Hynes & Howes Insurance Counselors, Inc. Davenport, Iowa Independent Auditor's Report I have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Hynes & Howes Insurance Counselors, Inc. as of September 30, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of operation, retained earnings, paid-in-capital, and cash flows for the years ended September 30 , 1998 and 1997 and 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on my audits. I conducted my audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. I believe that my audits provide a reasonable basis for my opinion. In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hynes & Howes Insurance Counselors, Inc. at September 30, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flow for the years ended September 30, 1998, and 1997 and 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Everette E. Wilson Certified Public Accountant December 18, 1998