MADISON, ME, February 5, 2003 – Leroy J. Barry, a highly respected paper industry executive, has announced his retirement from Madison Paper Industries. Mr. Barry had been with Madison since 1994 when he joined the company as President and Chief Operating Officer, and advanced in 1995 to President and Chief Executive Officer, the post he held until 2002 when he became Senior Advisor to the company during the transition to his successor, Russ Drechsel. Mr. Drechsel noted, "Roy's leadership and achievements at the helm of Madison Paper will always be deeply appreciated by everyone in the company and throughout the industry. As he enters his well-earned retirement years, he takes with him our gratitude and our sincere wishes for continued success." Mr. Barry launched his 42 year business career with S.D. Warren/Scott Paper in Westbrook, ME, advancing through several leadership posts, including Paper Mill Manager at the company’s Somerset, ME plant; Production Manager in Muskegon, MI; and General Manager in Winslow, ME. He returned to Muskegon as Vice President and General Manager, the post he held just prior to joining Madison. Throughout his career, Mr. Barry has been active in numerous industry organizations. He served on the Board of the American Forest and Paper Association, and on the Executive Committee of the Printing and Writing Paper section. He was on the Board of the Western Michigan University Paper Technology Foundation, and is currently on the Board of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). He was Chairman and a Board Member of the Maine Pulp and Paper Association. In 1998, he was honored by the Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA) as Executive of the Year. Strongly dedicated to the growth of Maine's economy, Mr. Barry has served on the Board of Directors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and was appointed by Governor Angus King and the State's Legislature leadership to the Maine Economic Growth Council, which he co-chairs. He also serves on the Leadership Institute Planning Committee of Colby College and on the MELMAC Education Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Barry plans to continue his active participation in civic, economic development and educational activities in the State of Maine. He and his wife, Shirley, are also looking forward to enjoying time with their five children and their families.