News Releases

Milwaukee, WI (May 17, 2006)-Northwestern Mutual, along with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, announced the creation of the James D. Ericson Community Impact Endowment Fund today. At a special reception honoring Ericson's retirement from the Northwestern Mutual Board of Trustees, company President and CEO Edward J. Zore announced the $1 million gift from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

"With his vision and intelligence, Jim Ericson made a lasting impact on Northwestern Mutual," said Zore. "But he also made a lasting impact in another very important area - the community. Jim always understood the value of giving something back, and one organization - United Way - holds a special place in his heart. It's my pleasure to announce the establishment of the James D. Ericson Community Impact Endowment Fund, to honor his legacy of community leadership."

James D. Ericson began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1965 as an attorney. He went on to serve as assistant to the president, general counsel and head of investments. Ericson was named the company's 15^th president in 1990, and added the title of chief executive officer in 1993. He retired as chairman and CEO in 2001. In 1998, Ericson led the fundraising cabinet for United Way of Greater Milwaukee, revitalizing its board and cabinet while raising a record $27 million.

The million dollar endowment will be funded by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation over the next eight years. It will be administered by United Way, which will accept grant requests based on community impact priorities. Additional contributions to the fund may be made at any time.

"This gift is not only representative of Jim Ericson's commitment to the community," said Sue Dragisic, President of United Way of Greater Milwaukee, "But also of Northwestern Mutual's commitment to United Way."

Headquartered in downtown Milwaukee, Northwestern Mutual, its subsidiaries and affiliates are providers of life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance and employee benefit services to the group employee and executive markets. The company's charitable contributions, through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, are focused in the areas of education, health and human services, and arts and culture. In the last five years alone, the Foundation has contributed more than $35 million to nonprofit organizations in the greater Milwaukee area.

Among Northwestern Mutual's affiliated companies are those that comprise the Russell Investment Group, which provide investment management and advisory services; Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a wholly-owned company of Northwestern Mutual, broker-dealer and member NASD and SIPC; and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, a wholly-owned company of Northwestern Mutual, limited purpose federal savings bank and a registered investment adviser which provides financial planning, investment management and trust services. A subsidiary, Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, offers long-term care insurance.