Helen M. Rake

Founded by Allen C. Ewing in 1939, Allen C. Ewing & Co. is an independent, middle-market investment bank and broker/dealer with offices in Jacksonville, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm provides an array of traditional investment banking services including: (1) mergers, acquisitions and divestitures (2) private placements of debt and equity (3) valuations and fairness opinions (4) special advisory services (5) securities brokerage and (6) industry research. A significant portion of the firm's business focuses on the financial institutions industry, with emphasis on community banks and thrifts. They also have expertise and transactional experience in a variety of other sectors including manufacturing, distribution, business services, consumer services and retail. Allen C. Ewing & Co.'s specialized businesses include: Ewing Loan Advisors, Inc., alternative investments for accredited investors and the management of the Ewing Emerging Financial Institution Funds. Ewing Loan Advisors, Inc. is an affiliate of Allen C. Ewing & Co. They assist community banks with the tactical management of their loan portfolios through loan review, credit policy, risk assessment, problem loan resolution and related services. Allen C. Ewing & Co. offers alternative investment opportunities to high net-worth individuals. This includes opportunities that are outside the standard brokerage house fare that have a high potential for superior returns. The Ewing Emerging Financial Institution Funds were created by Allen C. Ewing & Co. to offer institutional and accredited investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of shares of de novo banks, emerging banks and undervalued established growth banks that are located in growth markets throughout Florida and the Southeastern region of the US.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. provides wetlands and waterfowl conservation. is the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. The firm guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, works toward the wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. The company was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Memphis, TN.