BLOOMINGTON, IN — Dr. Dan R. Dalton, Dean of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, and Dr. Scott J. Brown, Chief Economist for Equity Research at Raymond James & Associates, Inc., come together on Wednesday, May 14 to deliver a two-part economic address at Monroe Bank's second annual Economic Forum, held this year at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre in the Theatre and Drama Center on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University. The program begins at 4 pm in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre with a reception in the lobby following the presentations.

Monroe Bank has a long history of organizing and sponsoring financial seminars, from its Financial Choices for Women Today seminar series to talks on topics such as investments, estate and retirement planning for its Prime Time Club for seniors. The Bank continues the tradition with this second year of their Annual Economic Forum, aimed at providing local community members with access to prominent corporate executives, politicians and economists who will address national business, political and economic issues. The Forum is again organized by Monroe Bank's Vice President and Private Banker, Ed Gross.

"Our Economic Forum aims not only to shed light on national issues, but also to provide participants with a means to view how our local economy fits into the wider perspective," said Gross. "That we have nationally recognized experts available right here in our communities is a wonderful advantage. We're especially proud this year to present Dean Dalton alongside chief economist Scott Brown."

Dr. Dalton will present "Corporate Governance beyond Sarbanes-Oxley: Toward Real Independence," a brief look at the market effects of the crisis in corporate governance and the resulting Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 tightening regulations on the audit and accounting practices of public companies. He will also discuss how successful leaders can meet the challenges of today's marketplace while maintaining their commitment to corporate ethics, personal values and integrity.

Dr. Brown will follow Dalton with "Economic Outlook 2003 and Beyond," an analysis of today's post-war economy, and the persistent uncertainties that shape our country's economic future. Brown will answer important questions about these and other economic indicators, as well as how the Fed may respond, and what it may mean for growth, inflation, interest rates and stock prices for the remainder of 2003 and beyond.

Dr. Dan R. Dalton has been a faculty member in the IU Business School since 1979, and he now serves both as Dean and the Harold A. Poling Chair of Strategic Management. An authority on corporate governance, Dean Dalton has published over 225 articles in law, corporate strategy, management, ethics, and psychology. Included in the numerous honors bestowed on Dr. Dalton is Business Week's "Best Bet" as an instructor.

Currently located in Winter Park, Florida, Dr. Scott J. Brown is chief economist for equity research at Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF). He joined the Raymond James Equity Research Department in 1995 after two years as an economist in the firm's Fixed Income Research Department. Before his arrival at Raymond James, he was manager of economic research at Pacific First Bank in Seattle and had previously been director of economic research at First Imperial Advisors in San Diego. He also currently serves on the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors for the state of Florida and is a member of the Economic Advisory Council of the American Bankers Association.

The Economic Forum is free and open to the public, however attendees must register in advance. Call (812) 331-3425 or email EconomicForum@MonroeBank.com to make a reservation, or call Ed Gross, Vice President and Private Banker, at (812) 353-7719 for more information. The IU Theatre and Drama Center is located at 275 North Jordan Avenue. Monroe Bank is providing free parking to Economic Forum attendees at the Indiana University Parking Garage on Jordan Avenue, across the street from the IU Theatre and Drama Building.

Monroe Bank was established in 1892 in Bloomington, Indiana and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Monroe Bancorp, and Indiana bank holding company headquartered in Bloomington. Monroe Bank offers a full range of financial, trust and investment services to its more than 20,000 retail and commercial customers through offices in Monroe, Jackson, Lawrence and Hendricks counties. The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ ® National Stock Market under the symbol MROE.