OIC Announces New Public Relations Leadership

Chicago—January 13, 2005

The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that Jim Binder, 40, will assume responsibilities as Manager, Public Relations, OIC, effective Jan. 18. In his new role, Binder will be responsible for all OIC public relations activities.

"We're looking forward to working with Jim, whose options industry experience and insight will be a great addition to OIC," said Gina McFadden, Executive Director, OIC.

"The options industry has seen tremendous growth in the five years I have covered it as a reporter," Binder said. "I'm excited to be joining OIC, an organization that has greatly contributed to that growth through its investor education efforts."

Since June 2001, Binder has been the managing editor of Securities Week. Prior to this, Binder held editorial positions at Adams Business Media/Beverage Group and Daily Chronicle of DeKalb, Ill.

Binder graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northern Illinois University.

About OIC

OIC is a non-profit association funded by the U.S. options exchanges and The Options Clearing Corporation. OIC's free resources include: The Investor Services call center at 1-888-OPTIONS, an educational Web site at www.888options.com, evening seminars throughout the continental United States and Canada, educational literature and software.

Press Contact

Debbie Baratz
312-322-6267
dbaratz@theocc.com