Harts Named Mercy Health Center's New Vice-President Of Planning

Ann Harts, vice president/director of economic development for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, has accepted a newly created
position with Mercy Health Center as the Vice President of Planning and Development. As a business advocate and economic development
professional, her philosophy has always been that the community partnerships create an environment for business success in the Manhattan
Area.

"Myself, and the rest of the leadership of the Chamber wish Ann the very best in her new role with Mercy Health Center. While this is a
disheartening period for the Chamber, we see this as an excellent opportunity to strengthen our region through the Health Care Industry.

She has a passion and tenacity which the Manhattan area will continue to benefit from as she continues to develop the Flint Hills region,"
said Lyle Butler, president/CEO, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. "We anticipate Ann’s partnership philosophy will remain an asset
for our community economic development efforts."

In her role as the vice president/director of economic development her responsibilities primarily consisted of new business recruitment
efforts, along with retention and expansion of existing businesses. The primary goal of these efforts being the creation of investment in
Manhattan, diversification of job opportunities, economic activity and improvement of the economic well-being of the community by
assisting in the creation of a diversified tax base, and a healthy economy. In her four and half years with the Chamber, she has been fortunate
to assist the following companies in their decision to locate or expand in Manhattan: Heatron; Sykes Enterprises; Western Wireless; Quaker
Oats; Farrar Corporation; It’s Greek to Me; Natural Gas Machinery Laboratory; Pioneer Hi-Bred; Light Solutions; Manko Windows; among
others. Ann is the 1999 recipient of the American Economic Development Council’s "Outstanding New Developer of the Year Award".

"This was a most difficult decision. Having a passion for developing and sustaining a strong community, I believe that health care is one of
our most important community issues. This position with Mercy will provide an excellent opportunity to continue advocacy efforts on behalf
of economic and community development in the region."

"We are most excited and pleased to have Ann join the Mercy team. She brings a wealth of community experience and understanding, and
her special knowledge of the needs of small and large employers in the region will be a tremendous asset to the hospital as we plan for our
future," said Richard Allen, president/CEO Mercy Health Center. "As the Vice President for Planning and Development at Mercy Health
Center her duties will include planning the public relations strategies and directing business development initiatives."

Ann is a product of the Unified School District 383 and Kansas State University and a native of Manhattan. She is married to Terry Harts,
president Intrust Bank with two children, Joh