Gala Attracts Corporate Sponsors
July 3, 2002

Nine Arkansas companies have made gifts of $10,000 to sponsor a May 2003
gala as part of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial in Arkansas.

"These corporate citizens have recognized the deep value of the Louisiana
Purchase Bicentennial to the people of Arkansas, as both an educational
opportunity and a strategy for promoting tourism and economic development,"
Secretary of State Sharon Priest commented. "We appreciate their support so
much."

The nine companies are Murphy Oil Corporation, Frank D. Hickingbotham Charitable Foundation Trust, University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture, Entrust Corporation, Time Domain Corporation, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Dillard's Inc., McGeorge Contracting Inc., and Isle of Capri.