New York, NY - The Nasdaq Stock Market^® announced that New York Governor George E. Pataki was joined by Louisiana Governor M. J. "Mike" Foster, Jr., to open Nasdaq^® today at 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Nasdaq MarketSite^SM, located in New York City's Times Square. Hardwick Simmons, Nasdaq Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Daniel F.C. Crowley, Nasdaq Vice President of Governmental Affairs, joined Governors Pataki and Foster in the ceremony.

"We proudly welcome Governor Pataki to open trading on Nasdaq today," said Simmons. "Governor Pataki's commitment to restoring hope and opportunity to New York State, both before and after the events of September 11, is an inspiration to us all. We honor him for the leadership and dedication he has shown to rebuilding the financial stability of this great state.

"We're also very pleased to meet Governor Foster of Louisiana," continued Simmons. "Nasdaq is the home of 19 companies from that great state. And we hope to add more."

Governor Pataki said, "I'm pleased to be here in the heart of New York's Times Square to open trading today with my friend from Louisiana, Governor Mike Foster." It gives me great pride to see our financial markets thriving. Nasdaq should be commended for its decisive and quick efforts to resume the functionality and stability of our financial markets following the events of September 11, as well as for the generous funds it has raised for the victims.

Governor Foster commented, "It's a great honor to join my friend Governor Pataki here at Nasdaq today. Nasdaq is an energizing force at the center of the world's financial markets and home to a number of great companies from Louisiana. My state, America, and the world should be honored for Nasdaq's strength and vitality."

Governor Pataki is the 53rd Governor and the first Republican-Conservative chief executive of New York State. He has shown that firm leadership and commitment to core principles can transform political and popular vision into government policies that position the Empire State for the 21st Century. He is currently in his second term and was first elected Governor of New York State on November 8, 1994.

Governor Foster is Louisiana's 49th governor since the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. A life in politics never appealed to Foster; however, in 1986 after becoming frustrated with the sate government, he ran for a seat in the State Senate. After fulfilling two very active terms in the Senate, then Senator Foster decided he could accomplish more as governor. He is currently in his second term as governor of Louisiana.

The Nasdaq Stock Market lists over 4,100 companies and trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. For more information about Nasdaq, visit the Nasdaq Web site at www.nasdaq.com or the Nasdaq Newsroom^SM at www.nasdaq.com/newsroom.