- There are four establishments that have helped science throughout history: the National Science Foundation, national laboratories, national institutes of health and the military.

· Labor -- the labor force is weak in math and science but programs like "Getsmarter.org" are making a difference.

NOTE: All sessions will take place at the Marriott's Griffin Gate Resort Hotel off Newtown Pike in Lexington. There is no registration fee for media; however, media must be registered to receive credentials that permit access to the sessions and press conferences only. Please visit the SGA website for hotel and registration information. Additionally, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) will provide video streaming and uplink services during the conference. For more information, visit http://www.ket.org