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Orange County Holdings Releases Statement

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- In response to numerous inquires to Orange County Holdings and the Cook family regarding the French Lick Resorts & Casino project, Steve Ferguson, chairman of Cook Group, has issued the following statement:

"Our vision of making this the premier destination resort in the Midwest remains unchanged. We are totally committed to the completion of the two historic hotels (French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel), the Casino, the Events Center, Exhibition-Tennis pavilion, the Donald Ross and Pete Dye golf courses, and related facilities. We made a promise to the people of Orange County and Southern Indiana, the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Gaming Commission, the holders of the project's Senior Notes, and our employees at Blue Sky. We will not let them down.

"This project will both benefit and revitalize French Lick and Orange County- pouring money into education, historic preservation, and the overall economy of the community at large. Some 1,400 jobs, with an annual payroll of $32 million, will be brought to Orange County by this world-class resort. Soon thousands of guests will be served and the hotels and community will be restored to their former glory.

"Orange County Holdings has been involved with every step of this project. To achieve the goals set for this project, we have taken every step possible to ensure the highest quality workmanship and attention to historic detail. Carl Cook and I have been on the site hundreds of times and is involved on a daily basis in bringing this vision to life.

"The Cook organization has a longstanding tradition of quality and excellence - refusing to compromise either for short-term monetary gain. Bill Cook, founder of the Cook Group family of companies, and Carl Cook have proven this in both company practice and in their philanthropic endeavors. The Cooks' successes readily demonstrate that they recognize that success in any venture requires commitment and a willingness to make long-term investments.

"Over the last ten years, the Cook family has contributed over $100 million to the Orange County project and the surrounding community. The family understands that a commitment of this nature requires time and money. None of us will abandon this vision. The Cook family and Orange County Holdings will not be deterred from realizing their goal of building and operating a world-class resort. We can always dream, but unless there is desire to accomplish and an understanding of how to succeed, dreams and money are nothing.

"The Cooks have and will continue to invest both the time and financial resources to make this one of the nation's premier resorts destinations and help revitalize and rejuvenate the community that is depending on this project."

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