Oakland County, Michigan, Aug. 17, 2007 -- Ruth Johnson announced today that a group of Peruvian leaders - in Oakland County to help develop business and education opportunities between the two countries - will be touring the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office on Monday.

The group includes government leaders and educators, including Peruvian Congressman David Perry and Dr. Gloria Charca, president of Andina University of Cuzco.

Dr. Jose F. Aliaga, president of Aliaga Development and Consulting in Clarkston, helped set up the visit and is working to develop business and trade opportunities between the United States and Peru. The Peruvian native is also leading relief efforts locally for victims of the earthquake that struck Pisco, Peru.

"We are meeting with local government, business and school leaders and wanted to visit Ruth Johnson's office to observe the cutting-edge technology that she has put into place there," Aliaga said.

The group has also visited Wayne State University and Oakland Community College. Aliaga said efforts are being made in light of a free trade agreement between Peru and the United States that is expected to be approved in November of this year.

Aliaga, Perry and Charca will be available for interviews and photos. Their tour of the Clerk/Register office, 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac, begins at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20. Any media members who would like to interview the Peruvian representatives are asked to RSVP to Tracy Ward at (248) 858-0566.

The fundraiser to raise money for earthquake victims in Peru will be held from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Laurel Manor, 39000 Schoolcraft Road in Livonia. Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple. For information or tickets, please call (248) 736-7163 or (248) 736-7183. Checks should be made payable to the CDS Foundation.