Company Press Release

MONTPELIER, VT (July 25, 2008) - Sentinel Investments, the investment management arm of Vermont-based National Life Group, announced today that it has filled a number of key sales management positions at Sentinel Financial Services Company, distributor of the Sentinel Funds. The assignments reflect Sentinel's commitment to financial advisors and its expanding presence among major wirehouses and independent dealers.

"I am pleased to see the expansion of our distribution team into key regions of the country where Sentinel clearly has significant opportunities to build strong relationships with financial advisors," said Jim Cronin, President of Sentinel Financial Services Company. "With the tremendous sales success Sentinel has seen so far this year--despite the volatile markets which have really hurt our competitors--we are poised to capture market share with the help of these experienced sales professionals."

The individuals who have recently joined the Sentinel team include:

Jamie Atkinson, who has joined the firm as Senior Vice President, Eastern Division Sales Manager. Mr. Atkinson brings over 20 years of financial services experience to Sentinel. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Business Development at LCM Group, a leading provider of hedge fund investment vehicles. Prior to LCM, Mr. Atkinson served as Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager at Heritage Asset Management--the mutual fund arm of Raymond James. He has also held senior sales positions at SEI, Alliance Capital and Bank of America.

Marcus Kempton, who has joined Sentinel as Regional Vice President for the Heartland region. Mr. Kempton brings nearly a decade of financial services experience to Sentinel. He will be responsible for sales of Sentinel investment products in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Prior to joining Sentinel, he was a Regional Vice President with MetLife in the same region.

Timothy Dolan, who has joined Sentinel as Regional Vice President for the Metro New York region. Mr. Dolan brings more than 15 years of financial services experience to Sentinel. He will be responsible for sales of Sentinel investment products in Northern New Jersey, New York City, Westchester County and Long Island. He joins Sentinel from Banc of America Investment Services where he was most recently Market Sales Manager for the firm's New York branch. Prior to Banc of America, Mr. Dolan spent six years with Morgan Stanley.

William Connerly, CIMA, who has joined Sentinel as Regional Vice President for the South Central region. He will be responsible for sales of Sentinel investment products in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Mr. Connerly has over 20 years of investment sales experience and most recently served as Vice President with Morgan Stanley's Consulting Services Group in the Southwest region.

Michael Glatkowski, CIMA, who has joined Sentinel as Regional Vice President for the North Central region. Mr. Glatkowski brings a decade of financial services experience to Sentinel. He will be responsible for sales of Sentinel investment products in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Mr. Glatkowski joins Sentinel from Heartland Advisors where he headed up the firm's sales and marketing efforts as Vice President of Sales & National Accounts.

Jerrod DeShaw, who has joined Sentinel as Vice President, Key Accounts Manager and will be responsible for developing and strengthening key account relationships with dealer firms. Mr. DeShaw joins Sentinel from John Hancock Funds where he held a similar position within the Key Accounts team.

In addition to these new appointments, two key individuals within the distribution team have been promoted in recognition of their contributions to the Sentinel organization:

Peter Hebert has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Retirement and Subadvisory Services. He joined Sentinel in February 2007 and is responsible for Sentinel's efforts within the IODC and subadvisory channels.

J. Lee Madden, Jr., CFA, CIMA, has been promoted to Vice President, Investment Strategy. He has been an integral part of the firm's distribution strategy focused on gatekeepers and Fund Selection Units at key dealer firms.

About Sentinel Investments Sentinel Investments is a member of National Life Group and manages nearly $18 billion in mutual funds, insurance portfolios and institutional accounts. Sentinel Funds has a history that dates back nearly 75 years when its flagship fund--Sentinel Common Stock Fund--was launched. Sentinel Investments offers the Sentinel family of mutual funds, as well as retirement plan solutions and institutional investment management. The company is headquartered in Montpelier, VT, with offices in New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Sentinel Investments is the unifying brand name for Sentinel Asset Management, Inc., Sentinel Financial Services Company and Sentinel Administrative Services, Inc. Sentinel Funds are distributed by Sentinel Financial Services Company, One National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05604, 800.233.4332, sentinelinvestments.com.

National Life Group is a trade name representing various affiliates, which offer a variety of financial services products.