Recent Press Release

August 3, 2001
KASKIE, PLUDE & COMPANY FORMED IN MONROE, CONNECTICUT

Professional CPA's involved in formation of the newly established firm of Kaskie, Plude and Company CPA's in Monroe, Connecticut, are general partners Thomas V. Kaskie, Michael S. Plude and taxation manager Meryl Z. Rihn. The firm provides accounting, tax and financial services to small and medium size local companies, specialty grant and compliance audit services to Fortune 500 companies, and financial consulting for web site development. Since 1990, both Kaskie and Plude have been partners in the former Trumbull, Connecticut, CPA firm of Kaskie, Plude and Ragonese.

Mr. Kaskie was educated at the University of New Haven, where earned a B.S. degree in accounting, and Clemson University. He was chair and founder of the Bank of Trumbull, Director and Vice President of Bridgeport Savings and Loan Association, Treasurer of the Town of Trumbull, Honorary Director of the former Connecticut National Bank, and CPA Exam Examiner. Mr. Kaskie is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and holds memberships in several national and state CPA organizations. Between 1952 and 1990 he managed a medium sized CPA firm in Fairfield County. He resides in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and in Florida.

Mr. Plude, who received his B.S. degree in Accounting and Political Science and M.B.A. degree in Accounting and Finance from Sacred Heart University, has 20 years experience in taxation and finance, including 11 years as managing partner of Kaskie, Plude & Ragonese. Mr. Plude served as a senior auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Stamford and Friedberg Smith and Company CPA's in Bridgeport. Activities include chair of the Board of the Shelton Catholic Regional School System, board of directors of Good Friends Film Production, and membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He resides in Shelton.

Mrs. Rihn has more than 20 years experience in all phases of accounting, including several years as a U.S. Internal Revenue Service agent in the Bridgeport and Danbury regions handling individual, corporate and related audit responsibilities. She served in staff accountant positions for various local CPA firms and focused on areas of tax returns, IRS audits and financial statement preparation. In addition Mrs. Rihn has held several positions in banks and corporate financial enterprises both in New Jersey and Connecticut. She earned her B.S. degree in Science from Central Connecticut State University, and resides in Monroe.