Released October 19, 2004

HATTIESBURG - Registration is ongoing for the annual Estate Planning Seminar sponsored by The University of Southern Mississippi Estate Planning Council and co-sponsored by A.G. Edwards & Sons, AmSouth National Bank, BancorpSouth Trust and Asset Management, Hancock Bank Trust Department, Smith Barney, Trustmark National Bank, Regions Morgan Keegan Trust and UBS Financial Services.

The daylong seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Dec.7 at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center. Cost to attend is $90 for council members and $100 for nonmembers. Registration fees received after Nov. 19 are $120.

"This seminar will provide estate planning advisers with current tools and information to help them better serve their clients," said Ben Samel, planned giving officer for the USM Foundation. "The seminar fills up quickly, so it is advisable to register as soon as possible."

Topics and presenters for the seminar include the following:

• "Life Insurance," by Larry Voas of Northwestern Mutual, Biloxi
• "Review of Current Developments in Estate Planning," by Barry Jones of Wise Carter Child & Caraway, Jackson
• "Long-term Care and Disability Insurance, Critical Care Illness Insurance," by Brent Lamon of One Source Brokerage, Birmingham, Ala.
• "Health Savings Accounts," by Linda Bounds Keng of Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, Jackson
• "412 Plan," by Richard Topp of Nicholson & Company, PA, Hattiesburg
• "Ethics for Attorneys" by Ralph A. Yelverton of Stubblefield & Yelverton, PLLC, Jackson
• "Estate Mediation," by David Grishman of Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, Jackson

Samel said the event's presenters, who are experts in their field, bring a vast array of experience and knowledge to the program. Gregg Lassen, chief financial officer at Southern Miss, will be the guest speaker during the lunch hour.

Attorneys, trust officers, financial planners, development officers, certified public accountants, chartered life underwriters or other professional estate planners may earn continuing education credits for the seminar. CLE/CEU/CLU credits of six to eight hours are awarded through the state.

The registration fee, which includes lunch, may be sent to the USM Foundation, 118 College Drive #10026, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001. For more information, contact Ben Samel, planned giving officer, at (601) 266-5481.

-30-