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                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.8

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

         Know all men by these presents, that each of the undersigned
constitutes and appoints Edward H. Ellis, Jr. and Christopher L. Martin, and
each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all
amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments)
and to file same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and/or any state
securities department or any other federal or state agency or governmental
authority granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all extents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his
substitute or substitutes, may do cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                      By: /s/ ALAN W. FULKERSON
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                                      Name:   Alan W. Fulkerson
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                                      Date:   September 21, 2000
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