Contribution From Advance America Supports Energy Policy Institute for Latino Leaders

HOUSTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Advance America, the nation's leading provider of cash advance services, today announced it has provided a corporate sponsorship for the NALEO Educational Fund to support the seminar, "Energy: Understanding Its Impact on State and Local Policymakers" as part of the organization's Policy Institute on Sustainable Communities.

"Advance America is pleased to sponsor this forum on energy as part of our continued support for the NALEO Educational Fund," said Deborah Reyes, vice president of government affairs for Advance America. "We are proud to be a part of this effort to equip Latino leaders with the tools necessary to shape policies that will improve lives and develop stronger communities. These goals and this program are consistent with our corporate commitment of giving back."

The three-day intensive seminar will take place at the Hotel Icon in Houston from May 6-8, and aims to expand the knowledge of Latino state, county and municipal elected officials on the issue of energy use and affordability in the United States. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a series of panels, discussion sessions and strategy groups on issues such as traditional energy sources and their affordability; the prospect of continuing to use these energy sources in the future; and emerging sources of renewable energy. Participants will also hear from leading energy experts from the public, private and non-profit sectors.

"The goal of the Sustainable Communities Initiative is to provide Latino state legislators, municipal and county officials with the enhanced capacity and governance skills they need to become effective leaders and advocates for their communities," said Karyn Pina, deputy executive director of NALEO Educational Fund. "Advance America's generous support enables us to provide critical information and resources that will promote the success of these leaders and benefit the broader Latino community."

For more information please visit www.naleo.org.

About Advance America:

Founded in 1997, Advance America, Cash Advance Centers, Inc. (NYSE: AEA) is the country's leading provider of cash advance services, with approximately 2,500 centers and 72 limited licensees in 32 states, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company offers convenient, less-costly credit options to consumers whose needs are not met by traditional financial institutions. The Company is a founding member of the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA), whose mission is to promote laws that provide substantive consumer protections and to encourage responsible industry practices. Please visit www.advanceamerica.net for more information.

About NALEO Educational Fund:

The NALEO Educational Fund is the nation's leading non-profit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. A nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization first established in 1981, NALEO Educational Fund carries out its mission through programs that integrate Latinos fully into American political society, provide professional development opportunities and technical assistance to the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials, and monitor and conduct advocacy on issues important to the Latino community and our political participation.

SOURCE Advance America, Cash Advance Centers, Inc.