CALAMOS(r) ASSET MANAGEMENT Announces Three Appointments


NAPERVILLE, Ill., October 2, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) - John P. Calamos, President and Chief Investment Officer of CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC., has announced three additions to the firm's professional staff: Luigi (Lou) Cosentino, Vice President, Inside Sales Manager; Leon Richardson, Director of Institutional Sales; and Carolyn Stuart, Vice President, Information Services.

As manager of Account Executives and Regional Associates for CALAMOS' Sales Group, Mr. Cosentino is responsible for coordinating sales support activities for CALAMOS' managed money and mutual fund programs as well as for the dedicated Client Services Group. This is a newly created position in the sales group to promote long-term growth opportunities while coordinating day-to-day activities. Mr. Cosentino previously served in several management positions at TCF National Bank, including Vice President, Divisional Manager. He has a B.S. in finance and economics from Elmhurst College and Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses.

Also new to the firm is Leon Richardson. Mr. Richardson is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with the institutional market, including major corporations, insurance companies, pension fund sponsors, Taft-Hartley plans, public funds and endowments/foundations. He previously was employed in institutional sales at William Blair & Co., Janus, and Sanford C. Bernstein. He holds a B.S. in business management from Florida State University and an MBA from Indiana University and has Series 7 and 63 licenses.

Ms. Stuart is responsible for systems and network development, including long-range planning and implementation. Her focus will be on enhancing the firm's global presence by broadening the firm's Internet-based services and improving internal reporting systems. She previously worked at Don Tech/Reuben H. Donnelley and Hewlett-Packard. She has a Master of Telecommunication Management degree from Keller Graduate School of Management and MBA coursework at Penn State University, as well as B.S. degrees from Roosevelt University and Northern Illinois University.

Commenting on the hirings, Calamos said, "As our assets under management grow, we continue to identify additional markets that would benefit from our convertible investment strategies. We are pleased to welcome these excellent individuals to the firm and anticipate that their proven talents will enhance our marketing and IT capabilities to the benefit of current and potential clients."

About CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.

CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. is an independent asset management firm specializing in convertible bond research and management. Headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, CALAMOS provides professional money management services to clients that include major corporations, public and private institutions, pension funds, insurance companies and individuals. The firm has experience in convertible bonds since 1977 and currently manages approximately $6.0 billion in assets. The firm also is investment advisor to a family of seven mutual funds.


 RE:  CALAMOS Convertible Fund (Nadaq:CCVIX)
      CALAMOS Convertible Growth and Income Fund (Nasdaq:CVTRX)
      CALAMOS Market Neutral Fund (Nasdaq:CVSIX)
      CALAMOS Growth Fund (Nasdaq:CVGRX)
      CALAMOS Global Convertible Fund (Nasdaq:CVLOX)
      CALAMOS Convertible Technology Fund
      CALAMOS High Yield Fund

For a prospectus containing more information including fees and expenses, call CALAMOS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., the Funds' distributor, at 1-800-582-6959. Please read it carefully before investing.



            

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