Notable Business Authors Share Insights at Cook Associates’ Annual Company Meeting

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Media Contact: Sarah Barnes
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Notable Business Authors Share Insights at Cook Associates' Annual Company Meeting
Chicago, February 5, 2009 - On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, distinguished authors, Nat Stoddard and John Mariotti, provided valuable insights and recommendations for a stronger 2009 to Cook Associates Executive Search and M&A Advisory Services divisions. Nat Stoddard is currently the Chairman of Crenshaw Associates and the author of the recently published book, The Right Leader. John Mariotti is the author of The Complexity Crisis and is a frequent guest speaker and business consultant.

Despite the reality that firms are cutting staff and reinvesting funds for alternative use, Cook Associates' 2009 annual all-company meeting was a tribute to the fact that Cook continues to invest in its most valued resource - its people. "In an economic time when some companies are eliminating what might be considered as "fluff" (i.e., an all-company meeting) Cook Associates believes in camaraderie, collegiate support and the renewed energy a meeting like this can bring," stated Mary Kier, Vice Chairman for Cook Associates.

"The two speakers we invited - John Mariotti and Nat Stoddard - are great friends of the firm. They are both passionate business leaders who enriched our meeting with significant and relevant thought leadership. Our employees came away invigorated with many new insights and ideas for 2009," said Kier.

The two-day company strategy meeting, which marked Cook's 47th year, was attended by all of Cook's employees. This year's theme, "Synergy for Success: Linking Ideas for Change and Growth in 2009" was mirrored by thought-provoking strategy presentations given on February 4 by members of Cook's management team.

About Nat Stoddard
Nat Stoddard is the Chairman of Crenshaw Associates, a New York-based consulting firm that specializes in career and transition management for senior executives. He is the former CEO of a leading kitchen products manufacturer and former chairman, president, and CEO of GE's Canadian appliance affiliate, Camco, Inc.

About John Mariotti
John Mariotti, the author of The Complexity Crisis will discuss ways to lead in an age of complexity and uncertainty. Mariotti will focus on the importance of eliminating complexity and refocusing on innovation during a time of economic turbulence.

About Cook Associates
Cook Associates, Inc. (http://www.cookassociates.com/ 312.329-0900; 212 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL) is a retained Executive Search and M&A Advisory Services firm. Our core business is creating value at the intersection where talent and opportunity connect, and we are uniquelypositioned to help our clients capitalize on the brightest talent and best performing companies in the marketplace. Out client base ranges from multinational corporations to early stage entrepreneurial companies, private equity and venture capital firms. Brand name clients include American Express, The Blackstone Group, Dover Corporation, GTCR, Heinz, Juniper Networking, Levis Strauss & Co., Pitney Bowes, and Sirius Satellite Radio. For Additional Information, please, visit http://www.cookassociates.com/.

Nat Stoddard

John Mariotti

Cook Associates