Company Positions for Continued Growth

Cleveland, OH – April 29, 2009 – Guardian Title & Guaranty Agency Inc., a Northeast Ohio owned and operated title and escrow agency since 1962, announces the hiring of two sales executives, Valerie Tocci, and Jack Branden.

"We are very happy to have Ms. Tocci and Mr. Branden join our team," said Michael Maniche, president of Guardian Title. "They bring with them a substantial amount of experience and expertise, which will help Guardian Title better serve our clients and help continue our success." He added, "We also recognize that now is a great time to expand our presence, and grow our market share."

Valerie Tocci was hired as Regional Account Manager on December 9, 2008. She brings 25 years of experience in the title insurance industry to Guardian Title. Her primary focus is to help the company grow the residential side of its title and escrow business in Northeast Ohio. Ms. Tocci is an active member of the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors (CABOR) and Women’s Council of Realtors. She is a two-time recipient of the CABOR Affiliate of the Year Award and has been recognized for her outstanding service and contributions to the real estate community, including the Distinguished Service Award from CABOR.

Ms. Tocci is a graduate from The University of Akron where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing.

Jack Branden was hired as Manager of Commercial Accounts on April 20, 2009. His responsibility is to grow Guardian Title’s commercial business in Northeast Ohio. He has more than 30 years of business to business sales and marketing experience in the electronic machine control and industrial distribution industries. His track record includes achieving a 400% increase in sales for his former employer, entering new international markets and growing foreign sales by 35%, and managing large publicly traded clients. He is a member of National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Cleveland Area Board of Realtors, and Greater Cleveland Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mr. Branden is a graduate of Cornell University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.