Chicago-- The American College of Surgeons announced today that it has established a working relationship with Carpenter Group, New York, NY, to develop the communications and marketing strategy for Surgeons Funds, the proprietary mutual fund family that will be offered as a benefit to College members by Surgeons Investment Trust beginning in the Fall of 2006.

"We selected Carpenter Group to work with us on this bold initiative because of the strength of their 25 years of experience in launching mutual funds for financial industry leaders," Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, Executive Director of the American College of Surgeons, said. "And on top of their expertise, they immediately grasped the vision driving this initiative: to provide financial education and investment opportunities for our Fellows as the health care industry evolves and the realities of retirement catch up with us all."

"Carpenter Group is proud to partner with the American College of Surgeons on this project," Polly Carpenter, President of Carpenter Group, said. "We were impressed by the College's deep commitment to providing innovative benefits to its members. We look forward to translating that vision into a successful reality," she added.

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 70,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

Carpenter Group is a New York-based strategic brand and marketing firm with 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Its interdisciplinary team of senior professionals integrates strategy, branding, design, editorial, and production services to produce performance-driven results.

Online January 25,, 2006

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