The Flambeau River BioFuels biorefinery will employ two commercially proven technologies to produce clean renewable energy and biofuels. It will gasify biomass resources, such as forest residuals and agricultural wastes, into a high-quality synthesis gas, which will then be catalyzed by the well-established Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process to generate renewable transportation fuels (sulfur-free biodiesel).

"As you can imagine, we are very pleased that our technology approach has been recognized by the Department of Energy as a viable way to produce biofuel from forest residuals -- one of the most abundant renewable resources in the U.S." said William "Butch" Johnson, whose company Johnson Timber is both a project partner and a supplier to the biorefinery. "Since day one, our project has received strong support from Governor Doyle, Chairman Obey and Senator Kohl and we wish to thank them for all their efforts. Once operational, the biorefinery will serve to validate the technology while creating a compelling new model for the pulp and paper industry that can be proliferated throughout the U.S."

"A clean energy future depends on combining Wisconsin ingenuity with our state's resources, and I want to congratulate Flambeau River BioFuels for leading the way," Governor Jim Doyle said. "Their proposed biorefinery shows us all that we can have an energy future that creates jobs, protects our environment and relies less on Mideast oil and more on Midwest know-how."

The Flambeau River BioFuels biorefinery will create permanent, high-skilled operating jobs in the region, long-term logging jobs, and short-term, engineering and construction jobs, thus contributing to the economic stimulus of Park Falls, Wisconsin. The biorefinery is expected to be in operation in 2010.

The project team leading this endeavor is comprised of premiere engineers and scientists with demonstrated successes in implementing new technologies. It will also be supported by the expertise of university and government laboratories.

Flambeau River Biofuels received this grant through their partnerships with: ANL Consultants, Auburn University, Brigham Young University, Citigroup Global Markets, CleanTech Partners, Emerging Fuels Technology, Flambeau River Papers, Johnson Timber, National Renewable Energy Lab, Michigan Technological University, NC State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ThermoChem Recovery International, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA Forest Products Laboratory.

"This grant will help meet our government's goals of creating new jobs, stimulating remote areas, re-positioning traditional industries for a new world era, and, most importantly, producing clean fuels from renewable resources abundantly found in the U.S.," said Bob Byrne. "We are proud to be a part of this important initiative by taking a leading position in the advancement of bioenergy technologies and the development of cellulosic biofuels."

For more information please Bill Johnson at 1-715-558-1630 or Bob Byrne at 1-715-661-0235.

SOURCE Flambeau River BioFuels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

... Monday, July 14, 2008

DOE to Provide up to $40 Million in Funding for Small-Scale

Biorefinery Projects in Wisconsin and Louisiana

Projects Show Continued Investment in Non-Food Based, Sustainable, and

Cost Competitive Second-Generation Cellulosic Biofuels

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the selection of two small-scale cellulosic biorefinery projects in Park Falls, Wis. and Jennings, La. for federal funding of up to $40 million over five years. These projects will further President Bush's goal of making cellulosic ethanol cost-competitive with corn-based ethanol by 2012, and help reduce America's gasoline use by expanding the availability of alternative and renewable transportation fuels.

"To meet our growing energy demand we must continue to research and advance clean energy solutions to improve our energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and clean, sustainable cellulosic biofuels do just that," DOE Assistant Secretary Andy Karsner said. "These biorefineries will create fuel from non-food based sources to power our vehicles and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

On average, commercial-scale biorefineries process roughly 700 tons or more of non-food feedstock per day, with an output of approximately 15-30 million gallons a year (MMGY) of biofuels. These smaller-scale facilities will input approximately 70 tons of feedstock per day - with outputs ranging from 1.5 to 6 MMGY. The selected small-scale projects will produce liquid transportation fuels such as cellulosic ethanol from wood, energy crops and agricultural waste products.

These two biorefinery projects are the final round of selections for DOE's competitive small-scale biorefinery solicitation. Earlier this year, DOE selected seven other projects, comparable in size and scope, to receive up to a total of $200 million. With the addition of the two new projects announced today, the selected biorefinery projects will receive up to a total of $240 million in DOE funding, subject to appropriations, over the next five fiscal years. Once federal funding is combined with industry cost share, more than $735 million will be invested in these nine projects, over the next four to five years.

Today's announcement is part of more than $1 billion in investment that DOE has announced for multi-year biofuels research and development projects. These small-scale projects complement the Department's investment in commercial-scale biorefineries. The full-scale biorefineries focus on near-term commercial processes, while the small-scale facilities will verify integrated operations at a reduced size with diverse feedstocks using novel processing technologies.

Cellulosic ethanol is an alternative fuel made from a wide variety of plant materials or non-food based feedstocks, including agricultural wastes such as corn stover; forest wastes such as saw dust and forest thinnings; and energy crops, such as switchgrass. In studies conducted by scientist at DOE's Argonne National Laboratory, compared with conventional gasoline, ethanol produced from cellulosic materials requires as much as 90 percent less fossil energy to produce and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 86 percent over the lifecycle.

Negotiations between the following companies and DOE will begin immediately to determine final project plans and funding levels:

Flambeau River Biofuels (FRB), LLC of Park Falls, Wis.

The proposed biorefinery will be installed in an existing pulp and paper mill in Park Falls, Wis., and will produce liquid fuels from abundant and renewable cellulosic (wood) biomass. The biorefinery will not be dependent on any food-based feedstock materials, but rather on by-product or residuals from forest and agricultural sources. When completed, the facility will produce at least 1 trillion BTUs of renewable energy for the host mill and 6 million gallons of transportation (sulfur-free diesel) fuels per year. FRB participants/investors include: ANL Consultants, Auburn University, Brigham Young University, Citigroup Global Markets, CleanTech Partners, Emerging Fuels Technology, Flambeau River Papers, Johnson Timber, National Renewable Energy Lab, Michigan Technological University, NC State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ThermoChem Recovery International, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA Forest Products Laboratory.

Verenium Biofuels Corporation of Jennings, La.

Construction of Verenium's 1.5 million gallon per year demonstration-scale cellulosic ethanol facility is underway and is scheduled to be complete in late 2008. The project is moving rapidly to commercialize its proprietary technology for the production of ethanol from a wide array of biomass feedstocks, including sugarcane bagasse, agricultural byproducts, waste wood products, and other non-food based energy crops. The Jennings, Louisiana demonstration plant is operated by Verenium Corporation, which was formed in 2007 through a merger of Celunol Corp, and Diversa Corporation.

For more information on today's announcement visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy http://www.eere.energy.gov

-DOE-

"The addition of Triad's talented management team and extraordinary network of investment professionals continues the expansion of the independent broker-dealer platform at Ladenburg, creating one of the top 25 largest independent firms in the U.S. by revenue with approximately 900 financial advisors and $17 billion in client assets," said Dr. Phillip Frost, Chairman of the Board of Ladenburg. "We welcome Mark Mettelman and his Triad team to Ladenburg and greatly look forward to working together."

Richard Lampen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ladenburg, said, "We are pleased to add the profitable and well-run Triad business to Ladenburg, providing us with a more predictable income stream to balance our capital markets business. Coupled with our prior acquisition of Investacorp, we are confident that Ladenburg is well-positioned to capitalize on the many opportunities that exist in the dynamic, rapidly growing independent broker-dealer business."

Mark Mettelman added, "We are excited to become part of the Ladenburg family, which significantly enhances the opportunities to expand our business and better serve our financial advisors and their clients. As a stand-alone entity within Ladenburg, we will maintain our independent culture and continue to provide our financial advisors with the highest level of personal attention and service."

The transaction, expected to close in the third quarter of 2008, is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from FINRA. Approval by Ladenburg's shareholders is not required. Graubard Miller served as legal counsel for Ladenburg in the transaction. Page Perry LLC served as Triad's legal counsel.

About Triad Advisors

Triad Advisors, Inc. is a privately-owned independent broker-dealer and registered investment advisor headquartered in Norcross, GA. Founded in 1998, Triad offers a broad menu of products, services and total wealth management solutions to approximately 380 independent financial advisors located throughout the country. Investment Advisor ranked Triad as the #1 Friendliest Broker-Dealer for RIAs in June 2008 and Investment News ranked Triad as one of the Top 5 Fastest Growing Broker-Dealers by Revenue Growth in April 2008. Triad's website is www.triad-advisors.com.

About Mark Mettelman

Mark Mettelman, Triad's President and Chief Executive Officer, is a leader in the independent broker-dealer industry, with over 24 years experience in the financial services sector. Prior to co-founding Triad, Mr. Mettelman served as a senior vice-president and director of Keogler, Morgan & Co., where he was responsible for overseeing the fixed-income trading department, advisory services and new business development. Mr. Mettelman is active with the Financial Services Institute (FSI) and is frequently quoted in industry publications regarding broker-dealer and investment advisory matters. He also served on the Investment Advisor Law and Regulatory Subcommittee for the State of Georgia. He is a 1984 graduate of Auburn University with a BS in Management and Finance.

About Ladenburg

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services, included in the Russell 2000(R) and Russell 3000(R) indices, is engaged in retail and institutional securities brokerage, investment banking, research and asset management services through its subsidiary, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. Founded in 1876 and a New York Stock Exchange member since 1879, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is a full service investment banking and brokerage firm providing services principally for middle market and emerging growth companies and high net worth individuals. Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services is based in Miami, Florida. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is based in New York City, with regional offices in Miami and Boca Raton, Florida; Melville, New York; Lincolnshire, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; Princeton, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; and Columbus, Ohio. Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services also owns Investacorp, Inc., a leading independent broker-dealer headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida that has been serving the independent registered representative community since 1978. For more information, please visit www.ladenburg.com.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements concerning future market opportunity, future technology investment, future growth of the Company and future financial performance. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of the Company or arising from the acquisition of Triad. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008, inability to achieve projected revenue, loss of registered representatives, acquisition costs and other factors detailed from time to time in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. The Company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

SOURCE: Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

Sard Verbinnen & Co
Paul Caminiti/Carrie Bloom/Jonathan Doorley
212-687-8080

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020219/CHICKFILALOGO )

The Chick-fil-A College Kickoff, pitting the University of Alabama against Clemson University, will be held at 8 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. and will be nationally televised on ABC. The following Monday, Sept. 1, from 10:30 a.m. until closing, customers are encouraged to visit any participating Chick-fil-A restaurant wearing football attire to receive a free 3-count of the chain's new Chick-n-Strips. Appropriate attire can include any visible article of clothing that contains any football team logo -- from a pee wee league uniform to a favorite NFL or collegiate jersey, hat, t-shirt or other accessories. The giveaway will be promoted during the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff broadcast on ABC, as well as other national and regional television networks.

"The college football season is an exciting time of year and we thought free food would be a great way to celebrate the inaugural Chick-fil-A College Kickoff game and encourage customers to try our new Chick-n-Strips," said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's senior vice president of marketing. "Simply wear your football spirit on your sleeve - so to speak - and we'll gladly provide an opportunity to enjoy our new Chick-n-Strips for free. Whether your team wins or loses, free Chick-fil-A food is a great proposition for any football fan."

As Chick-fil-A continues to strengthen its brand presence nationally, the restaurant chain anticipates the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff will be a strong complement to the chain's college-level sponsorship portfolio. Chick-fil-A has been the title sponsor of the Chick-fil-A Bowl (formally the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl) since 1997 and has helped grow the event to become one of the most competitive and highly viewed games during the college football bowl season. Last year, the Chick-fil-A Bowl's matchup between Auburn University and Clemson University was the most watched college game featured on the ESPN network and had the third-highest attendance of all bowl games. In addition to the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Chick-fil-A sponsors championship athletic events year round from the Southeastern and Big 12 Conferences.

"The Chick-fil-A College Kickoff is the perfect complement to the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and hosting these events in our hometown is a natural for Chick-fil-A," added Robinson. "This game will help us generate further awareness of the growing Chick-fil-A brand, as well as one of our largest menu additions of the year."

As part of the chain's most aggressive menu enhancement periods in its 41-year history, Chick-fil-A introduced its new Chick-n-Strips product in May that is 50 percent larger than the chain's previous strip offering. The Chick-n-Strips are offered as a 3- or 4-count entree for adults and in 1- and 2-counts for Chick-fil-A(R) Kid's Meals. To complement the new Chick-n-Strips, Chick-fil-A has developed a new proprietary dipping sauce: a smokey mustard recipe, simply called Chick-fil-A(R) Sauce.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the nation's second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain (based on sales), with more than 1,400 restaurants in 37 states and Washington D.C. In 2007, Chick-fil-A produced record sales of $2.64 billion - a 16.09 percent overall increase and an 8.47 percent same-store sales gain that helped extend the chain's streak of consecutive sales gains to 40 years. In 2008, BusinessWeek magazine included the chain in its Top 25 list of Customer Service Champs.

Credited with inventing the boneless breast of chicken sandwich over 45 years ago and first introducing the chicken nugget concept, Chick-fil-A serves nutritious and freshly prepared food products in mall locations, stand-alone restaurants, drive-thru-only restaurants, Chick-fil-A Dwarf House(R) and Truett's Grill(R) full-service restaurants, and through licensed outlets in college campuses, hospitals, airports, businesses and industrial sites. More information about Chick-fil-A is available on the chain's websites, located at http://www.chick-fil-a.com, http://www.chick-fil-a.com/pressroom or http://www.truettcathy.com

SOURCE Chick-fil-A

http://www.chick-fil-a.com