CHICAGO, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Gene Reineke, the Chief Operating
Officer of Hill & Knowlton U.S., issued this statement today:
    Federal officials informed us that our firm's name was used by an
imposter to schedule his appearance at a press conference in Louisiana,
supposedly to discuss federal housing policy. The imposter also appeared at
that press conference, identifying himself as representing the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    At Hill & Knowlton, we work hard to protect the reputations of our
clients. Accordingly, our own reputation is of great importance to us.
    These hoaxers have absolutely no connection to our firm. HUD is not a
client of Hill & Knowlton.
    We encourage media or others to confirm H&K contacts if there is any
confusion. Media can always confirm H&K people by contacting Denise Gordon,
our U.S. director of human resources, at 212-885-0547, or by emailing the
person at an H&K e-mail address (firstname.lastname@hillandknowlton.com).
    Contact:
    Sallie L. Gaines, senior vice president, Hill & Knowlton
    312-255-3094
    sallie.gaines@hillandknowlton.com