STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS INC
485BPOS, 1995-12-13
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<PAGE>   1

         As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
                           about December 13, 1995

                                        Securities Act Registration No. 33-61358
                                Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-7656
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington D.C.  20549

                                   FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                 [ ]

        Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                     [ ]
                                    -------

        Post-Effective Amendment No.   6
                                    -------                             [X]

                                     and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940         [ ]

        Amendment No.   8
                     ------                                             [X]

                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                     STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC.
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

          100 HERITAGE RESERVE
       MENOMONEE FALLS, WISCONSIN                          53051
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                 (Zip Code)

      Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code:  (414) 359-3400

                                THOMAS P. LEMKE
                        STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
                              100 HERITAGE RESERVE
                       MENOMONEE FALLS, WISCONSIN  53051
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

                                   Copies to
                                SCOTT A. MOEHRKE
                              GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.
                             780 NORTH WATER STREET
                          MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN  53202

         Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of securities pursuant
to Rule 24f-2 under the Securities Act of 1933; the Registrant's Rule 24f-2
Notice for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 was filed on or about
November 16, 1995.

         It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box).

             [ ]  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
             [X]  on December 29, 1995 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
             [ ]  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
             [ ]  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
             [ ]  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
             [ ]  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

         If appropriate, check the following box:

             [ ]  this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
                  for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2

                     STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC.

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                       FOR STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND

         (Pursuant to Rule 481 showing the location in the Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information of the responses to the Items of Parts A
and B of Form N-1A.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            CAPTION OR SUBHEADING IN PROSPECTUS OR
                   ITEM NO. ON FORM N-1A                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                   ---------------------                     -----------------------------------
 <S>                                                         <C>
 PART A - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 1.   Cover Page                                             Cover Page

 2.   Synopsis                                               Expenses; Highlights

 3.   Condensed Financial Information                        Financial Highlights

 4.   General Description of Registrant                      Strong Growth and Income Funds; Investment
                                                             Objectives and Policies; Implementation of Policies
                                                             and Risks; About the Funds - Organization

 5.   Management of the Fund                                 About the Funds - Management; Financial Highlights

 5A.  Management's Discussion of Fund Performance            *

 6.   Capital Stock and Other Securities                     About the Funds - Organization, - Distributions and
                                                             Taxes; Shareholder Manual - Shareholder Services

 7.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered                   Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares,
                                                             - Determining Your Share Price, - Shareholder
                                                             Services

 8.   Redemption or Repurchase                               Shareholder Manual - How to Sell Shares,
                                                             - Determining Your Share Price, - Shareholder
                                                             Services

 9.   Pending Legal Proceedings                              Inapplicable

 PART B - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN STATEMENT OF 
      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 10.  Cover Page                                             Cover page

 11.  Table of Contents                                      Table of  Contents

 12.  General Information and History                        **

 13.  Investment Objectives and Policies                     Investment Restrictions; Investment Policies and
                                                             Techniques

 14.  Management of the Fund                                 Directors and Officers of the Funds

 15.  Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities    Principal Shareholders; Directors and Officers of
                                                             the Funds; Investment Advisor, Subadvisor, and
                                                             Distributor

 16.  Investment Advisory and Other Services                 Investment Advisor, Subadvisor, and Distributor;
                                                             About the Funds - Management (in Prospectus);
                                                             Custodian; Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing
                                                             Agent; Independent Accountants; Legal Counsel
                                                                                                          
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            CAPTION OR SUBHEADING IN PROSPECTUS OR
                   ITEM NO. ON FORM N-1A                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                   ---------------------                     -----------------------------------
 <S>                                                         <C>
 17.  Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices               Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

 18.  Capital Stock and Other Securities                     Included in Prospectus under the heading About the
                                                             Funds - Organization and in the Statement of
                                                             Additional Information under the heading
                                                             Shareholder Meetings

 19.  Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Securities Being   Included in Prospectus under the headings:
      Offered                                                Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares,
                                                             - Determining Your Share Price, - How to Sell
                                                             Shares, - Shareholder Services; and in the
                                                             Statement of Additional Information under the
                                                             headings:  Additional Shareholder Information;
                                                             Investment Advisor, Subadvisor, and Distributor;
                                                             and Determination of Net Asset Value

 20.  Tax Status                                             Included in Prospectus under the heading About the
                                                             Funds - Distributions and Taxes; and in the
                                                             Statement of Additional Information under the
                                                             heading Taxes

 21.  Underwriters                                           Investment Advisor, Subadvisor, and Distributor

 22.  Calculation of Performance Data                        Performance Information

 23.  Financial Statements                                   Financial Statements
</TABLE>

*        Complete answer to Item is contained in Fund's Annual Report.
**       Complete answer to Item is contained in Fund's Prospectus.
<PAGE>   4

                     STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC.

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                       FOR STRONG EQUITY INCOME FUND AND
                         STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

         (Pursuant to Rule 481 showing the location in the Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information of the responses to the Items of Parts A
and B of Form N-1A.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           CAPTION OR SUBHEADING IN PROSPECTUS OR
                   ITEM NO. ON FORM N-1A                    STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                   ---------------------                    -----------------------------------
 <S>                                                        <C>
 PART A - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 1.   Cover Page                                            Cover Page

 2.   Synopsis                                              Expenses

 3.   Condensed Financial Information                       Inapplicable

 4.   General Description of Registrant                     Investment Objective and Policies; Implementation
                                                            of Policies and Risks; About the Fund -
                                                            Organization

 5.   Management of the Fund                                About the Fund - Management

 5A.  Management's Discussion of Fund Performance           Inapplicable

 6.   Capital Stock and Other Securities                    About the Fund - Organization, - Distributions and
                                                            Taxes; Shareholder Manual - Shareholder Services

 7.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered                  Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares,
                                                            - Determining Your Share Price, - Shareholder
                                                            Services

 8.   Redemption or Repurchase                              Shareholder Manual - How to Sell Shares,
                                                            - Determining Your Share Price, - Shareholder
                                                            Services

 9.   Pending Legal Proceedings                             Inapplicable

 PART B - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN STATEMENT OF 
      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 10.  Cover Page                                            Cover page

 11.  Table of Contents                                     Table of  Contents

 12.  General Information and History                       *

 13.  Investment Objectives and Policies                    Investment Restrictions; Investment Policies and
                                                            Techniques

 14.  Management of the Fund                                Directors and Officers of the Fund

 15.  Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities   Principal Shareholders; Directors and Officers of
                                                            the Fund; Investment Advisor and Distributor

 16.  Investment Advisory and Other Services                Investment Advisor and Distributor; About the Fund
                                                            - Management (in Prospectus); Custodian; Transfer
                                                            Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent; Independent
                                                            Accountants; Legal Counsel

 17.  Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices              Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
                                                                                                
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   5


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           CAPTION OR SUBHEADING IN PROSPECTUS OR
                   ITEM NO. ON FORM N-1A                    STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                   ---------------------                    -----------------------------------
 <S>                                                        <C>
 18.  Capital Stock and Other Securities                    Included in Prospectus under the heading About the
                                                            Fund - Organization and in the Statement of
                                                            Additional Information under the heading
                                                            Shareholder Meetings

 19.  Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Securities        Included in Prospectus under the headings:
      Being Offered                                         Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares,
                                                            - Determining Your Share Price, - How to Sell
                                                            Shares, - Shareholder Services; and in the
                                                            Statement of Additional Information under the
                                                            headings:  Additional Shareholder Information;
                                                            Investment Advisor and Distributor; and
                                                            Determination of Net Asset Value

 20.  Tax Status                                            Included in Prospectus under the heading About the
                                                            Fund - Distributions and Taxes; and in the
                                                            Statement of Additional Information under the
                                                            heading Taxes

 21.  Underwriters                                          Investment Advisor and Distributor

 22.  Calculation of Performance Data                       Performance Information

 23.  Financial Statements                                  Inapplicable
</TABLE>

*        Complete answer to Item is contained in each Fund's Prospectus.
<PAGE>   6

                                     PART A

                                   PROSPECTUS

                         STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND

Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-61358), which was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 21, 1995; as
supplemented by Registrant's 497 Filings dated May 4, 1995 (Edgar Reference No.
0000950124-95-001318) and July 25, 1995 (Edgar Reference No. 
0000950124-95-002219).
<PAGE>   7
 
   
                           STRONG EQUITY INCOME FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
                                                          STRONG FUNDS
                                                         P.O. Box 2936
                                            Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
                                             Telephone: (414) 359-1400
                                             Toll-Free: (800) 368-3863
                                      Device for the Hearing-Impaired:
                                                        (800) 999-2780
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The Strong Family of Funds ("Strong Funds") is a family of more than
twenty-five diversified and non-diversified mutual funds. All of the Strong
Funds are no-load funds, meaning that you may purchase, redeem, or exchange
shares without paying a sales charge. Strong Funds include growth funds,
conservative equity funds, income funds, municipal income funds, international
funds, and cash management funds. The Strong Equity Income Fund is described in
this Prospectus. The Fund seeks total return by investing for both income and
capital growth. The Fund invests primarily in income-producing equity
securities. The Fund is a diversified series of Strong Conservative Equity
Funds, Inc.
    
 
   
   This Prospectus contains information you should consider before you invest.
Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. A Statement of
Additional Information for the Fund, dated December 29, 1995, contains further
information, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, and has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). This Statement, which
may be revised from time to time, is available without charge upon request to
the above-noted address or telephone number.
    
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
 UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
 CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
                            Dated December 29, 1995
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-1
<PAGE>   8
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
         <S>                                        <C>
         EXPENSES................................    I-3
         INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.......    I-4
         IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND RISKS....    I-5
         ABOUT THE FUND..........................   I-13
         SHAREHOLDER MANUAL......................   II-1
         APPENDIX A..............................    A-1
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus and the Statement
of Additional Information, and if given or made, such information or
representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell securities in any state or
jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-2
<PAGE>   9
 
                                    EXPENSES
 
   
   The following information is provided in order to help you understand the
various costs and expenses that you, as an investor in the Fund, will bear
directly or indirectly.
    
 
                        SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                          <C>
            Sales Load Imposed on Purchases.............  NONE
            Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested
              Dividends.................................  NONE
            Deferred Sales Load.........................  NONE
            Redemption Fees.............................  NONE
            Exchange Fees...............................  NONE
</TABLE>
 
   
   There are certain charges associated with retirement accounts and with
certain other special shareholder services offered by the Fund. Additionally,
purchases and redemptions may also be made through broker-dealers or others who
may charge a commission or other transaction fee for their services. (See
"Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares" and "- How to Sell Shares.")
    
 
                         ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
                    (as a percentage of average net assets)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Total
                            Management        Other       12b-1    Operating
          Fund                 Fees         Expenses      Fees      Expenses
<S>                         <C>             <C>           <C>      <C>       
 Equity Income                  .80%           .74%       NONE        1.54%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   From time to time, the Fund's investment advisor, Strong Capital Management,
Inc. (the "Advisor"), may voluntarily waive its management fee and/or absorb
certain expenses for the Fund. Since the Equity Income Fund is new and did not
begin operations until December 29, 1995, the Other Expenses have been
estimated. For additional information concerning fees and expenses, see "About
the Fund - Management."
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-3
<PAGE>   10
 
   
                                    EXAMPLE
    
 
   
   You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Period (in years)
                             -----------------------------
          Fund                1                  3
<S>                          <C>                <C> <C>
Equity Income                $16                $49
- ----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The Example is based on the Fund's "Total Operating Expenses," as described
above. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND THAT ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE HIGHER
OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN. The assumption in the Example of a 5% annual return
is required by regulations of the SEC applicable to all mutual funds. The
assumed 5% annual return is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the
projected or actual performance of the Fund's shares.
    
 
   
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
    
 
   
   The Fund is required to invest a substantial portion of its assets in equity
securities. Accordingly, the Fund's net asset value will fluctuate based upon
changes in the value of the securities in its portfolio. Although the Fund is
considered a conservative equity fund - meaning, the Fund's net asset value is
likely to be less volatile than that of a fund invested principally for growth
of capital - the Fund's net asset value is likely to fluctuate more than that of
a fund invested principally for income. The Fund, therefore, is not appropriate
for investors' short-term financial needs.
    
   
   The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions that are set
forth in its Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). Those restrictions,
the Fund's investment objective, and any other investment policies identified as
"fundamental" cannot be changed without shareholder approval. To further guide
investment activities, the Fund has also instituted a number of non-fundamental
operating policies, which are described in this Prospectus and in the SAI.
Although operating policies may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors
without shareholder approval, the Fund will promptly notify shareholders of any
material change in operating policies.
    
   
   Except as limited below, the Fund may invest in a diversified portfolio of
securities without regard to objective investment criteria, such as company
size, exchange listing, earnings history, or other factors. When selecting
securities, the Advisor will, except as otherwise limited below, be limited only
by its best judgment as to what will help achieve the Fund's investment
objective.
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-4
<PAGE>   11
 
   
STRONG EQUITY INCOME FUND
    
 
   
   The Fund seeks total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
    
   The Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying equity securities. Under normal
market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in
dividend-paying equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks,
and securities that are convertible into common stocks, such as warrants and
convertible bonds. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in
intermediate- to long-term corporate or U.S. government bonds. Although the
bonds in which it invests will be primarily investment-grade, the Fund may
invest up to 10% of its net assets in non-investment-grade bonds. When the
Advisor determines that market conditions warrant a temporary defensive
position, the Fund may invest without limitation in cash and short-term,
fixed-income securities. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in the
securities of foreign issuers, either through direct investment or depositary
receipts. See "Implementation of Policies and Risks -- Foreign Currencies" for
the special risks associated with foreign investments.
 
   
                      IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND RISKS
    
 
   
   In addition to the investment policies described above (and subject to
certain restrictions described below), the Fund may invest in some or all of the
following securities and may employ some or all of the following investment
techniques, some of which may present special risks as described below. The Fund
may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements and mortgage dollar roll
transactions. A more complete discussion of certain of these securities and
investment techniques and the associated risks is contained in the Fund's SAI.
    
 
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 
   IN GENERAL. The market value of all debt obligations is affected by changes
in the prevailing interest rates. The market value of such instruments generally
reacts inversely to interest rate changes. If the prevailing interest rates
decline, the market value of debt obligations generally increases. If the
prevailing interest rates increase, the market value of debt obligations
generally decreases. In general, the longer the maturity of a debt obligation,
the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
 
   TYPES OF OBLIGATIONS. Debt obligations include (i) corporate debt securities,
including bonds, debentures, and notes; (ii) bank obligations, such as
certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances, and time deposits of domestic and
foreign banks and their subsidiaries and branches, and domestic savings and loan
associations (in amounts in excess of the insurance coverage (currently $100,000
per account) provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-5
<PAGE>   12
 
Corporation); (iii) commercial paper (including variable-amount master demand
notes); (iv) repurchase agreements; (v) loan interests; (vi) foreign debt
obligations issued by foreign issuers traded either in foreign markets or in
domestic markets through depositary receipts; (vii) convertible securities -
debt obligations of corporations convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities or debt obligations that carry with them the right to acquire equity
securities, as evidenced by warrants attached to such securities, or acquired as
part of units of the securities; (viii) preferred stocks - securities that
represent an ownership interest in a corporation and that give the owner a prior
claim over common stock on the company's earnings or assets; (ix) U.S.
government securities; (x) mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage
obligations, and similar securities; and (xi) municipal obligations.
 
   RATINGS. Investment-grade debt obligations include:
 
- - U.S. government securities (as defined below);
   
- - bonds or bank obligations rated in one of the four highest rating categories
  (e.g., BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or "S&P");
    
   
- - short-term notes rated in one of the two highest rating categories (e.g., SP-2
  or higher by S&P);
    
   
- - short-term bank obligations rated in one of the three highest rating
  categories (e.g., A-3 or higher by S&P), with respect to obligations maturing
  in one year or less;
    
   
- - commercial paper rated in one of the three highest rating categories (e.g.,
  A-3 or higher by S&P);
    
   
- - unrated debt obligations determined by the Advisor to be of comparable
  quality; and
    
   
- - repurchase agreements involving investment-grade debt obligations.
    
 
   
   All ratings are determined at the time of investment. Any subsequent rating
downgrade of a debt obligation will be monitored by the Advisor to consider what
action, if any, the Fund should take consistent with its investment objective.
Securities rated in the fourth highest category (e.g., BBB by S&P), although
considered investment-grade, have speculative characteristics and may be subject
to greater fluctuations in value than higher-rated securities. Non-
investment-grade debt obligations include:
    
 
- - securities rated as low as C by S&P or their equivalents;
- - commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P or its equivalent; and
- - unrated debt securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Advisor.
 
   HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES. High-yield (high-risk) securities, also
referred to as "junk bonds," are those securities that are rated lower than
investment-grade and unrated securities of comparable quality. Although these
securities generally offer higher yields than investment-grade securities with
similar maturities, lower-quality securities involve greater risks, including
the
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-6
<PAGE>   13
 
possibility of default or bankruptcy. In general, they are regarded to be
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Other potential risks associated with investing in high-
yield securities include:
 
- - substantial market-price volatility resulting from changes in interest rates,
  changes in or uncertainty about economic conditions, and changes in the actual
  or perceived ability of the issuer to meet its obligations;
- - greater sensitivity of highly leveraged issuers to adverse economic changes
  and individual-issuer developments;
- - subordination to the prior claims of other creditors;
- - additional Congressional attempts to restrict the use or limit the tax and
  other advantages of these securities; and
- - adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions about these securities.
 
   
   As with any other asset in the Fund's portfolio, any reduction in the value
of such securities as a result of the factors listed above would be reflected in
the net asset value of the Fund. In addition, the Fund that invests in
lower-quality securities may incur additional expenses to the extent it is
required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal and
interest on its holdings. As a result of the associated risks, successful
investments in high-yield (high-risk) securities will be more dependent on the
Advisor's credit analysis than generally would be the case with investments in
investment-grade securities.
    
   
   It is uncertain how the high-yield market will perform during a prolonged
period of rising interest rates. A prolonged economic downturn or a prolonged
period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these
securities, increase their volatility, and reduce their value and liquidity. In
addition, lower-quality securities tend to be less liquid than higher-quality
debt securities because the market for them is not as broad or active. If market
quotations are not available, these securities will be valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Fund's Board of Directors. Judgment may,
therefore, play a greater role in valuing these securities. The lack of a liquid
secondary market may have an adverse effect on market price and the Fund's
ability to sell particular securities.
    
 
   
   GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Securities issued by
the government include U.S. Treasury obligations, such as Treasury bills, notes,
and bonds. Securities issued by government agencies or instrumentalities
include, for example, obligations of the following:
    
 
- - the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import
  Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government
  National Mortgage Association, including GNMA pass-through
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-7
<PAGE>   14
 
certificates, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States;
- - the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the
  Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the
  agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury;
- - the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by
  the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain
  obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and
- - the Student Loan Marketing Association, the Interamerican Development Bank,
  and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, whose securities
  are supported only by the credit of such agencies.
 
   Although the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S.
government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given
that it will always do so. The U.S. government and its agencies and
instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities;
consequently, the value of such securities will fluctuate.
 
   
   SHORT-TERM FIXED INCOME SECURITIES. Short-term fixed income securities in
which the Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, debt securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities, commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of
deposit, and time deposits. The Fund may invest in obligations of domestic and
foreign banks and their subsidiaries and branches.
    
 
   
   ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in
zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities. These securities are debt
securities that do not make regular cash interest payments. Zero-coupon and
step-coupon securities are sold at a deep discount to their face value.
Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the issuance of additional
securities. Because such securities do not pay current cash income, the price of
these securities can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. While these
securities do not pay current cash income, federal income tax law requires the
holders of zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities to include in
income each year the portion of the original issue discount (or deemed discount)
and other non-cash income on such securities accrued during that year. In order
to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code
and avoid a certain excise tax, the Fund may be required to distribute a portion
of such discount and income and may be required to dispose of other portfolio
securities, which may occur in periods of adverse market prices, in order to
generate cash to meet these distribution requirements.
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-8
<PAGE>   15
 
   
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
    
 
   
   The Fund may invest without limitation in securities purchased on a when-
issued or delayed delivery basis. Although the payment and interest terms of
these securities are established at the time the purchaser enters into the
commitment, these securities may be delivered and paid for at a future date,
generally within 45 days. Purchasing when-issued securities allows the Fund to
lock in a fixed price or yield on a security it intends to purchase. However,
when the Fund purchases a when-issued security, it immediately assumes the risk
of ownership, including the risk of price fluctuation.
    
   
   The greater the Fund's outstanding commitments for these securities, the
greater the exposure to potential fluctuations in the net asset value of the
Fund. Purchasing when-issued securities may involve the additional risk that the
yield available in the market when the delivery occurs may be higher or the
market price lower than that obtained at the time of commitment. Although the
Fund may be able to sell these securities prior to the delivery date, it will
purchase when-issued securities for the purpose of actually acquiring the
securities, unless, after entering into the commitment, a sale appears desirable
for investment reasons. When required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will set aside
permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to secure its outstanding
commitments for when-issued securities.
    
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND CURRENCIES
 
   
   The Fund may invest in foreign securities either directly or through the use
of depositary receipts. (See "Investment Objectives and Policies.") Depositary
receipts are generally issued by banks or trust companies and evidence ownership
of underlying foreign securities. Foreign investments may include other
investment companies which may involve frequent or layered fees and also are
subject to limitations under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"). Foreign investments involve special risks, including:
    
 
- - expropriation, confiscatory taxation, and withholding taxes on dividends and
  interest;
- - less extensive regulation of foreign brokers, securities markets, and issuers;
- - less publicly available information and different accounting standards;
- - costs incurred in conversions between currencies, possible delays in
  settlement in foreign securities markets, limitations on the use or transfer
  of assets (including suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a
  given country), and difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries;
  and
- - diplomatic developments and political or social instability.
 
   Foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy
in various respects, including growth of gross domestic product, rates of
inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency,
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-9
<PAGE>   16
 
   
and balance of payments positions. Many foreign securities are less liquid and
their prices more volatile than comparable U.S. securities. Although the Fund
generally invests only in securities that are regularly traded on recognized
exchanges or in over-the-counter markets, from time to time foreign securities
may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without adverse price effects. Certain
costs attributable to foreign investing, such as custody charges and brokerage
costs, are higher than those attributable to domestic investing.
    
   
   The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot basis and may
engage in forward currency contracts, currency options, and futures transactions
for hedging or any other lawful purpose. (See "Derivative Instruments.")
    
 
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
   
   Derivative instruments may be used by the Fund for any lawful purpose
consistent with the Fund's investment objective, including hedging or managing
risk but not for speculation. Derivative instruments are securities or
agreements whose value is derived from the value of some underlying asset, for
example, securities, currencies, reference indexes, or commodities. Options,
futures, and options on futures transactions are considered derivative
transactions. Derivatives generally have investment characteristics that are
based upon either forward contracts (under which one party is obligated to buy
and the other party is obligated to sell an underlying asset at a specific price
on a specified date) or option contracts (under which the holder of the option
has the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an underlying asset at a
specified price on or before a specified date). Consequently, the change in
value of a forward-based derivative generally is roughly proportional to the
change in value of the underlying asset. In contrast, the buyer of an
option-based derivative generally will benefit from favorable movements in the
price of the underlying asset but is not exposed to corresponding losses due to
adverse movements in the value of the underlying asset. The seller of an
option-based derivative generally will receive fees or premiums but generally is
exposed to losses due to changes in the value of the underlying asset.
Derivative transactions may include elements of leverage and, accordingly, the
fluctuation of the value of the derivative transaction in relation to the
underlying asset may be magnified. In addition to options, futures, and options
on futures transactions, derivative transactions may include short sales against
the box, in which the Fund sells a security it owns for delivery at a future
date; swaps, in which the two parties agree to exchange a series of cash flows
in the future, such as interest-rate payments; interest-rate caps, under which,
in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the
extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; and interest-rate
floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments
to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or
"floor." Derivative transactions may also include forward currency contracts and
foreign currency exchange-related securities.
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-10
<PAGE>   17
 
   
   Derivative instruments may be exchange-traded or traded in over-the-counter
transactions between private parties. Over-the-counter transactions are subject
to the credit risk of the counterparty to the instrument and are less liquid
than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with
the other party to the transaction. When required by SEC guidelines, the Fund
will set aside permissible liquid assets or securities positions that
substantially correlate to the market movements of the derivative transactions
in a segregated account to secure its obligations under derivative transactions.
In order to maintain its required cover for a derivative transaction, the Fund
may need to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices or times since
it may not be possible to liquidate a derivative position.
    
   
   The successful use of derivative transactions by the Fund is dependent upon
the Advisor's ability to correctly anticipate trends in the underlying asset. To
the extent that the Fund is engaging in derivative transactions other than for
hedging purposes, the Fund's successful use of such transactions is more
dependent upon the Advisor's ability to correctly anticipate such trends, since
losses in these transactions may not be offset by gains in the Fund's portfolio
or in lower purchase prices for assets it intends to acquire. The Advisor's
prediction of trends in underlying assets may prove to be inaccurate, which
could result in substantial losses to a Fund. Hedging transactions are also
subject to risks. If the Advisor incorrectly anticipates trends in the
underlying asset, the Fund may be in a worse position than if no hedging had
occurred. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund's
derivative transactions and the instruments being hedged.
    
 
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
   Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participation in, or
are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property, and
include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and collateralized
mortgage obligations. Such securities may be issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government agencies or instrumentalities or by private issuers, generally
originators and investors in mortgage loans, including savings associations,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers, and special purpose
entities (collectively, "private lenders"). Mortgage-backed securities issued by
private lenders may be supported by pools of mortgage loans or other
mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or indirectly, by the
U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or they may be
issued without any governmental guarantee of the underlying mortgage assets but
with some form of non-governmental credit enhancement.
   Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to mortgage-
backed securities. However, the underlying assets are not first-lien mortgage
loans or interests therein; rather, they include assets such as motor vehicle
installment sales contracts, other installment loan contracts, home equity
loans, leases of various types of property, and receivables from credit card or
other revolving credit arrangements. Payments or distributions of principal
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-11
<PAGE>   18
 
and interest on asset-backed securities may be supported by non-governmental
credit enhancements similar to those utilized in connection with mortgage-backed
securities.
   
   The yield characteristics of mortgage- and asset-backed securities differ
from those of traditional debt securities. Among the principal differences are
that interest and principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage-and
asset-backed securities, usually monthly, and that principal may be prepaid at
any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other assets generally may be
prepaid at any time. As a result, if the Fund purchases these securities at a
premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to
maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the
opposite effect of increasing the yield to maturity. Conversely, if the Fund
purchases these securities at a discount, a prepayment rate that is faster than
expected will increase yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower
than expected will reduce yield to maturity. Accelerated prepayments on
securities purchased by the Fund at a premium also impose a risk of loss of
principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the
principal is prepaid in full. The market for privately issued mortgage- and
asset-backed securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for
government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities.
    
   
   The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities, which
receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the
underlying assets. The market value of such securities generally is more
sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with
traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases such market
value may be extremely volatile. With respect to certain stripped securities,
such as interest-only ("IO") and principal-only ("PO") classes, a rate of
prepayment that is faster or slower than anticipated may result in a Fund
failing to recover all or a portion of its investment, even though the
securities are rated investment-grade.
    
 
   
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
    
 
   
   The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Illiquid securities are those securities that are not readily marketable,
including restricted securities and repurchase obligations maturing in more than
seven days. Certain restricted securities that may be resold to institutional
investors under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and Section 4(2) commercial
paper may be determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by the Fund's
Board of Directors.
    
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
   
   The annual portfolio turnover rate indicates changes in the Fund's portfolio.
The turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. It may
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-12
<PAGE>   19
 
   
also be affected by sales of portfolio securities necessary to meet cash
requirements for redemptions of shares. High portfolio turnover in any year will
result in the payment by the Fund of above-average amounts of transaction costs
and could result in the payment by shareholders of above-average amounts of
taxes on realized investment gains. Under normal market conditions, it is
anticipated that the rate of portfolio turnover of the Equity Income Fund
generally will not exceed 200%. This rate should not be considered as a limiting
factor.
    
 
   
                                 ABOUT THE FUND
    
 
MANAGEMENT
 
   
   The Board of Directors of the Fund is responsible for managing its business
and affairs. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with
Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the "Advisor"). Under the terms of the
agreement, the Advisor manages the Fund's investments and business affairs
subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors.
    
 
   
   ADVISOR. The Advisor began conducting business in 1974. Since then, its
principal business has been providing continuous investment supervision for
individuals and institutional accounts, such as pension funds and profit-sharing
plans as well as mutual funds, several of which are funding vehicles for
variable insurance products. As of November 30, 1995, the Advisor had over $15
billion under management. The Advisor's principal mailing address is P.O. Box
2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. Mr. Richard S. Strong, the Chairman of the
Board of the Fund, is the controlling shareholder of the Advisor.
    
   
   As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the Advisor a monthly
management fee based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net asset
value. The annual fee is .80%. This fee is in excess of fees paid by many other
funds. From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily waive all or a portion of
its management fee and/or absorb certain Fund expenses without further
notification of the commencement or termination of such waiver or absorption.
Any such waiver or absorption will temporarily lower the Fund's overall expense
ratio and increase the Fund's overall return to investors.
    
   
   Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor or Strong Funds Distributors,
Inc., the Fund is responsible for all its other expenses, including, without
limitation, interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions, and similar
expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase, or redemption of shares; expenses
of registering or qualifying shares for sale with the states and the SEC;
expenses of printing and distribution of prospectuses to existing shareholders;
charges of custodians (including fees as custodian for keeping books and similar
services for the Fund), transfer agents (including the printing and mailing of
reports and notices to shareholders), registrars, auditing and legal services,
and clerical services related to recordkeeping and shareholder
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-13
<PAGE>   20
 
   
relations; printing of stock certificates; fees for directors who are not
"interested persons" of the Advisor; expenses of indemnification; extraordinary
expenses; and costs of shareholder and director meetings.
    
 
   
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
    
 
   
   The Advisor, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, also acts as
dividend-disbursing agent and transfer agent for the Fund. The Advisor is
compensated for its services based on an annual fee per account plus certain
out-of-pocket expenses. The fees received and the services provided as transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent are in addition to those received and
provided under the Advisory Agreement between the Advisor and the Fund.
    
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
   
   Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201,
an indirect subsidiary of the Advisor, acts as distributor of the shares of the
Fund.
    
 
ORGANIZATION
 
   
   SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS. The Fund is a series of common stock of Strong
Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation that is authorized to
issue shares of common stock and series and classes of series of shares of
common stock. Each share of the Fund has one vote, and all shares participate
equally in dividends and other capital gains distributions and in the residual
assets of the Fund in the event of liquidation. Certificates will be issued for
shares held in your account only upon your written request. You will, however,
have full shareholder rights whether or not you request certificates. Generally,
the Fund will not hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required by the
1940 Act.
    
 
   
   SHAREHOLDER PRIVILEGES. The shareholders of the Fund may benefit from the
privileges described in the "Shareholder Manual" (see Page II-1). However, the
Fund reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to suspend,
limit, modify, or terminate any of these privileges or their use in any manner
by any person or class.
    
 
   
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
    
 
   
   PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. You may elect to have all your
dividends and capital gain distributions from the Fund automatically reinvested
in additional shares of the Fund or in shares of another Strong Fund at the net
asset value determined on the payment date. If you request in writing that your
dividends and other distributions be paid in cash, the Fund will credit your
bank account by Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") or issue a
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-14
<PAGE>   21
 
   
check to you within five business days of the payment date. You may change your
election at any time by calling or writing Strong Funds. Strong Funds must
receive any such change 7 days (15 days for EFT) prior to a dividend or capital
gain distribution payment date in order for the change to be effective for that
payment. The policy of the Fund is to pay dividends from net investment income
quarterly and to distribute substantially all net realized capital gains and
gains from foreign currency transactions annually. The Fund may make additional
distributions if necessary to avoid imposition of a 4% excise tax on
undistributed income and gains.
    
 
   
   TAX STATUS OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. You will be subject to
federal income tax at ordinary income tax rates on any dividends you receive
that are derived from investment company taxable income (consisting generally of
net investment income, net short-term capital gain, and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions, if any). Distributions of net capital gain (the
excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), when
designated as such by the Fund, are taxable to you as long-term capital gains,
regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares. The Fund's distributions
are taxable in the year they are paid, whether they are taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, except that certain distributions declared in
the last three months of the year and paid in January are taxable as if paid on
December 31.
    
   
   If the Fund's distributions exceed its investment company taxable income and
net capital gain in any year, as a result of currency-related losses or
otherwise, all or a portion of those distributions may be treated as a return of
capital to shareholders for tax purposes.
    
 
   YEAR-END TAX REPORTING. After the end of each calendar year, you will receive
a statement (Form 1099) of the federal income tax status of all dividends and
other distributions paid (or deemed paid) during the year.
 
   
   SHARES SOLD OR EXCHANGED. Your redemption of Fund shares may result in
taxable gain or loss to you, depending upon whether the redemption proceeds
payable to you are more or less than your adjusted cost basis for the redeemed
shares. Similar tax consequences generally will result from an exchange of Fund
shares for shares of another Strong Fund. If you purchase shares of the Fund
within thirty days before or after redeeming shares of the same Fund at a loss,
a portion or all of that loss will not be deductible and will increase the cost
basis of the newly purchased shares. If you redeem shares out of a retirement
account, you will be subject to withholding for federal income tax purposes
unless you transfer the distribution directly to an "eligible retirement plan."
    
 
   
   BUYING A DISTRIBUTION. A distribution paid shortly after you have purchased
shares in the Fund will reduce the net asset value of the shares by the
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-15
<PAGE>   22
 
amount of the distribution, which nevertheless will be taxable to you even
though it represents a return of a portion of your investment.
 
   
   BACKUP WITHHOLDING. If you are an individual or certain other noncorporate
shareholder and do not furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification
number, the Fund is required to withhold federal income tax at a rate of 31%
(backup withholding) from all dividends, capital gain distributions, and
redemption proceeds payable to you. Withholding at that rate from dividends and
capital gain distributions payable to you also is required if you otherwise are
subject to backup withholding. To avoid backup withholding, you must provide a
taxpayer identification number and state that you are not subject to backup
withholding due to the underreporting of your income. This certification is
included as part of your application. Please complete it when you open your
account.
    
 
   
   TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. The Fund intends to continue to qualify for treatment
as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code and, if so qualified, will not be liable for federal income tax on earnings
and gains distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner.
    
   
   This section is not intended to be a full discussion of present or proposed
federal income tax law and its effects on the Fund and investors therein. See
the SAI for a further discussion. There may be other federal, state, or local
tax considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are therefore urged
to consult your own tax adviser.
    
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
   
   The Fund may advertise "average annual total return," "total return,"
"cumulative total return," and "yield." Each of these figures is based upon
historical results and does not represent the future performance of the Fund.
    
   
   Average annual total return and total return figures measure both the net
investment income generated by, and the effect of any realized and unrealized
appreciation or depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund assuming
the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. Total return figures are
not annualized and simply represent the aggregate change of the Fund's
investments over a specified period of time.
    
   
   Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the Fund
generates the same level of net investment income over a one-year period. The
Fund's yield is a measure of the net investment income per share earned by the
Fund over a specific one-month period and is shown as a percentage of the net
asset value of the Fund's shares at the end of the period.
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-16
<PAGE>   23
 
                               SHAREHOLDER MANUAL
 
<TABLE>
          <S>                                    <C>
          HOW TO BUY SHARES......................  II-1
          DETERMINING YOUR SHARE PRICE...........  II-5
          HOW TO SELL SHARES.....................  II-6
          SHAREHOLDER SERVICES...................  II-9
          REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS............... II-10
          SPECIAL SITUATIONS..................... II-12
</TABLE>
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
   
   All the Strong Funds are 100% no-load, meaning you may purchase, redeem, or
exchange shares directly at net asset value without paying a sales charge.
Because the Fund's net asset values change daily, your purchase price will be
the next net asset value determined after Strong receives and accepts your
purchase order.
    
   
   Whether you are opening a new account or adding to an existing one, Strong
provides you with several methods to buy the Fund's shares.
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-1
<PAGE>   24
 
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
                         TO OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL                     BY CHECK
                         - Complete and sign the application. Make your check
                           or money order payable to "Strong Funds."
                         - Mail to Strong Funds, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,
                           Wisconsin 53201. If you're using an express delivery
                           service, send to Strong Funds, 100 Heritage
                           Reserve, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
                         BY EXCHANGE
                         - Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on
                           establishing an account with an exchange by mail.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE                BY EXCHANGE
                         - Call 1-800-368-3863 to establish a new account by
1-800-368-3863             exchanging funds from an existing Strong Funds
24 HOURS A DAY,            account.
7 DAYS A WEEK            - Sign up for telephone exchange services when you
                           open your account. To add the telephone exchange
                           option to your account, call 1-800-368-3863 for a
                           Telephone Exchange Form.
                         - Please note that your accounts must be identically
                           registered and that you must exchange enough into the
                           new account to meet the minimum initial investment.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN PERSON                - Stop by our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls,
                           Wisconsin.
                           Call 1-800-368-3863 for hours and directions.
                         - The Investor Center can only accept checks or money
                           orders.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WIRE                     Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on opening an
                         account by wire.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATICALLY            USE STRONG'S "NO-MINIMUM INVESTMENT PROGRAM."
                         - If you sign up for Strong's Automatic Investment
                           Plan when you open your account, Strong Funds will
                           waive the Fund's minimum initial investment (see
                           chart on page II-4).
                         - Complete both the Automatic Investment Plan
                           application at the back of this Prospectus and the
                           new account application.
                         - Mail to the address indicated on the application.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROKER-DEALER            - You may purchase shares in the Fund through a
                           broker-dealer or other institution that may charge a
                           transaction fee.
                         - Strong Funds may only accept requests to purchase
                           shares into a broker-dealer street name account
                           from the broker-dealer.
</TABLE>
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-2
<PAGE>   25
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         TO ADD TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY CHECK
- - Complete an Additional Investment Form provided at the bottom of your account
  statement, or write a note indicating your fund account number and
  registration. Make your check or money order payable to "Strong Funds."
- - Mail to Strong Funds, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. If you're
  using an express delivery service, send to Strong Funds, 100 Heritage Reserve,
  Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
BY EXCHANGE
- - Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on exchanging by mail.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
BY EXCHANGE
- - Add to an account by exchanging funds from another Strong Funds account.
- - Sign up for telephone exchange services when you open your account. To add the
  telephone exchange option to your account, call 1-800-368-3863 for a Telephone
  Exchange Form.
- - Please note that the accounts must be identically registered and that the
  minimum exchange is $50 or the balance of your account, whichever is less.
BY TELEPHONE PURCHASE
   
- - Sign up for telephone purchase when you open your account to make additional
  investments from $50 to $25,000 into your Strong Funds account by telephone.
  To add this option to your account call 1-800-368-3863 for a Telephone
  Purchase Form.
    
Or use Strong Direct(SM), Strong Funds' automated telephone response system. 
Call 1-800-368-3863 for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- - Stop by our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Call 1-800-368-3863
  for hours and directions.
- - The Investor Center can only accept checks or money orders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on adding to an account by wire.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
USE ONE OF STRONG'S AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS. Sign up for these services
when you open your account, or call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on how to
add them to your existing account.
   
- - AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. Make regular, systematic investments (minimum $50)
  into your Strong Funds account from your bank checking or NOW account.
  Complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application.
    
- - AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN. Make regular, systematic exchanges (minimum $50) from
  one Strong Funds account to another. Call 1-800-368-3863 for an application.
- - PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT. Have a specified amount (minimum $50) regularly
  deducted from your paycheck, social security check, military allotment, or
  annuity payment invested directly into your Strong Funds account. Call
  1-800-368-3863 for an application.
- - AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT. Unless you choose otherwise, all your
  dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in
  additional Fund shares. Or, you may elect to have your dividends and capital
  gain distributions automatically reinvested in shares of another Strong Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
- - You may purchase additional shares in the Fund through a broker-dealer or
  other institution that may charge a transaction fee.
    
- - Strong Funds may only accept requests to purchase additional shares into a
  broker-dealer street name account from the broker-dealer.
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-3
<PAGE>   26
 
                    WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BUYING SHARES
 
- - Please make all checks or money orders payable to "Strong Funds."
- - We cannot accept third-party checks or checks drawn on banks outside the U.S.
   
- - You will be charged a $20 service fee for each check, wire, or Electronic
  Funds Transfer ("EFT") purchase that is returned unpaid, and you will be
  responsible for any resulting losses suffered by the Fund.
    
- - Further documentation may be requested from corporations, executors,
  administrators, trustees, guardians, agents, or attorneys-in-fact.
   
- - The Fund may decline to accept your purchase order upon receipt when, in the
  judgment of the Advisor, it would not be in the best interests of the existing
  shareholders.
    
- - The exchange privileges are available in all 50 states because all Strong
  Funds intend to continue to qualify their shares for sale in all 50 states.
- - Minimum Investment Requirements:
 
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
   To open a regular account...........................................$2,500
    
 
   
   To open an IRA or Defined Contribution account........................$250
    
 
   
   To open an UGMA/UTMA account..........................................$250
    
 
   To open a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account...................No Minimum
 
   To add to an existing account..........................................$50
 
   
   The Fund offers a No-Minimum Investment Program that waives the minimum
initial investment requirements for investors who participate in the Strong
Automatic Investment Plan (described on page II-10). Unless you participate in
the Strong No-Minimum Investment Program, please ensure your purchases meet the
minimum investment requirements.
    
   
   Under certain circumstances (for example, if you discontinue a No-Minimum
Investment Program before you reach the Fund's minimum initial investment), the
Fund reserves the right to close your account. Before taking such action, the
Fund will provide you with written notice and at least 60 days in which to
reinstate an investment program or otherwise reach the minimum initial
investment required.
    
 
                    WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BUYING SHARES
                            THROUGH A BROKER-DEALER
 
   
- - If you purchase shares through a program of services offered or administered
  by a broker-dealer, financial institution, or other service provider, you
  should read the program's materials, including information relating to fees,
  in connection with the Fund's Prospectus. Certain features of the Fund may
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-4
<PAGE>   27
 
  not be available or may be modified in connection with the program of services
  provided.
   
- - Certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or other service providers
  that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor may enter purchase
  orders on behalf of their customers by phone, with payment to follow within
  several days as specified in the agreement. The Fund may effect such purchase
  orders at the net asset value next determined after receipt of the telephone
  purchase order. It is the responsibility of the broker-dealer, financial
  institution, or other service provider to place the order with the Fund on a
  timely basis. If payment is not received within the time specified in the
  agreement, the broker-dealer, financial institution, or other service provider
  could be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
    
 
DETERMINING YOUR SHARE PRICE
 
   
   Generally, when you make any purchases, sales, or exchanges, the price of
your shares will be the net asset value ("NAV") next determined after Strong
Funds receives your request in proper form. If Strong Funds receives such
request prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on a
day on which the Exchange is open, your share price will be the NAV determined
that day. The NAV for each Fund is normally determined as of 3:00 p.m. Central
Time ("CT") each day the Exchange is open. The Fund reserves the right to change
the time at which purchases, redemptions, and exchanges are priced if the
Exchange closes at a time other than 3:00 p.m. CT or if an emergency exists. The
Fund's NAV is calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund's total assets,
subtracting all its liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares
outstanding. Expenses are accrued daily and applied when determining the NAV.
    
   
   The Fund's portfolio securities are valued based on market quotations or at
fair value as determined by the method selected by the Fund's Board of
Directors. Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or NASDAQ
are valued at the last sales price on the national securities exchange or NASDAQ
on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ for
which there were no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on an
exchange or NASDAQ are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Other exchange traded securities (generally foreign securities) will be
valued based on market quotations. Debt securities are valued by a pricing
service that utilizes electronic data processing techniques to determine values
for normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities without regard
to sale or bid prices when such techniques are believed to more accurately
reflect the fair market value for such securities. Otherwise, sale or bid prices
are used. Any securities or other assets for which market quotations are not
readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors. Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60 days or
less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-5
<PAGE>   28
 
method when the Board of Directors determines that the fair value of such
securities is their amortized cost. Under this method of valuation, a security
is initially valued at its acquisition cost, and thereafter, amortization of any
discount or premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of the
fluctuating rates on the market value of the instrument.
   
   Securities quoted in foreign currency are valued daily in U.S. dollars at the
foreign currency exchange rates that are prevailing at the time the daily NAV
per share is determined. Although the Fund values their foreign assets in U.S.
dollars on a daily basis, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. Foreign currency exchange rates
are generally determined prior to the close of trading on the Exchange.
Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign investments and such
exchange rates occur between the time at which they are determined and the close
of trading on the Exchange. Such events would not normally be reflected in a
calculation of the Fund's NAV on that day. If events that materially affect the
value of the Fund's foreign investments or the foreign currency exchange rates
occur during such period, the investments will be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
    
 
HOW TO SELL SHARES
 
   You can access the money in your account at any time by selling (redeeming)
some or all of your shares back to the Fund. Once your redemption request is
received in proper form, Strong will normally mail you the proceeds the next
business day and, in any event, no later than seven days thereafter.
   To redeem shares, you may use any of the methods described in the following
chart. However, if you are selling shares in a retirement account, please call
1-800-368-3863 for instructions. Please note that there is a $10.00 fee for
closing an IRA or other retirement account or for transferring assets to another
custodian. For your protection, certain requests may require a signature
guarantee.
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-6
<PAGE>   29
 
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
                         TO SELL SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL                     FOR INDIVIDUAL, JOINT TENANT, AND UGMA/UTMA ACCOUNTS
                         - Write a "letter of instruction" that includes the
                           following information: your account number, the
                           dollar amount or number of shares you wish to
                           redeem, each owner's name, your street address, and
                           the signature of each owner as it appears on the
                           account.
                         - Mail to Strong Funds, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,
                           Wisconsin 53201. If you're using an express delivery
                           service, send to 100 Heritage Reserve, Menomonee
                           Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
                         FOR TRUST ACCOUNTS
                         - Same as above. Please ensure that all trustees sign
                           the letter of instruction.
                         FOR OTHER REGISTRATIONS
                         - Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE
                         Sign up for telephone redemption services when you
1-800-368-3863           open your account by checking the "Yes" box in the
24 HOURS A DAY,          appropriate section of the account application. To
7 DAYS A WEEK            add the telephone redemption option to your account,
                         call 1-800-368-3863 for a Telephone Redemption Form.
                         Once the telephone redemption option is in place, you
                         may sell shares ($500 minimum) by phone and arrange
                         to receive the proceeds in one of three ways:
                         TO RECEIVE A CHECK BY MAIL
                         - At no charge, we will mail a check to the address
                           to which your account is registered.
                         TO DEPOSIT BY EFT
                         - At no charge, we will transmit the proceeds by
                           Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to a pre-authorized
                           bank account. Usually, the funds will arrive at
                           your bank two banking days after we process your
                           redemption.
                         TO DEPOSIT BY WIRE
                         - For a $10 fee, we will transmit the proceeds by
                           wire to a pre-authorized bank account. Usually, the
                           funds will arrive at your bank the next banking day
                           after we process your redemption.
                         You may also use Strong Direct(SM), Strong Funds'
                         automated telephone response system. Call
                         1-800-368-3863 for details.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATICALLY
                         You can set up automatic withdrawals from your
                         account at regular intervals. To establish the
                         Systematic Withdrawal Plan, request a form by calling
                         1-800-368-3863.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROKER-DEALER
                         You may also redeem shares through broker-dealers or
                         others who may charge a commission or other
                         transaction fee.
</TABLE>
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-7
<PAGE>   30
 
                   WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELLING SHARES
 
- - If you have recently purchased shares, please be aware that your redemption
  request may not be honored until the purchase check has cleared your bank,
  which generally occurs within ten calendar days.
   
- - The right of redemption may be suspended during any period in which (i)
  trading on the Exchange is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the
  Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (ii) the SEC has
  permitted such suspension by order; or (iii) an emergency as determined by the
  SEC exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets
  of the Fund not reasonably practicable.
    
- - If you are selling shares you hold in certificate form, you must submit the
  certificates with your redemption request. Each registered owner must endorse
  the certificates and all signatures must be guaranteed.
- - Further documentation may be requested from corporations, executors,
  administrators, trustees, guardians, agents, or attorneys-in-fact.
 
   
                              REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
    
 
   
   The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, which
obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one shareholder
during any 90-day period, up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the assets of
the Fund. If the Advisor determines that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in securities
or other financial assets, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing the NAV for the Fund's shares (a "redemption-in-kind"). Shareholders
receiving securities or other financial assets in a redemption-in-kind may
realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur any costs of sale, as
well as the associated inconveniences. If you expect to make a redemption in
excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets during any 90-day
period and would like to avoid any possibility of being paid with securities
in-kind, you may do so by providing Strong Funds with an unconditional
instruction to redeem at least 15 calendar days prior to the date on which the
redemption transaction is to occur, specifying the dollar amount or number of
shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction (please call 1-800-
368-3863). This will provide the Fund with sufficient time to raise the cash in
an orderly manner to pay the redemption and thereby minimize the effect of the
redemption on the interests of the Fund's remaining shareholders.
    
 
                WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
 
   
- - The Fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption if they believe
  it advisable to do so.
    
- - Once you place your telephone redemption request, it cannot be canceled or
  modified.
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-8
<PAGE>   31
 
   
- - Investors will bear the risk of loss from fraudulent or unauthorized
  instructions received over the telephone provided that the Fund reasonably
  believes that such instructions are genuine. The Fund and its transfer agent
  employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
  telephone are genuine. The Fund may incur liability if it does not follow
  these procedures.
    
- - Because of increased telephone volume, you may experience difficulty in
  implementing a telephone redemption during periods of dramatic economic or
  market changes.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
                              INFORMATION SERVICES
 
   24-HOUR ASSISTANCE. Strong Funds has registered representatives available to
help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-414-359-1400 or toll-free
1-800-368-3863. You may also write to Strong Funds at the address on the cover
of this Prospectus.
 
   STRONG DIRECT(SM) AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SYSTEM. Also available 24 hours a day,
the Strong DirectSM automated response system enables you to use a touch-tone
phone to hear fund quotes and returns on any Strong Fund. You may also confirm
account balances, hear records of recent transactions and dividend activity, and
perform purchases, exchanges or redemptions among your existing Strong 
accounts. Your account information is protected by a personal code that you 
establish. For more information on this service, call 1-800-368-3863.
 
   
   STATEMENTS AND REPORTS. At a minimum, the Fund will confirm all transactions
for your account on a quarterly basis. We recommend that you file each quarterly
statement - and, especially, each calendar year-end statement - with your other
important financial papers, since you may need to refer to them at a later date
for tax purposes. Should you need additional copies of previous statements, you
may order confirmation statements for the current and preceding year at no
charge. Statements for earlier years are available for $10 each. Call
1-800-368-3863 to order past statements.
    
   Each year, you will also receive a statement confirming the tax status of any
distributions paid to you, as well as a semiannual report and an annual report
containing audited financial statements.
   To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of certain materials,
such as prospectuses and shareholder reports, is mailed to your household. Call
1-800-368-3863 if you wish to receive additional copies, free of charge.
   
   More complete information regarding the Fund's investment policies and
services is contained in its SAI, which you may request by calling or writing
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-9
<PAGE>   32
 
Strong Funds at the phone number and address on the cover of this Prospectus.
 
   CHANGING YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION. So that you continue receiving your Strong
correspondence, including any dividend checks and statements, please notify us
in writing as soon as possible if your address changes. You may use the
Additional Investment Form at the bottom of your confirmation statement, or
simply write us a letter of instruction that contains the following information:
      1. a written request to change the address,
      2. the account number(s) for which the address is to be changed,
      3. the new address, and
      4. the signatures of all owners of the accounts.
   Please send your request to the address on the cover of this Prospectus.
   
   Changes to your accounts' registration - such as adding or removing a joint
owner, changing an owner's name, or changing the type of your account - must
also be submitted in writing. Please call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions. For
your protection, some requests may require a signature guarantee.
    
 
                              TRANSACTION SERVICES
 
   
   FREE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may exchange shares between identically
registered Strong Funds accounts, either in writing or by telephone. By
establishing the telephone exchange services, you authorize the Fund and its
agents to act upon your instruction by telephone to exchange shares from any
account you specify. For tax purposes, an exchange is considered a sale and a
purchase. Please obtain and read the appropriate prospectus before investing in
any of the Strong Funds. Since an excessive number of exchanges may be
detrimental to the Fund, the Fund reserves the right to discontinue the exchange
privilege of any shareholder who makes more than five exchanges in a year or
three exchanges in a calendar quarter.
    
 
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
 
   Strong Funds' Automatic Investment Plan, Payroll Direct Deposit Plan, and
Automatic Exchange Plan, all discussed below, are methods of implementing DOLLAR
COST AVERAGING. Dollar cost averaging is an investment strategy that involves
investing a fixed amount of money at regular time intervals. By always investing
the same set amount, you will be purchasing more shares when the price is low
and fewer shares when the price is high. Ultimately, by using this principle in
conjunction with fluctuations in share price, your average cost per share may be
less than your average transaction price. A program of regular investment cannot
ensure a profit or protect against a loss during declining markets. Since such a
program involves continuous investment regardless of
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-10
<PAGE>   33
 
fluctuating share values, you should consider your ability to continue the
program through periods of both low and high share-price levels.
 
   
   AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. The Automatic Investment Plan allows you to make
regular, systematic investments in a Fund from your bank checking or NOW
account. You may choose to make investments on any day of the month in amounts
of $50 or more. You can set up the Automatic Investment Plan with any financial
institution that is a member of the Automated Clearing House. Because the Fund
has the right to close an investor's account for failure to reach the minimum
initial investment, please consider your ability to continue this Plan until you
reach the minimum initial investment. Such closing may occur in periods of
declining share prices. To establish the Plan, complete the Automatic Investment
Plan section on the account application, or call 1-800-368-3863 for an
application.
    
 
   
   PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT PLAN. Once you meet the Fund's minimum initial
investment requirement, you may purchase additional Fund shares through the
Payroll Direct Deposit Plan. Through this Plan, periodic investments (minimum
$50) are made automatically from your payroll check into your existing Fund
account. By enrolling in the Plan, you authorize your employer or its agents to
deposit a specified amount from your payroll check into the Fund's bank account.
In most cases, your Fund account will be credited the day after the amount is
received by the Fund's bank. In order to participate in the Plan, your employer
must have direct deposit capabilities through Automated Clearing House available
to its employees. The Plan may be used for other direct deposits, such as social
security checks, military allotments, and annuity payments.
    
   To establish Direct Deposit for your account, call 1-800-368-3863 to obtain
an Authorization for Payroll Direct Deposit to a Strong Funds Account form. Once
the Plan is established, you may alter the amount of the deposit, alter the
frequency of the deposit, or terminate your participation in the program by
notifying your employer.
 
   
   AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN. The Automatic Exchange Plan allows you to make
regular, systematic exchanges (minimum $50) from one Strong Funds account into
another Strong Funds account. By setting up the Plan, you authorize the Fund and
its agents to redeem a set dollar amount or number of shares from the first
account and purchase shares of a second Strong Fund. In addition, you authorize
the Fund and its agents to accept telephone instructions to change the dollar
amount and frequency of the exchange. An exchange transaction is a sale and
purchase of shares for federal income tax purposes and may result in a capital
gain or loss. To establish the Plan, request a form by calling 1-800-368-3863.
    
   To participate in the Automatic Exchange Plan, you must have an initial
account balance of $2,500 in the first account and at least the minimum initial
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-11
<PAGE>   34
 
investment in the second account. Exchanges may be made on any day or days of
your choice. If the amount remaining in the first account is less than the
exchange amount you requested, then the remaining amount will be exchanged. At
such time as the first account has a zero balance, your participation in the
Plan will be terminated. You may also terminate the Plan at any time by calling
or writing to the Fund. Once participation in the Plan has been terminated for
any reason, to reinstate the Plan you must do so in writing; simply investing
additional funds will not reinstate the Plan.
 
   
   SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. You can set up automatic withdrawals from your
account at regular intervals. To begin distributions, you must have an initial
balance of $5,000 in your account and withdraw at least $50 per payment. To
establish the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, request a form by calling
1-800-368-3863. Depending upon the size of the account and the withdrawals
requested (and fluctuations in net asset value of the shares redeemed),
redemptions for the purpose of satisfying such withdrawals may reduce or even
exhaust the account. If the amount remaining in the account is not sufficient to
meet a Plan payment, the remaining amount will be redeemed and the Plan will be
terminated.
    
 
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
 
   POWER OF ATTORNEY. If you are investing as attorney-in-fact for another
person, please complete the account application in the name of such person and
sign the back of the application in the following form: "[applicant's name] by
[your name], attorney-in-fact." To avoid having to file an affidavit prior to
each transaction, please complete the Power of Attorney form available from
Strong Funds at 1-800-368-3863. However, if you would like to use your own power
of attorney form, please call the same number for instructions.
 
   
   CORPORATIONS AND TRUSTS. If you are investing for a corporation, please
include with your account application a certified copy of your corporate
resolution indicating which officers are authorized to act on behalf of the
corporation. As an alternative, you may complete a Certification of Authorized
Individuals form, which can be obtained from the Fund. Until a valid corporate
resolution or Certification of Authorized Individuals is received by the Fund,
services such as telephone and wire redemption will not be established.
    
   
   If you are investing as a trustee, please include the date of the trust. All
trustees must sign the application. If they do not, services such as telephone
and wire redemption will not be established. All trustees must sign redemption
requests unless proper documentation to the contrary is provided to the Fund.
Failure to provide these documents or signatures as required when you invest may
result in delays in processing redemption requests.
    
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-12
<PAGE>   35
 
   
   SIGNATURE GUARANTEES. A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and
the Funds against fraudulent transactions by unauthorized persons. In the
following instances, the Fund will require a signature guarantee for all
authorized owners of an account:
    
 
- - when you add the telephone redemption option to your existing account;
- - if you transfer the ownership of your account to another individual or
  organization;
- - when you submit a written redemption request for more than $25,000;
- - when you request to redeem or redeposit shares that have been issued in
  certificate form;
- - if you open an account and later decide that you want certificates;
- - when you request that redemption proceeds be sent to a different name or
  address than is registered on your account;
- - if you add/change your name or add/remove an owner on your account; and
- - if you add/change the beneficiary on your transfer on death account.
 
   A signature guarantee may be obtained from any eligible guarantor
institution, as defined by the SEC. These institutions include banks, savings
associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, and others. PLEASE NOTE THAT A
NOTARY PUBLIC STAMP OR SEAL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-13
<PAGE>   36
 
                                   APPENDIX A
 
RATINGS OF DEBT OBLIGATIONS:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Moody's         Standard &           Fitch
                   Investors      Poor's Ratings       Investors
                 Service, Inc.         Group         Service, Inc.        Definition
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>
LONG-TERM        Aaa              AAA                AAA              Highest quality
                 Aa               AA                 AA               High quality
                 A                A                  A                Upper medium grade
                 Baa              BBB                BBB              Medium grade
                 Ba               BB                 BB               Low grade
                 B                B                  B                Speculative
                 Caa, Ca, C       CCC, CC, C         CCC, CC, C       Submarginal
                 D                D                  DDD, DD, D       Probably in default
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Moody's                       S&P                          Fitch
             ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>          <C>              <C>     <C>                   <C>     <C>
SHORT-TERM    MIG1/VMIG1   Best quality     SP-+    Very strong quality    F-1+   Exceptionally strong
                                                                                  quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MIG2/VMIG2   High quality     SP-1    Strong quality         F-1    Very strong quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MIG3/VMIG3   Favorable        SP-2    Satisfactory grade     F-2    Good credit quality
                           quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MIG4/VMIG4   Adequate                                        F-3    Fair credit quality
                           quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              SG           Speculative      SP-3    Speculative grade      F-S    Weak credit quality
                           grade
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL    P-1 Superior quality          A-1+    Extremely strong       F-1+   Exceptionally strong
PAPER                                               quality                       quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            A-1     Strong quality         F-1    Very strong quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              P-2 Strong quality            A-2     Satisfactory quality   F-2    Good credit quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              P-3 Acceptable quality        A-3     Adequate quality       F-3    Fair credit quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            B       Speculative quality    F-S    Weak credit quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Not Prime                     C       Doubtful quality       D      Default
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                             ----------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE A-1
<PAGE>   37
 
   
                         STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>
                                                          STRONG FUNDS
                                                         P.O. Box 2936
                                            Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
                                             Telephone: (414) 359-1400
                                             Toll-Free: (800) 368-3863
                                                        Device for the
                                                     Hearing-Impaired:
                                                        (800) 999-2780
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The Strong Family of Funds ("Strong Funds") is a family of more than
twenty-five diversified and non-diversified mutual funds. All of the Strong
Funds are no-load funds, meaning that you may purchase, redeem, or exchange
shares without paying a sales charge. Strong Funds include growth funds,
conservative equity funds, income funds, municipal income funds, international
funds, and cash management funds. The Strong Growth and Income Fund is described
in this Prospectus. The Fund seeks high total return by investing for capital
growth and income. The Fund invests primarily in companies that pay current
dividends and offer potential growth of earnings. The Fund is a diversified
series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.
    
 
   
   This Prospectus contains information you should consider before you invest.
Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. A Statement of
Additional Information for the Fund, dated December 29, 1995, contains further
information, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, and has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). This Statement, which
may be revised from time to time, is available without charge upon request to
the above-noted address or telephone number.
    
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
 UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
 CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
                            Dated December 29, 1995
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-1
<PAGE>   38
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
         <S>                                        <C>
         EXPENSES................................    I-3
         INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.......    I-4
         IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND RISKS....    I-5
         ABOUT THE FUND..........................   I-13
         SHAREHOLDER MANUAL......................   II-1
         APPENDIX A..............................    A-1
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus and the Statement
of Additional Information, and if given or made, such information or
representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell securities in any state or
jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.
    
 
                               -------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-2
<PAGE>   39
 
                                    EXPENSES
 
   
   The following information is provided in order to help you understand the
various costs and expenses that you, as an investor in the Fund, will bear
directly or indirectly.
    
 
                        SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                          <C>
            Sales Load Imposed on Purchases.............  NONE
            Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested
              Dividends.................................  NONE
            Deferred Sales Load.........................  NONE
            Redemption Fees.............................  NONE
            Exchange Fees...............................  NONE
</TABLE>
 
   
   There are certain charges associated with retirement accounts and with
certain other special shareholder services offered by the Fund. Additionally,
purchases and redemptions may also be made through broker-dealers or others who
may charge a commission or other transaction fee for their services. (See
"Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares" and "- How to Sell Shares.")
    
 
                         ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
                    (as a percentage of average net assets)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Total
                            Management        Other       12b-1    Operating
          Fund                 Fees         Expenses      Fees      Expenses
<S>                         <C>             <C>           <C>      <C>       
 Growth and Income              .80%           .56%       NONE        1.36%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
   From time to time, the Fund's investment advisor, Strong Capital Management,
Inc. (the "Advisor"), may voluntarily waive its management fee and/or absorb
certain expenses for the Fund. Since the Growth and Income Fund is new and did
not begin operations until December 29, 1995, the Other Expenses have been
estimated. For additional information concerning fees and expenses, see "About
the Fund - Management."
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-3
<PAGE>   40
 
   
                                    EXAMPLE
    
 
   
   You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Period (in
       Fund             1years) 3
<S>                    <C>     <C>
Growth and Income      $14     $43
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
   The Example is based on the Fund's "Total Operating Expenses," as described
above. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND THAT ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE HIGHER
OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN. The assumption in the Example of a 5% annual return
is required by regulations of the SEC applicable to all mutual funds. The
assumed 5% annual return is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the
projected or actual performance of the Fund's shares.
    
 
   
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
    
 
   
   The Fund is required to invest a substantial portion of its assets in equity
securities. Accordingly, the Fund's net asset value will fluctuate based upon
changes in the value of the securities in its portfolio. Although the Fund is
considered a conservative equity fund - meaning, the Fund's net asset value is
likely to be less volatile than that of a fund invested principally for growth
of capital - the Fund's net asset value is likely to fluctuate more than that of
a fund invested principally for income. The Fund, therefore, is not appropriate
for investors' short-term financial needs.
    
   
   The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions that are set
forth in its Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). Those restrictions,
the Fund's investment objective, and any other investment policies identified as
"fundamental" cannot be changed without shareholder approval. To further guide
investment activities, the Fund has also instituted a number of non-fundamental
operating policies, which are described in this Prospectus and in the SAI.
Although operating policies may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors
without shareholder approval, the Fund will promptly notify shareholders of any
material change in operating policies.
    
   
   Except as limited below, the Fund may invest in a diversified portfolio of
securities without regard to objective investment criteria, such as company
size, exchange listing, earnings history, or other factors. When selecting
securities, the Advisor will, except as otherwise limited below, be limited only
by its best judgment as to what will help achieve the Fund's investment
objective.
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-4
<PAGE>   41
 
   
STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
    
 
   
   The Fund seeks high total return by investing for capital growth and income.
    
   Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
total assets in equity securities, with a focus on those that pay current
dividends and offer potential growth of earnings. At times, however, the Fund
may invest in equity securities that are not currently paying dividends, but
offer prospects for either capital growth or future income. Equity securities
include common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities that are convertible
into common stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds. The Fund may invest
up to 35% of its total assets in intermediate- to long-term corporate or U.S.
government bonds. Although the bonds in which it invests will be primarily
investment-grade, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in
non-investment-grade bonds. When the Advisor determines that market conditions
warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest without limitation
in cash and short-term, fixed-income securities. The Fund may invest up to 15%
of its net assets directly in the securities of foreign issuers. It may also
invest without limitation in foreign securities in domestic markets through
depositary receipts. However, as a matter of policy, the Advisor intends to
limit total foreign exposure, including both direct investments and depositary
receipts, to no more than 25% of the Fund's net assets. See "Implementation of
Policies and Risks -- Foreign Currencies" for the special risks associated with
foreign investments.
 
                      IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND RISKS
 
   
   In addition to the investment policies described above (and subject to
certain restrictions described below), the Fund may invest in some or all of the
following securities and may employ some or all of the following investment
techniques, some of which may present special risks as described below. The Fund
may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements and mortgage dollar roll
transactions. A more complete discussion of certain of these securities and
investment techniques and the associated risks is contained in the Fund's SAI.
    
 
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 
   IN GENERAL. The market value of all debt obligations is affected by changes
in the prevailing interest rates. The market value of such instruments generally
reacts inversely to interest rate changes. If the prevailing interest rates
decline, the market value of debt obligations generally increases. If the
prevailing interest rates increase, the market value of debt obligations
generally decreases. In general, the longer the maturity of a debt obligation,
the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-5
<PAGE>   42
 
   TYPES OF OBLIGATIONS. Debt obligations include (i) corporate debt securities,
including bonds, debentures, and notes; (ii) bank obligations, such as
certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances, and time deposits of domestic and
foreign banks and their subsidiaries and branches, and domestic savings and loan
associations (in amounts in excess of the insurance coverage (currently $100,000
per account) provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation); (iii)
commercial paper (including variable-amount master demand notes); (iv)
repurchase agreements; (v) loan interests; (vi) foreign debt obligations issued
by foreign issuers traded either in foreign markets or in domestic markets
through depositary receipts; (vii) convertible securities - debt obligations of
corporations convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities or debt
obligations that carry with them the right to acquire equity securities, as
evidenced by warrants attached to such securities, or acquired as part of units
of the securities; (viii) preferred stocks - securities that represent an
ownership interest in a corporation and that give the owner a prior claim over
common stock on the company's earnings or assets; (ix) U.S. government
securities; (x) mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations,
and similar securities; and (xi) municipal obligations.
 
   RATINGS. Investment-grade debt obligations include:
 
- - U.S. government securities (as defined below);
   
- - bonds or bank obligations rated in one of the four highest rating categories
  (e.g., BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or "S&P");
    
   
- - short-term notes rated in one of the two highest rating categories (e.g., SP-2
  or higher by S&P);
    
   
- - short-term bank obligations rated in one of the three highest rating
  categories (e.g., A-3 or higher by S&P), with respect to obligations maturing
  in one year or less;
    
   
- - commercial paper rated in one of the three highest rating categories (e.g.,
  A-3 or higher by S&P);
    
   
- - unrated debt obligations determined by the Advisor to be of comparable
  quality; and
    
   
- - repurchase agreements involving investment-grade debt obligations.
    
 
   
   All ratings are determined at the time of investment. Any subsequent rating
downgrade of a debt obligation will be monitored by the Advisor to consider what
action, if any, the Fund should take consistent with its investment objective.
Securities rated in the fourth highest category (e.g., BBB by S&P), although
considered investment-grade, have speculative characteristics and may be subject
to greater fluctuations in value than higher-rated securities. Non-
investment-grade debt obligations include:
    
 
- - securities rated as low as C by S&P or their equivalents;
- - commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P or its equivalent; and
- - unrated debt securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Advisor.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-6
<PAGE>   43
 
   HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES. High-yield (high-risk) securities, also
referred to as "junk bonds," are those securities that are rated lower than
investment-grade and unrated securities of comparable quality. Although these
securities generally offer higher yields than investment-grade securities with
similar maturities, lower-quality securities involve greater risks, including
the possibility of default or bankruptcy. In general, they are regarded to be
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Other potential risks associated with investing in high-
yield securities include:
 
- - substantial market-price volatility resulting from changes in interest rates,
  changes in or uncertainty about economic conditions, and changes in the actual
  or perceived ability of the issuer to meet its obligations;
- - greater sensitivity of highly leveraged issuers to adverse economic changes
  and individual-issuer developments;
- - subordination to the prior claims of other creditors;
- - additional Congressional attempts to restrict the use or limit the tax and
  other advantages of these securities; and
- - adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions about these securities.
 
   
   As with any other asset in the Fund's portfolio, any reduction in the value
of such securities as a result of the factors listed above would be reflected in
the net asset value of the Fund. In addition, the Fund that invests in
lower-quality securities may incur additional expenses to the extent it is
required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal and
interest on its holdings. As a result of the associated risks, successful
investments in high-yield (high-risk) securities will be more dependent on the
Advisor's credit analysis than generally would be the case with investments in
investment-grade securities.
    
   
   It is uncertain how the high-yield market will perform during a prolonged
period of rising interest rates. A prolonged economic downturn or a prolonged
period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these
securities, increase their volatility, and reduce their value and liquidity. In
addition, lower-quality securities tend to be less liquid than higher-quality
debt securities because the market for them is not as broad or active. If market
quotations are not available, these securities will be valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Fund's Board of Directors. Judgment may,
therefore, play a greater role in valuing these securities. The lack of a liquid
secondary market may have an adverse effect on market price and the Fund's
ability to sell particular securities.
    
 
   GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Securities issued by
the government include U.S. Treasury obligations, such as Treasury
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-7
<PAGE>   44
 
bills, notes, and bonds. Securities issued by government agencies or
instrumentalities include, for example, obligations of the following:
 
- - the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import
  Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government
  National Mortgage Association, including GNMA pass-through certificates, whose
  securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States;
- - the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the
  Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the
  agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury;
- - the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by
  the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain
  obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and
- - the Student Loan Marketing Association, the Interamerican Development Bank,
  and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, whose securities
  are supported only by the credit of such agencies.
 
   Although the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S.
government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given
that it will always do so. The U.S. government and its agencies and
instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities;
consequently, the value of such securities will fluctuate.
 
   
   SHORT-TERM FIXED INCOME SECURITIES. Short-term fixed income securities in
which the Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, debt securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities, commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of
deposit, and time deposits. The Fund may invest in obligations of domestic and
foreign banks and their subsidiaries and branches.
    
 
   
   ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in
zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities. These securities are debt
securities that do not make regular cash interest payments. Zero-coupon and
step-coupon securities are sold at a deep discount to their face value.
Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the issuance of additional
securities. Because such securities do not pay current cash income, the price of
these securities can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. While these
securities do not pay current cash income, federal income tax law requires the
holders of zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities to include in
income each year the portion of the original issue discount (or deemed discount)
and other non-cash income on such securities accrued during that year. In order
to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code
and avoid a certain excise tax, the Fund may be required to distribute a portion
of such discount and income and may be
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-8
<PAGE>   45
 
required to dispose of other portfolio securities, which may occur in periods of
adverse market prices, in order to generate cash to meet these distribution
requirements.
 
   
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
    
 
   
   The Fund may invest without limitation in securities purchased on a when-
issued or delayed delivery basis. Although the payment and interest terms of
these securities are established at the time the purchaser enters into the
commitment, these securities may be delivered and paid for at a future date,
generally within 45 days. Purchasing when-issued securities allows the Fund to
lock in a fixed price or yield on a security it intends to purchase. However,
when the Fund purchases a when-issued security, it immediately assumes the risk
of ownership, including the risk of price fluctuation.
    
   
   The greater the Fund's outstanding commitments for these securities, the
greater the exposure to potential fluctuations in the net asset value of the
Fund. Purchasing when-issued securities may involve the additional risk that the
yield available in the market when the delivery occurs may be higher or the
market price lower than that obtained at the time of commitment. Although the
Fund may be able to sell these securities prior to the delivery date, it will
purchase when-issued securities for the purpose of actually acquiring the
securities, unless, after entering into the commitment, a sale appears desirable
for investment reasons. When required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will set aside
permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to secure its outstanding
commitments for when-issued securities.
    
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND CURRENCIES
 
   
   The Fund may invest in foreign securities either directly or through the use
of depositary receipts. (See "Investment Objectives and Policies.") Depositary
receipts are generally issued by banks or trust companies and evidence ownership
of underlying foreign securities. Foreign investments may include other
investment companies which may involve frequent or layered fees and also are
subject to limitations under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"). Foreign investments involve special risks, including:
    
 
- - expropriation, confiscatory taxation, and withholding taxes on dividends and
  interest;
- - less extensive regulation of foreign brokers, securities markets, and issuers;
- - less publicly available information and different accounting standards;
- - costs incurred in conversions between currencies, possible delays in
  settlement in foreign securities markets, limitations on the use or transfer
  of assets (including suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a
  given country), and difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries;
  and
- - diplomatic developments and political or social instability.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE I-9
<PAGE>   46
 
   
   Foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy
in various respects, including growth of gross domestic product, rates of
inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency, and balance of payments positions. Many foreign securities are
less liquid and their prices more volatile than comparable U.S. securities.
Although the Fund generally invests only in securities that are regularly traded
on recognized exchanges or in over-the-counter markets, from time to time
foreign securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without adverse price
effects. Certain costs attributable to foreign investing, such as custody
charges and brokerage costs, are higher than those attributable to domestic
investing.
    
   
   The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot basis and may
engage in forward currency contracts, currency options, and futures transactions
for hedging or any other lawful purpose. (See "Derivative Instruments.")
    
 
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
   
   Derivative instruments may be used by the Fund for any lawful purpose
consistent with the Fund's investment objective, including hedging or managing
risk but not for speculation. Derivative instruments are securities or
agreements whose value is derived from the value of some underlying asset, for
example, securities, currencies, reference indexes, or commodities. Options,
futures, and options on futures transactions are considered derivative
transactions. Derivatives generally have investment characteristics that are
based upon either forward contracts (under which one party is obligated to buy
and the other party is obligated to sell an underlying asset at a specific price
on a specified date) or option contracts (under which the holder of the option
has the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an underlying asset at a
specified price on or before a specified date). Consequently, the change in
value of a forward-based derivative generally is roughly proportional to the
change in value of the underlying asset. In contrast, the buyer of an
option-based derivative generally will benefit from favorable movements in the
price of the underlying asset but is not exposed to corresponding losses due to
adverse movements in the value of the underlying asset. The seller of an
option-based derivative generally will receive fees or premiums but generally is
exposed to losses due to changes in the value of the underlying asset.
Derivative transactions may include elements of leverage and, accordingly, the
fluctuation of the value of the derivative transaction in relation to the
underlying asset may be magnified. In addition to options, futures, and options
on futures transactions, derivative transactions may include short sales against
the box, in which the Fund sells a security it owns for delivery at a future
date; swaps, in which the two parties agree to exchange a series of cash flows
in the future, such as interest-rate payments; interest-rate caps, under which,
in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the
extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; and interest-rate
floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments
to the
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-10
<PAGE>   47
 
other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or
"floor." Derivative transactions may also include forward currency contracts and
foreign currency exchange-related securities.
   
   Derivative instruments may be exchange-traded or traded in over-the-counter
transactions between private parties. Over-the-counter transactions are subject
to the credit risk of the counterparty to the instrument and are less liquid
than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with
the other party to the transaction. When required by SEC guidelines, the Fund
will set aside permissible liquid assets or securities positions that
substantially correlate to the market movements of the derivative transactions
in a segregated account to secure its obligations under derivative transactions.
In order to maintain its required cover for a derivative transaction, the Fund
may need to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices or times since
it may not be possible to liquidate a derivative position.
    
   
   The successful use of derivative transactions by the Fund is dependent upon
the Advisor's ability to correctly anticipate trends in the underlying asset. To
the extent that the Fund is engaging in derivative transactions other than for
hedging purposes, the Fund's successful use of such transactions is more
dependent upon the Advisor's ability to correctly anticipate such trends, since
losses in these transactions may not be offset by gains in the Fund's portfolio
or in lower purchase prices for assets it intends to acquire. The Advisor's
prediction of trends in underlying assets may prove to be inaccurate, which
could result in substantial losses to a Fund. Hedging transactions are also
subject to risks. If the Advisor incorrectly anticipates trends in the
underlying asset, the Fund may be in a worse position than if no hedging had
occurred. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund's
derivative transactions and the instruments being hedged.
    
 
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
   Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participation in, or
are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property, and
include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and collateralized
mortgage obligations. Such securities may be issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government agencies or instrumentalities or by private issuers, generally
originators and investors in mortgage loans, including savings associations,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers, and special purpose
entities (collectively, "private lenders"). Mortgage-backed securities issued by
private lenders may be supported by pools of mortgage loans or other
mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or indirectly, by the
U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or they may be
issued without any governmental guarantee of the underlying mortgage assets but
with some form of non-governmental credit enhancement.
   Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to mortgage-
backed securities. However, the underlying assets are not first-lien mortgage
loans or interests therein; rather, they include assets such as motor vehicle
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-11
<PAGE>   48
 
installment sales contracts, other installment loan contracts, home equity
loans, leases of various types of property, and receivables from credit card or
other revolving credit arrangements. Payments or distributions of principal and
interest on asset-backed securities may be supported by non-governmental credit
enhancements similar to those utilized in connection with mortgage-backed
securities.
   The yield characteristics of mortgage- and asset-backed securities differ
from those of traditional debt securities. Among the principal differences are
that interest and principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage-and
asset-backed securities, usually monthly, and that principal may be prepaid at
any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other assets generally may be
prepaid at any time. As a result, if the Fund purchases these securities at a
premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to
maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the
opposite effect of increasing the yield to maturity. Conversely, if the Fund
purchases these securities at a discount, a prepayment rate that is faster than
expected will increase yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower
than expected will reduce yield to maturity. Accelerated prepayments on
securities purchased by the Fund at a premium also impose a risk of loss of
principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the
principal is prepaid in full. The market for privately issued mortgage- and
asset-backed securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for
government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities.
   The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities, which
receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the
underlying assets. The market value of such securities generally is more
sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with
traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases such market
value may be extremely volatile. With respect to certain stripped securities,
such as interest-only ("IO") and principal-only ("PO") classes, a rate of
prepayment that is faster or slower than anticipated may result in a Fund
failing to recover all or a portion of its investment, even though the
securities are rated investment-grade.
 
   
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
    
 
   
   The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Illiquid securities are those securities that are not readily marketable,
including restricted securities and repurchase obligations maturing in more than
seven days. Certain restricted securities that may be resold to institutional
investors under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and Section 4(2) commercial
paper may be determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by the Fund's
Board of Directors.
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-12
<PAGE>   49
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
   
   The annual portfolio turnover rate indicates changes in the Fund's portfolio.
The turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. It may
also be affected by sales of portfolio securities necessary to meet cash
requirements for redemptions of shares. High portfolio turnover in any year will
result in the payment by the Fund of above-average amounts of transaction costs
and could result in the payment by shareholders of above-average amounts of
taxes on realized investment gains. Under normal market conditions, it is
anticipated that the rate of portfolio turnover of the Growth and Income Fund
generally will not exceed 200%. This rate should not be considered as a limiting
factor.
    
 
   
                                 ABOUT THE FUND
    
 
MANAGEMENT
 
   
   The Board of Directors of the Fund is responsible for managing its business
and affairs. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with
Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the "Advisor"). Under the terms of the
agreement, the Advisor manages the Fund's investments and business affairs
subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors.
    
 
   
   ADVISOR. The Advisor began conducting business in 1974. Since then, its
principal business has been providing continuous investment supervision for
individuals and institutional accounts, such as pension funds and profit-sharing
plans as well as mutual funds, several of which are funding vehicles for
variable insurance products. As of November 30, 1995, the Advisor had over $15
billion under management. The Advisor's principal mailing address is P.O. Box
2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. Mr. Richard S. Strong, the Chairman of the
Board of the Fund, is the controlling shareholder of the Advisor.
    
   
   As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the Advisor a monthly
management fee based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net asset
value. The annual fee is .80%. This fee is in excess of fees paid by many other
funds. From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily waive all or a portion of
its management fee and/or absorb certain Fund expenses without further
notification of the commencement or termination of such waiver or absorption.
Any such waiver or absorption will temporarily lower the Fund's overall expense
ratio and increase the Fund's overall return to investors.
    
   
   Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor or Strong Funds Distributors,
Inc., the Fund is responsible for all its other expenses, including, without
limitation, interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions, and similar
expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase, or redemption of shares; expenses
of registering or qualifying shares for sale with the states and the SEC;
expenses of printing and distribution of prospectuses to existing shareholders;
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-13
<PAGE>   50
 
   
charges of custodians (including fees as custodian for keeping books and
similar services for the Fund), transfer agents (including the printing and
mailing of reports and notices to shareholders), registrars, auditing and legal
services, and clerical services related to recordkeeping and shareholder
relations; printing of stock certificates; fees for directors who are not
"interested persons" of the Advisor; expenses of indemnification; extraordinary
expenses; and costs of shareholder and director meetings.
    
 
   
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
    
 
   
   The Advisor, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, also acts as
dividend-disbursing agent and transfer agent for the Fund. The Advisor is
compensated for its services based on an annual fee per account plus certain
out-of-pocket expenses. The fees received and the services provided as transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent are in addition to those received and
provided under the Advisory Agreement between the Advisor and the Fund.
    
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
   
   Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201,
an indirect subsidiary of the Advisor, acts as distributor of the shares of the
Fund.
    
 
ORGANIZATION
 
   
   SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS. The Fund is a series of common stock of Strong
Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation that is authorized to
issue shares of common stock and series and classes of series of shares of
common stock. Each share of the Fund has one vote, and all shares participate
equally in dividends and other capital gains distributions and in the residual
assets of the Fund in the event of liquidation. Certificates will be issued for
shares held in your account only upon your written request. You will, however,
have full shareholder rights whether or not you request certificates. Generally,
the Fund will not hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required by the
1940 Act.
    
 
   
   SHAREHOLDER PRIVILEGES. The shareholders of the Fund may benefit from the
privileges described in the "Shareholder Manual" (see Page II-1). However, the
Fund reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to suspend,
limit, modify, or terminate any of these privileges or their use in any manner
by any person or class.
    
 
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
   
   PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. You may elect to have all your
dividends and capital gain distributions from the Fund automatically
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-14
<PAGE>   51
 
   
reinvested in additional shares of the Fund or in shares of another Strong Fund
at the net asset value determined on the payment date. If you request in writing
that your dividends and other distributions be paid in cash, the Fund will
credit your bank account by Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") or issue a check
to you within five business days of the payment date. You may change your
election at any time by calling or writing Strong Funds. Strong Funds must
receive any such change 7 days (15 days for EFT) prior to a dividend or capital
gain distribution payment date in order for the change to be effective for that
payment. The policy of the Fund is to pay dividends from net investment income
quarterly and to distribute substantially all net realized capital gains and
gains from foreign currency transactions annually. The Fund may make additional
distributions if necessary to avoid imposition of a 4% excise tax on
undistributed income and gains.
    
 
   
   TAX STATUS OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. You will be subject to
federal income tax at ordinary income tax rates on any dividends you receive
that are derived from investment company taxable income (consisting generally of
net investment income, net short-term capital gain, and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions, if any). Distributions of net capital gain (the
excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), when
designated as such by the Fund, are taxable to you as long-term capital gains,
regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares. The Fund's distributions
are taxable in the year they are paid, whether they are taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, except that certain distributions declared in
the last three months of the year and paid in January are taxable as if paid on
December 31.
    
   
   If the Fund's distributions exceed its investment company taxable income and
net capital gain in any year, as a result of currency-related losses or
otherwise, all or a portion of those distributions may be treated as a return of
capital to shareholders for tax purposes.
    
 
   YEAR-END TAX REPORTING. After the end of each calendar year, you will receive
a statement (Form 1099) of the federal income tax status of all dividends and
other distributions paid (or deemed paid) during the year.
 
   
   SHARES SOLD OR EXCHANGED. Your redemption of Fund shares may result in
taxable gain or loss to you, depending upon whether the redemption proceeds
payable to you are more or less than your adjusted cost basis for the redeemed
shares. Similar tax consequences generally will result from an exchange of Fund
shares for shares of another Strong Fund. If you purchase shares of the Fund
within thirty days before or after redeeming shares of the same Fund at a loss,
a portion or all of that loss will not be deductible and will increase the cost
basis of the newly purchased shares. If you redeem shares out of a retirement
account, you will be subject to withholding for federal
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-15
<PAGE>   52
 
income tax purposes unless you transfer the distribution directly to an
"eligible retirement plan."
 
   
   BUYING A DISTRIBUTION. A distribution paid shortly after you have purchased
shares in the Fund will reduce the net asset value of the shares by the amount
of the distribution, which nevertheless will be taxable to you even though it
represents a return of a portion of your investment.
    
 
   
   BACKUP WITHHOLDING. If you are an individual or certain other noncorporate
shareholder and do not furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification
number, the Fund is required to withhold federal income tax at a rate of 31%
(backup withholding) from all dividends, capital gain distributions, and
redemption proceeds payable to you. Withholding at that rate from dividends and
capital gain distributions payable to you also is required if you otherwise are
subject to backup withholding. To avoid backup withholding, you must provide a
taxpayer identification number and state that you are not subject to backup
withholding due to the underreporting of your income. This certification is
included as part of your application. Please complete it when you open your
account.
    
 
   
   TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. The Fund intends to continue to qualify for treatment
as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code and, if so qualified, will not be liable for federal income tax on earnings
and gains distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner.
    
   
   This section is not intended to be a full discussion of present or proposed
federal income tax law and its effects on the Fund and investors therein. See
the SAI for a further discussion. There may be other federal, state, or local
tax considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are therefore urged
to consult your own tax adviser.
    
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
   
   The Fund may advertise "average annual total return," "total return,"
"cumulative total return," and "yield." Each of these figures is based upon
historical results and does not represent the future performance of the Fund.
    
   
   Average annual total return and total return figures measure both the net
investment income generated by, and the effect of any realized and unrealized
appreciation or depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund assuming
the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. Total return figures are
not annualized and simply represent the aggregate change of the Fund's
investments over a specified period of time.
    
   
   Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the Fund
generates the same level of net investment income over a one-year period. The
Fund's yield is a measure of the net investment income per share earned by the
Fund over a specific one-month period and is shown as a percentage of the net
asset value of the Fund's shares at the end of the period.
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE I-16
<PAGE>   53
 
                               SHAREHOLDER MANUAL
 
<TABLE>
          <S>                                    <C>
          HOW TO BUY SHARES......................  II-1
          DETERMINING YOUR SHARE PRICE...........  II-5
          HOW TO SELL SHARES.....................  II-6
          SHAREHOLDER SERVICES...................  II-9
          REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS............... II-10
          SPECIAL SITUATIONS..................... II-12
</TABLE>
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
   
   All the Strong Funds are 100% no-load, meaning you may purchase, redeem, or
exchange shares directly at net asset value without paying a sales charge.
Because the Fund's net asset values change daily, your purchase price will be
the next net asset value determined after Strong receives and accepts your
purchase order.
    
   
   Whether you are opening a new account or adding to an existing one, Strong
provides you with several methods to buy the Fund's shares.
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-1
<PAGE>   54
 
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
                         TO OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL                     BY CHECK
                         - Complete and sign the application. Make your check
                           or money order payable to "Strong Funds."
                         - Mail to Strong Funds, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,
                           Wisconsin 53201. If you're using an express delivery
                           service, send to Strong Funds, 100 Heritage
                           Reserve, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
                         BY EXCHANGE
                         - Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on
                           establishing an account with an exchange by mail.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE                BY EXCHANGE
                         - Call 1-800-368-3863 to establish a new account by
1-800-368-3863             exchanging funds from an existing Strong Funds
24 HOURS A DAY,            account.
7 DAYS A WEEK            - Sign up for telephone exchange services when you
                           open your account. To add the telephone exchange
                           option to your account, call 1-800-368-3863 for a
                           Telephone Exchange Form.
                         - Please note that your accounts must be identically
                           registered and that you must exchange enough into the
                           new account to meet the minimum initial investment.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN PERSON                - Stop by our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls,
                           Wisconsin.
                           Call 1-800-368-3863 for hours and directions.
                         - The Investor Center can only accept checks or money
                           orders.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WIRE                     Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on opening an
                         account by
                         wire.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATICALLY            USE STRONG'S "NO-MINIMUM INVESTMENT PROGRAM."
                         - If you sign up for Strong's Automatic Investment
                           Plan when you open your account, Strong Funds will
                           waive the Fund's minimum initial investment (see
                           chart on page II-4).
                         - Complete both the Automatic Investment Plan
                           application at the back of this Prospectus and the
                           new account application.
                         - Mail to the address indicated on the application.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROKER-DEALER            - You may purchase shares in the Fund through a
                           broker-dealer or other institution that may charge a
                           transaction fee.
                         - Strong Funds may only accept requests to purchase
                           shares into a broker-dealer street name account
                           from the broker-dealer.
</TABLE>
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-2
<PAGE>   55
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         TO ADD TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY CHECK
- - Complete an Additional Investment Form provided at the bottom of your account
  statement, or write a note indicating your fund account number and
  registration. Make your check or money order payable to "Strong Funds."
- - Mail to Strong Funds, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. If you're
  using an express delivery service, send to Strong Funds, 100 Heritage Reserve,
  Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
BY EXCHANGE
- - Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on exchanging by mail.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
BY EXCHANGE
- - Add to an account by exchanging funds from another Strong Funds account.
- - Sign up for telephone exchange services when you open your account. To add the
  telephone exchange option to your account, call 1-800-368-3863 for a Telephone
  Exchange Form.
- - Please note that the accounts must be identically registered and that the
  minimum exchange is $50 or the balance of your account, whichever is less.
BY TELEPHONE PURCHASE
   
- - Sign up for telephone purchase when you open your account to make additional
  investments from $50 to $25,000 into your Strong Funds account by telephone.
  To add this option to your account, call 1-800-368-3863 for a Telephone
  Purchase Form.
    
Or use Strong Direct(SM), Strong Funds' automated telephone response system. 
Call 1-800-368-3863 for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- - Stop by our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Call 1-800-368-3863
  for hours and directions.
- - The Investor Center can only accept checks or money orders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on adding to an account by wire.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
USE ONE OF STRONG'S AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS. Sign up for these services
when you open your account, or call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on how to
add them to your existing account.
   
- - AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. Make regular, systematic investments (minimum $50)
  into your Strong Funds account from your bank checking or NOW account.
  Complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application.
    
- - AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN. Make regular, systematic exchanges (minimum $50) from
  one Strong Funds account to another. Call 1-800-368-3863 for an application.
- - PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT. Have a specified amount (minimum $50) regularly
  deducted from your paycheck, social security check, military allotment, or
  annuity payment invested directly into your Strong Funds account. Call
  1-800-368-3863 for an application.
- - AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT. Unless you choose otherwise, all your
  dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in
  additional Fund shares. Or, you may elect to have your dividends and capital
  gain distributions automatically reinvested in shares of another Strong Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
- - You may purchase additional shares in the Fund through a broker-dealer or
  other institution that may charge a transaction fee.
    
- - Strong Funds may only accept requests to purchase additional shares into a
  broker-dealer street name account from the broker-dealer.
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-3
<PAGE>   56
 
                    WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BUYING SHARES
 
- - Please make all checks or money orders payable to "Strong Funds."
- - We cannot accept third-party checks or checks drawn on banks outside the U.S.
   
- - You will be charged a $20 service fee for each check, wire, or Electronic
  Funds Transfer ("EFT") purchase that is returned unpaid, and you will be
  responsible for any resulting losses suffered by the Fund.
    
- - Further documentation may be requested from corporations, executors,
  administrators, trustees, guardians, agents, or attorneys-in-fact.
   
- - The Fund may decline to accept your purchase order upon receipt when, in the
  judgment of the Advisor, it would not be in the best interests of the existing
  shareholders.
    
- - The exchange privileges are available in all 50 states because all Strong
  Funds intend to continue to qualify their shares for sale in all 50 states.
- - Minimum Investment Requirements:
 
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
   To open a regular account...........................................$2,500
    
 
   
   To open an IRA or Defined Contribution account........................$250
    
 
   
   To open an UGMA/UTMA account..........................................$250
    
 
   To open a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account...................No Minimum
 
   To add to an existing account..........................................$50
 
   
   The Fund offers a No-Minimum Investment Program that waives the minimum
initial investment requirements for investors who participate in the Strong
Automatic Investment Plan (described on page II-10). Unless you participate in
the Strong No-Minimum Investment Program, please ensure your purchases meet the
minimum investment requirements.
    
   
   Under certain circumstances (for example, if you discontinue a No-Minimum
Investment Program before you reach the Fund's minimum initial investment), the
Fund reserves the right to close your account. Before taking such action, the
Fund will provide you with written notice and at least 60 days in which to
reinstate an investment program or otherwise reach the minimum initial
investment required.
    
 
                    WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BUYING SHARES
                            THROUGH A BROKER-DEALER
 
   
- - If you purchase shares through a program of services offered or administered
  by a broker-dealer, financial institution, or other service provider, you
  should read the program's materials, including information relating to fees,
  in connection with the Fund's Prospectus. Certain features of the Fund may
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-4
<PAGE>   57
 
  not be available or may be modified in connection with the program of services
  provided.
   
- - Certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or other service providers
  that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor may enter purchase
  orders on behalf of their customers by phone, with payment to follow within
  several days as specified in the agreement. The Fund may effect such purchase
  orders at the net asset value next determined after receipt of the telephone
  purchase order. It is the responsibility of the broker-dealer, financial
  institution, or other service provider to place the order with the Fund on a
  timely basis. If payment is not received within the time specified in the
  agreement, the broker-dealer, financial institution, or other service provider
  could be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
    
 
DETERMINING YOUR SHARE PRICE
 
   
   Generally, when you make any purchases, sales, or exchanges, the price of
your shares will be the net asset value ("NAV") next determined after Strong
Funds receives your request in proper form. If Strong Funds receives such
request prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on a
day on which the Exchange is open, your share price will be the NAV determined
that day. The NAV for each Fund is normally determined as of 3:00 p.m. Central
Time ("CT") each day the Exchange is open. The Fund reserves the right to change
the time at which purchases, redemptions, and exchanges are priced if the
Exchange closes at a time other than 3:00 p.m. CT or if an emergency exists. The
Fund's NAV is calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund's total assets,
subtracting all its liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares
outstanding. Expenses are accrued daily and applied when determining the NAV.
    
   
   The Fund's portfolio securities are valued based on market quotations or at
fair value as determined by the method selected by the Fund's Board of
Directors. Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or NASDAQ
are valued at the last sales price on the national securities exchange or NASDAQ
on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ for
which there were no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on an
exchange or NASDAQ are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Other exchange traded securities (generally foreign securities) will be
valued based on market quotations. Debt securities are valued by a pricing
service that utilizes electronic data processing techniques to determine values
for normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities without regard
to sale or bid prices when such techniques are believed to more accurately
reflect the fair market value for such securities. Otherwise, sale or bid prices
are used. Any securities or other assets for which market quotations are not
readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors. Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60 days or
less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-5
<PAGE>   58
 
method when the Board of Directors determines that the fair value of such
securities is their amortized cost. Under this method of valuation, a security
is initially valued at its acquisition cost, and thereafter, amortization of any
discount or premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of the
fluctuating rates on the market value of the instrument.
   
   Securities quoted in foreign currency are valued daily in U.S. dollars at the
foreign currency exchange rates that are prevailing at the time the daily NAV
per share is determined. Although the Fund values their foreign assets in U.S.
dollars on a daily basis, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. Foreign currency exchange rates
are generally determined prior to the close of trading on the Exchange.
Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign investments and such
exchange rates occur between the time at which they are determined and the close
of trading on the Exchange. Such events would not normally be reflected in a
calculation of the Fund's NAV on that day. If events that materially affect the
value of the Fund's foreign investments or the foreign currency exchange rates
occur during such period, the investments will be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
    
 
HOW TO SELL SHARES
 
   You can access the money in your account at any time by selling (redeeming)
some or all of your shares back to the Fund. Once your redemption request is
received in proper form, Strong will normally mail you the proceeds the next
business day and, in any event, no later than seven days thereafter.
   To redeem shares, you may use any of the methods described in the following
chart. However, if you are selling shares in a retirement account, please call
1-800-368-3863 for instructions. Please note that there is a $10.00 fee for
closing an IRA or other retirement account or for transferring assets to another
custodian. For your protection, certain requests may require a signature
guarantee.
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-6
<PAGE>   59
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
                         TO SELL SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL                     FOR INDIVIDUAL, JOINT TENANT, AND UGMA/UTMA ACCOUNTS
                         - Write a "letter of instruction" that includes the
                           following information: your account number, the
                           dollar amount or number of shares you wish to
                           redeem, each owner's name, your street address, and
                           the signature of each owner as it appears on the
                           account.
                         - Mail to Strong Funds, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,
                           Wisconsin 53201. If you're using an express delivery
                           service, send to 100 Heritage Reserve, Menomonee
                           Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
                         FOR TRUST ACCOUNTS
                         - Same as above. Please ensure that all trustees sign
                           the letter of instruction.
                         FOR OTHER REGISTRATIONS
                         - Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE
                         Sign up for telephone redemption services when you
1-800-368-3863           open your account by checking the "Yes" box in the
24 HOURS A DAY,          appropriate section of the account application. To
7 DAYS A WEEK            add the telephone redemption option to your account,
                         call 1-800-368-3863 for a Telephone Redemption Form.
                         Once the telephone redemption option is in place, you
                         may sell shares ($500 minimum) by phone and arrange
                         to receive the proceeds in one of three ways:
                         TO RECEIVE A CHECK BY MAIL
                         - At no charge, we will mail a check to the address
                           to which your account is registered.
                         TO DEPOSIT BY EFT
                         - At no charge, we will transmit the proceeds by
                           Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to a pre-authorized
                           bank account. Usually, the funds will arrive at
                           your bank two banking days after we process your
                           redemption.
                         TO DEPOSIT BY WIRE
                         - For a $10 fee, we will transmit the proceeds by
                           wire to a pre-authorized bank account. Usually, the
                           funds will arrive at your bank the next banking day
                           after we process your redemption.
                         You may also use Strong Direct(SM), Strong Funds'
                         automated telephone response system. Call
                         1-800-368-3863 for details.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATICALLY
                         You can set up automatic withdrawals from your
                         account at regular intervals. To establish the
                         Systematic Withdrawal Plan, request a form by calling
                         1-800-368-3863.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROKER-DEALER
                         You may also redeem shares through broker-dealers or
                         others who may charge a commission or other
                         transaction fee.
</TABLE>
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-7
<PAGE>   60
 
                   WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELLING SHARES
 
- - If you have recently purchased shares, please be aware that your redemption
  request may not be honored until the purchase check has cleared your bank,
  which generally occurs within ten calendar days.
   
- - The right of redemption may be suspended during any period in which (i)
  trading on the Exchange is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the
  Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (ii) the SEC has
  permitted such suspension by order; or (iii) an emergency as determined by the
  SEC exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets
  of the Fund not reasonably practicable.
    
- - If you are selling shares you hold in certificate form, you must submit the
  certificates with your redemption request. Each registered owner must endorse
  the certificates and all signatures must be guaranteed.
- - Further documentation may be requested from corporations, executors,
  administrators, trustees, guardians, agents, or attorneys-in-fact.
 
   
                              REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
    
 
   
   The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, which
obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one shareholder
during any 90-day period, up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the assets of
the Fund. If the Advisor determines that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in securities
or other financial assets, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing the NAV for the Fund's shares (a "redemption-in-kind"). Shareholders
receiving securities or other financial assets in a redemption-in-kind may
realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur any costs of sale, as
well as the associated inconveniences. If you expect to make a redemption in
excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets during any 90-day
period and would like to avoid any possibility of being paid with securities
in-kind, you may do so by providing Strong Funds with an unconditional
instruction to redeem at least 15 calendar days prior to the date on which the
redemption transaction is to occur, specifying the dollar amount or number of
shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction (please call 1-800-
368-3863). This will provide the Fund with sufficient time to raise the cash in
an orderly manner to pay the redemption and thereby minimize the effect of the
redemption on the interests of the Fund's remaining shareholders.
    
 
                WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
 
   
- - The Fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption if they believe
  it advisable to do so.
    
- - Once you place your telephone redemption request, it cannot be canceled or
  modified.
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-8
<PAGE>   61
 
   
- - Investors will bear the risk of loss from fraudulent or unauthorized
  instructions received over the telephone provided that the Fund reasonably
  believes that such instructions are genuine. The Fund and its transfer agent
  employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
  telephone are genuine. The Fund may incur liability if it does not follow
  these procedures.
    
- - Because of increased telephone volume, you may experience difficulty in
  implementing a telephone redemption during periods of dramatic economic or
  market changes.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
                              INFORMATION SERVICES
 
   24-HOUR ASSISTANCE. Strong Funds has registered representatives available to
help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-414-359-1400 or toll-free
1-800-368-3863. You may also write to Strong Funds at the address on the cover
of this Prospectus.
 
   STRONG DIRECT(SM) AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SYSTEM. Also available 24 hours a day,
the Strong Direct(SM) automated response system enables you to use a touch-tone
phone to hear fund quotes and returns on any Strong Fund. You may also confirm
account balances, hear records of recent transactions and dividend activity, and
perform purchases, exchanges or redemptions among your existing Strong accounts.
Your account information is protected by a personal code that you establish. For
more information on this service, call 1-800-368-3863.
 
   
   STATEMENTS AND REPORTS. At a minimum, the Fund will confirm all transactions
for your account on a quarterly basis. We recommend that you file each quarterly
statement - and, especially, each calendar year-end statement - with your other
important financial papers, since you may need to refer to them at a later date
for tax purposes. Should you need additional copies of previous statements, you
may order confirmation statements for the current and preceding year at no
charge. Statements for earlier years are available for $10 each. Call
1-800-368-3863 to order past statements.
    
   Each year, you will also receive a statement confirming the tax status of any
distributions paid to you, as well as a semiannual report and an annual report
containing audited financial statements.
   To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of certain materials,
such as prospectuses and shareholder reports, is mailed to your household. Call
1-800-368-3863 if you wish to receive additional copies, free of charge.
   
   More complete information regarding the Fund's investment policies and
services is contained in its SAI, which you may request by calling or writing
    
 
                             ----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-9
<PAGE>   62
 
Strong Funds at the phone number and address on the cover of this Prospectus.
 
   CHANGING YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION. So that you continue receiving your Strong
correspondence, including any dividend checks and statements, please notify us
in writing as soon as possible if your address changes. You may use the
Additional Investment Form at the bottom of your confirmation statement, or
simply write us a letter of instruction that contains the following information:
      1. a written request to change the address,
      2. the account number(s) for which the address is to be changed,
      3. the new address, and
      4. the signatures of all owners of the accounts.
   Please send your request to the address on the cover of this Prospectus.
   
   Changes to your accounts' registration - such as adding or removing a joint
owner, changing an owner's name, or changing the type of your account - must
also be submitted in writing. Please call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions. For
your protection, some requests may require a signature guarantee.
    
 
                              TRANSACTION SERVICES
 
   
   FREE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may exchange shares between identically
registered Strong Funds accounts, either in writing or by telephone. By
establishing the telephone exchange services, you authorize the Fund and its
agents to act upon your instruction by telephone to exchange shares from any
account you specify. For tax purposes, an exchange is considered a sale and a
purchase. Please obtain and read the appropriate prospectus before investing in
any of the Strong Funds. Since an excessive number of exchanges may be
detrimental to the Fund, the Fund reserves the right to discontinue the exchange
privilege of any shareholder who makes more than five exchanges in a year or
three exchanges in a calendar quarter.
    
 
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
 
   Strong Funds' Automatic Investment Plan, Payroll Direct Deposit Plan, and
Automatic Exchange Plan, all discussed below, are methods of implementing DOLLAR
COST AVERAGING. Dollar cost averaging is an investment strategy that involves
investing a fixed amount of money at regular time intervals. By always investing
the same set amount, you will be purchasing more shares when the price is low
and fewer shares when the price is high. Ultimately, by using this principle in
conjunction with fluctuations in share price, your average cost per share may be
less than your average transaction price. A program of regular investment cannot
ensure a profit or protect against a loss during declining markets. Since such a
program involves continuous investment regardless of
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-10
<PAGE>   63
 
fluctuating share values, you should consider your ability to continue the
program through periods of both low and high share-price levels.
 
   
   AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. The Automatic Investment Plan allows you to make
regular, systematic investments in a Fund from your bank checking or NOW
account. You may choose to make investments on any day of the month in amounts
of $50 or more. You can set up the Automatic Investment Plan with any financial
institution that is a member of the Automated Clearing House. Because the Fund
has the right to close an investor's account for failure to reach the minimum
initial investment, please consider your ability to continue this Plan until you
reach the minimum initial investment. Such closing may occur in periods of
declining share prices. To establish the Plan, complete the Automatic Investment
Plan section on the account application, or call 1-800-368-3863 for an
application.
    
 
   
   PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT PLAN. Once you meet the Fund's minimum initial
investment requirement, you may purchase additional Fund shares through the
Payroll Direct Deposit Plan. Through this Plan, periodic investments (minimum
$50) are made automatically from your payroll check into your existing Fund
account. By enrolling in the Plan, you authorize your employer or its agents to
deposit a specified amount from your payroll check into the Fund's bank account.
In most cases, your Fund account will be credited the day after the amount is
received by the Fund's bank. In order to participate in the Plan, your employer
must have direct deposit capabilities through Automated Clearing House available
to its employees. The Plan may be used for other direct deposits, such as social
security checks, military allotments, and annuity payments.
    
   To establish Direct Deposit for your account, call 1-800-368-3863 to obtain
an Authorization for Payroll Direct Deposit to a Strong Funds Account form. Once
the Plan is established, you may alter the amount of the deposit, alter the
frequency of the deposit, or terminate your participation in the program by
notifying your employer.
 
   
   AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN. The Automatic Exchange Plan allows you to make
regular, systematic exchanges (minimum $50) from one Strong Funds account into
another Strong Funds account. By setting up the Plan, you authorize the Fund and
its agents to redeem a set dollar amount or number of shares from the first
account and purchase shares of a second Strong Fund. In addition, you authorize
the Fund and its agents to accept telephone instructions to change the dollar
amount and frequency of the exchange. An exchange transaction is a sale and
purchase of shares for federal income tax purposes and may result in a capital
gain or loss. To establish the Plan, request a form by calling 1-800-368-3863.
    
   To participate in the Automatic Exchange Plan, you must have an initial
account balance of $2,500 in the first account and at least the minimum initial
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-11
<PAGE>   64
 
investment in the second account. Exchanges may be made on any day or days of
your choice. If the amount remaining in the first account is less than the
exchange amount you requested, then the remaining amount will be exchanged. At
such time as the first account has a zero balance, your participation in the
Plan will be terminated. You may also terminate the Plan at any time by calling
or writing to the Fund. Once participation in the Plan has been terminated for
any reason, to reinstate the Plan you must do so in writing; simply investing
additional funds will not reinstate the Plan.
 
   
   SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. You can set up automatic withdrawals from your
account at regular intervals. To begin distributions, you must have an initial
balance of $5,000 in your account and withdraw at least $50 per payment. To
establish the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, request a form by calling
1-800-368-3863. Depending upon the size of the account and the withdrawals
requested (and fluctuations in net asset value of the shares redeemed),
redemptions for the purpose of satisfying such withdrawals may reduce or even
exhaust the account. If the amount remaining in the account is not sufficient to
meet a Plan payment, the remaining amount will be redeemed and the Plan will be
terminated.
    
 
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
 
   POWER OF ATTORNEY. If you are investing as attorney-in-fact for another
person, please complete the account application in the name of such person and
sign the back of the application in the following form: "[applicant's name] by
[your name], attorney-in-fact." To avoid having to file an affidavit prior to
each transaction, please complete the Power of Attorney form available from
Strong Funds at 1-800-368-3863. However, if you would like to use your own power
of attorney form, please call the same number for instructions.
 
   
   CORPORATIONS AND TRUSTS. If you are investing for a corporation, please
include with your account application a certified copy of your corporate
resolution indicating which officers are authorized to act on behalf of the
corporation. As an alternative, you may complete a Certification of Authorized
Individuals form, which can be obtained from the Fund. Until a valid corporate
resolution or Certification of Authorized Individuals is received by the Fund,
services such as telephone and wire redemption will not be established.
    
   
   If you are investing as a trustee, please include the date of the trust. All
trustees must sign the application. If they do not, services such as telephone
and wire redemption will not be established. All trustees must sign redemption
requests unless proper documentation to the contrary is provided to the Fund.
Failure to provide these documents or signatures as required when you invest may
result in delays in processing redemption requests.
    
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-12
<PAGE>   65
 
   
   SIGNATURE GUARANTEES. A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and
the Funds against fraudulent transactions by unauthorized persons. In the
following instances, the Fund will require a signature guarantee for all
authorized owners of an account:
    
 
- - when you add the telephone redemption option to your existing account;
- - if you transfer the ownership of your account to another individual or
  organization;
- - when you submit a written redemption request for more than $25,000;
- - when you request to redeem or redeposit shares that have been issued in
  certificate form;
- - if you open an account and later decide that you want certificates;
- - when you request that redemption proceeds be sent to a different name or
  address than is registered on your account;
- - if you add/change your name or add/remove an owner on your account; and
- - if you add/change the beneficiary on your transfer on death account.
 
   A signature guarantee may be obtained from any eligible guarantor
institution, as defined by the SEC. These institutions include banks, savings
associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, and others. PLEASE NOTE THAT A
NOTARY PUBLIC STAMP OR SEAL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
 
                            -----------------------
 
                              PROSPECTUS PAGE II-13
<PAGE>   66
 
                                   APPENDIX A
 
RATINGS OF DEBT OBLIGATIONS:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Moody's         Standard &           Fitch
                   Investors      Poor's Ratings       Investors
                 Service, Inc.         Group         Service, Inc.        Definition
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>
LONG-TERM        Aaa              AAA                AAA              Highest quality
                 Aa               AA                 AA               High quality
                 A                A                  A                Upper medium grade
                 Baa              BBB                BBB              Medium grade
                 Ba               BB                 BB               Low grade
                 B                B                  B                Speculative
                 Caa, Ca, C       CCC, CC, C         CCC, CC, C       Submarginal
                 D                D                  DDD, DD, D       Probably in default
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Moody's                       S&P                          Fitch
             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>          <C>              <C>     <C>                   <C>     <C>
SHORT-TERM    MIG1/VMIG1   Best quality     SP-+    Very strong quality    F-1+   Exceptionally strong
                                                                                  quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MIG2/VMIG2   High quality     SP-1    Strong quality         F-1    Very strong quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MIG3/VMIG3   Favorable        SP-2    Satisfactory grade     F-2    Good credit quality
                           quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MIG4/VMIG4   Adequate                                        F-3    Fair credit quality
                           quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              SG           Speculative      SP-3    Speculative grade      F-S    Weak credit quality
                           grade
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL    P-1 Superior quality          A-1+    Extremely strong       F-1+   Exceptionally strong
PAPER                                               quality                       quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            A-1     Strong quality         F-1    Very strong quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              P-2 Strong quality            A-2     Satisfactory quality   F-2    Good credit quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              P-3 Acceptable quality        A-3     Adequate quality       F-3    Fair credit quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            B       Speculative quality    F-S    Weak credit quality
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Not Prime                     C       Doubtful quality       D      Default
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                             ----------------------
 
                               PROSPECTUS PAGE A-1
<PAGE>   67

                                     PART B

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                         STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND

Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-61358), which was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 21, 1995; as
supplemented by Registrant's 497 Filing dated September 15, 1995 (Edgar
Reference No. 0000950124-95-002962).
<PAGE>   68




                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
    
                           STRONG EQUITY INCOME FUND
   
    
                                 P.O. Box 2936
                           Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
                           Telephone:  1-414-359-1400
                           Toll-Free:  1-800-368-3863

   
         This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Strong Equity Income
Fund (the "Fund") which is a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.,
dated December 29, 1995.  Requests for copies of the Prospectus should be made
by calling one of the numbers listed above.
    





   
      This Statement of Additional Information is dated December 29, 1995.
    





<PAGE>   69
   
                           STRONG EQUITY INCOME FUND
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS                                           PAGE
<S>                                                        <C>

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
   Illiquid Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
   Short Sales Against the Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
   Warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
   Debt Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
   Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities  . . . . . . . . . . 7
   High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
   Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities. . . . . . . . . . . 9
   Derivative Instruments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
   Lending of Portfolio Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
   When-Issued Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
   Depositary Receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
   Foreign Investment Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
   Repurchase Agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
   Borrowing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
   Mortgage Dollar Rolls and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. .20
   Foreign Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
   Small Companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND DISTRIBUTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
CUSTODIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT . . . . . . . . 29
TAXES. .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . 29
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
FUND ORGANIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
LEGAL COUNSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
APPENDIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
</TABLE>
<R/>

    
   
        No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Statement of Additional
Information and the Prospectus dated December 29, 1995, and if given or made,
such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Fund.         
    


 This Statement of Additional Information does not constitute an offer to sell
                                  securities.





<PAGE>   70

                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

   
         The investment objective of the Equity Income Fund is to seek total
return by investing for both income and capital growth.  The Fund's investment
objective and policies are described in detail in the Prospectus under the
caption "Investment Objective and Policies."  The following are the Fund's
fundamental investment limitations which cannot be changed without shareholder
approval. 
    

   
The Fund:
    
1.       May not with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the
         securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by
         the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a
         result, (i) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested
         in the securities of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more
         than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.

2.       May (i) borrow money from banks and (ii) make other investments or
         engage in other transactions permissible under the Investment Company
         Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")  which may involve a borrowing, provided
         that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the
         value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less
         the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings), except that the Fund
         may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets (not including
         the amount borrowed) from a bank for temporary or emergency purposes
         (but not for leverage or the purchase of investments).  The Fund may
         also borrow money from the other Strong Funds or other persons to the
         extent permitted by applicable law.

3.       May not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940
         Act.

4.       May not act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except
         to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within
         the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the
         purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

5.       May not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a
         result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall
         not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures
         contracts, or other derivative instruments, or from investing in
         securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).

6.       May not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of the Fund's
         total assets would be lent to other persons, except through (i)
         purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or (ii)
         engaging in repurchase agreements.

7.       May not purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more
         than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
         securities of issuers, the principal business activities of which
         are in the same industry (however, with respect to the American
         Utilities Fund only, under normal market conditions, it will invest
         more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in the
         public utility industry).

8.       May not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
         ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not
         prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other
         instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate
         activities).

9.       May, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or
         restriction, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single
         open-end management investment company with substantially the same
         fundamental investment objective, policies, and restrictions as the
         Fund.


                                       3





<PAGE>   71

   
         The following are the Fund's non-fundamental operating policies which
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.  
    

   
The Fund may not:
    

1.    Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain
      securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities  sold short,
      or unless it covers such short sale as required by the current rules and
      positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff, and
      provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on
      futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to
      constitute selling securities short.

2.    Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
      short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions;
      and provided that margin deposits in connection with futures contracts,
      options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments shall not
      constitute purchasing securities on margin.

3.    Invest in illiquid securities if, as a result of such investment, more
      than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities,
      or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act.

4.    Purchase securities of other investment companies except in compliance
      with the 1940 Act and applicable state law.

5.    Invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end
      management investment company with substantially the same fundamental
      investment objective, restrictions and policies as the Fund.
      
6.    Purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
      guaranteed by domestic or foreign governments or political
      subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total
      assets would be invested in the securities of issuers that, including
      predecessor or unconditional guarantors, have a record of less than
      three years of continuous operation.  This policy does not apply to
      securities of pooled investment vehicles or mortgage or asset-backed
      securities.

7.    Invest in direct interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration
      programs or leases; however, the Fund may invest in the securities of
      issuers that engage in these activities.

8.    Engage in futures or options on futures transactions which are
      impermissible pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act
      and, in accordance with Rule 4.5, will use futures or options on
      futures transactions solely for bona fide hedging transactions (within
      the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), provided, however,  that
      the Fund may, in addition to bona fide hedging transactions, use
      futures and options on futures transactions if the aggregate initial
      margin and premiums required to establish such positions, less the
      amount by which any such options positions are in the money (within
      the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), do not exceed 5% of the
      Fund's net assets.

      In addition, (i) the aggregate value of securities underlying call
      options on securities written by the Fund or obligations underlying
      put options on securities written by the Fund determined as of the
      date the options are written will not exceed 50% of the Fund's net
      assets; (ii) the aggregate premiums paid on all options purchased by
      the Fund and which are being held will not exceed 20% of the Fund's
      net assets; (iii) the Fund will not purchase put or call options,
      other than hedging positions, if, as a result thereof, more than 5% of
      its total assets would be so invested; and (iv) the aggregate margin
      deposits required on all futures and options on futures transactions
      being held will not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.

9.    Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate any assets owned by the Fund except as
      may be necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
      investments and then such pledging, mortgaging, or hypothecating may
      not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets at the time of the
      borrowing or investment.

10.   Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if any officer or
      director of the Fund or its investment advisor (or subadvisor, in the
      case of the American Utilities Fund) beneficially owns more than 1/2
      of 1% of the securities of such issuer and such officers and directors
      together own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such
      issuer.


                                       4
<PAGE>   72
11.      Purchase warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market value, in
         excess of 5% of the Fund's net assets.  Included in that amount, but
         not to exceed 2% of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants that are
         not listed on any stock exchange.  Warrants acquired by the Fund in
         units or attached to securities are not subject to these restrictions.

12.      Borrow money except (i) from banks or (ii) through reverse repurchase
         agreements or mortgage dollar rolls, and will not purchase securities
         when bank borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

13.      Make any loans other than loans of portfolio securities, except
         through (i) purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or
         (ii) engaging in repurchase agreements.

   
        Except for the fundamental investment limitations listed above and the
Fund's investment objective, the other investment policies described in the
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information are not fundamental and
may be changed with approval of the Fund's Board of Directors. 
    

   

                       INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES

    

   
         The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's
investment objective, policies, and techniques that are described in detail in
the Prospectus under the captions "Investment Objective and Policies" and
"Implementation of Policies and Risks."
    

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are
not readily marketable).  However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid
securities if, as a result, they would comprise more than 15% of the value of
the Fund's net assets (or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940
Act).  The Board of Directors of the Fund, or its delegate, has the ultimate
authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities
laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this limitation.
Certain securities exempt from registration or issued in transactions exempt
from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), including securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, may be considered liquid.  The Board of Directors of the Fund
has delegated to Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the "Advisor") the day-to-day
determination of the liquidity of a security, although it has retained
oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations.  Although no
definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Board of Directors has directed the
Advisor to look to such factors as (i) the nature of the market for a security
(including the institutional private resale market), (ii) the terms of certain
securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party
or the issuer thereof (e.g., certain repurchase obligations and demand
instruments), (iii) the availability of market quotations (e.g., for securities
quoted in the PORTAL system), and (iv) other permissible relevant factors.
    

   
         Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated
transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration
statement is in effect under the Securities Act.  Where registration is
required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration
expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision
to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an
effective registration statement.  If, during such a period, adverse market
conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than
prevailed when it decided to sell.  Restricted securities will be priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
If through the appreciation of restricted securities or the depreciation of
unrestricted securities, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15%
of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid assets, including
restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Fund will take such
steps as is deemed advisable, if any, to protect liquidity. 
    

   
         The Fund may sell over-the-counter ("OTC") options and, in connection
therewith, segregate assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC
options written by the Fund.  The assets used as cover for OTC options written
by the Fund will be considered illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to
qualified dealers who agree that the Fund may repurchase any OTC
    

                                       5





<PAGE>   73
option it writes at a maximum price to be calculated by a formula set forth in
the option agreement.  The cover for an OTC option written subject to this
procedure would be considered illiquid only to the extent that the maximum
repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option.

   
         Notwithstanding the above, the Advisor intends, as a matter of
internal policy, to limit the Fund's investments in illiquid securities to 10%
of its net assets. 
    

SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX

   
         The Fund may sell securities short against the box to hedge unrealized
gains on portfolio securities.  Selling securities short against the box
involves selling a security that the Fund owns or has the right to acquire, for
delivery at a specified date in the future.  If the Fund sells securities short
against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity
to profit on such securities if the price rises. 
    

WARRANTS

   
         The Fund may acquire warrants.  Warrants are securities giving the
holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a
given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of
issuance) during a specified period or perpetually.  Warrants may be acquired
separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities.  The Fund will
not purchase warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market value, in excess
of 5% of the Fund's net assets.  Included in that amount, but not to exceed 2%
of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants that are not listed on any stock
exchange.  Warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to securities are
not subject to these restrictions.  Warrants do not carry with them the right
to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle
their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of
the issuer.  As a result, warrants may be considered more speculative than
certain other types of investments.  In addition, the value of a warrant does
not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a
warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration
date. 
    

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

   
         The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt obligations,
including U.S. government securities, commercial paper, banker's acceptances,
certificates of deposit, and time deposits.  Issuers of debt obligations have a
contractual obligation to pay interest at a specified rate on specified dates
and to repay principal on a specified maturity date.  Certain debt obligations
(usually intermediate- and long-term bonds) have provisions that allow the
issuer to redeem or "call" a bond before its maturity.  Issuers are most likely
to call such securities during periods of falling interest rates.  
    


   
         PRICE VOLATILITY.  The market value of debt obligations is affected by
changes in prevailing interest rates.  The market value of a debt obligation
generally reacts inversely to interest-rate changes, meaning, when prevailing
interest rates decline, an obligation's price usually rises, and when
prevailing interest rates rise, an obligation's price usually declines.  A Fund
portfolio consisting primarily of debt obligations will react similarly to
changes in interest rates.
    

         MATURITY.  In general, the longer the maturity of a debt obligation,
the higher its yield and the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest
rates.  Conversely, the shorter the maturity, the lower the yield but the
greater the price stability.  Commercial paper is generally considered the
shortest form of debt obligation.  The term "bond" generally refers to
securities with maturities longer than two years.  Bonds with maturities of
three years or less are considered short-term, bonds with maturities between
three and seven years are considered intermediate-term, and bonds with
maturities greater than seven years are considered long-term.

         CREDIT QUALITY.  The values of debt obligations may also be affected
by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of their issuers.
Generally, the lower the quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of
risk as to the payment of interest and return of principal.  To compensate
investors for taking on such increased risk, those issuers deemed to be less
creditworthy generally must offer their investors higher interest rates than do
issuers with better credit ratings.

                                       6





<PAGE>   74


   
         In conducting its credit research and analysis, the Advisor considers
both qualitative and quantitative factors to evaluate the creditworthiness of
individual issuers.  The Advisor also relies, in part, on credit ratings
compiled by a number of NRSROs.  See the Appendix for additional information.
    

   
         TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION.  When the Advisor determines that market
conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest without
limitation in cash and short-term fixed income securities, including U.S.
government securities, commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of
deposit, and time deposits.
    

VARIABLE- OR FLOATING-RATE SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may invest in securities which offer a variable- or
floating-rate of interest.  Variable-rate securities provide for automatic
establishment of a new interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, monthly,
semi-annually, etc.).  Floating-rate securities provide for automatic
adjustment of the interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index
changes.  The interest rate on variable- or floating-rate securities is
ordinarily determined by reference to or is a percentage of a bank's prime
rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial
paper, bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or
some other objective measure.
    

   
         Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand
feature entitling the holder to sell the securities to the issuer at par.  In
many cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time on 7 days' notice;
in other cases, the demand feature is exercisable at any time on 30 days'
notice or on similar notice at intervals of not more than one year.  Some
securities, which do not have variable or floating interest rates, may be
accompanied by puts producing similar results and price characteristics.  When
considering a maturity of any instrument which may be sold or put to the issuer
or a third party, the Fund may consider that instrument's maturity to be
shorter than its stated maturity. 
    

   
         Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes, which are
obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts that may change
daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the borrower.  The interest rates on these notes fluctuate from
time to time.  The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding
right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding
principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified
number of days' notice to the holders of such obligations.  The interest rate
on a floating-rate demand obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as
a bank's prime rate, and is adjusted automatically each time such rate is
adjusted.  The interest rate on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted
automatically at specified intervals.  Frequently, such obligations are secured
by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks.
Because these obligations are direct-lending arrangements between the lender
and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments will generally be
traded.  There generally is not an established secondary market for these
obligations, although they are redeemable at face value.  Accordingly, where
these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support
arrangements, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the
borrower to pay principal and interest on demand.  Such obligations frequently
are not rated by credit rating agencies and, if not so rated, the Fund may
invest in them only if the Fund's Advisor determines that, at the time of
investment, the obligations are of comparable quality to the other obligations
in which the Fund may invest.  The Fund's Advisor, on behalf of the Fund, will
consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuers of the
floating- and variable-rate demand obligations in the Fund's portfolio.  
    

   
         The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in variable-
and floating-rate demand obligations that are not readily marketable (a
variable- or floating-rate demand obligation that may be disposed of on not
more than seven days notice will be deemed readily marketable and will not be
subject to this limitation).  (See "Common Investment Policies and Techniques -
Illiquid Securities" and "Investment Restrictions.")  In addition, each
variable- or floating-rate obligation must meet the credit quality requirements
applicable to all the Fund's investments at the time of purchase.  When
determining whether such an obligation meets the Fund's credit quality
requirements, the Fund may look to the credit quality of the financial
guarantor providing a letter of credit or other credit support arrangement.
    


                                       7





<PAGE>   75
HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES

   
         IN GENERAL.  The Equity Income Fund has the authority to invest up to
10% of its respective net assets in non-investment grade debt obligations.
Non-investment grade debt obligations (hereinafter referred to as
"lower-quality securities") include (i) bonds rated as low as C by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"),
or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), or CCC by Duff & Phelps, Inc.
("D&P"); (ii) commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P, Not Prime by Moody's,
or Fitch 4 by Fitch; and (iii) unrated debt obligations of comparable quality.
Lower-quality securities, while generally offering higher yields than
investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks,
including the possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. The special risk considerations in connection with
investments in these securities are discussed below.  Refer to the Appendix of
this Statement of Additional Information for a discussion of securities
ratings.  
    

         EFFECT OF INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC CHANGES.  The lower-quality and
comparable unrated security market is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion.  As a result, it is not clear how this
market may withstand a prolonged recession or economic downturn.  Such an
economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for and adversely affect
the value of such securities.

   
         All interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when
interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise.  The market
values of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities tend to reflect
individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher rated
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities also tend to be
more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities.  As a
result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the
higher-rated categories.  During an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower-quality and comparable
unrated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient
revenues to meet their payment obligations.  The issuer's ability to service
its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate
developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business
forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due
to default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than
issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors.  Further, if the
issuer of a lower-quality or comparable unrated security defaulted, the Fund
might incur additional expenses to seek recovery.  Periods of economic
uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in
the market prices of these securities and thus in the Fund's net asset value.
    

   
         As previously stated, the value of a lower-quality or comparable
unrated security will decrease in a rising interest rate market and
accordingly, so will the Fund's net asset value.  If the Fund experiences
unexpected net redemptions in such a market, it may be forced to liquidate a
portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits.
Due to the limited liquidity of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities
(discussed below), the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a
substantial discount.  Any such liquidation would reduce the Fund's asset base
over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of
return for the Fund. 
    

   
         PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS.  Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities
typically contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the
issuer of such securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion,
redeem the securities.  During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of
these securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance
them with debt securities with a lower interest rate.  To the extent an issuer
is able to refinance the securities, or otherwise redeem them, the Fund may
have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which would
result in a lower return for the Fund.  
    

         CREDIT RATINGS.  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies
evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities.
They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of lower-quality
securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an
investment.  In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely
changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of
the issuer that affect the market value of the security.  Consequently, credit
ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
Investments in lower-quality and comparable unrated obligations will be more
dependent on the Advisor's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade

                                       8
<PAGE>   76

   
debt obligations.  The Advisor employs its own credit research and analysis,
which includes a study of existing debt, capital structure, ability to service
debt and to pay dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its
operating history and the current trend of earnings.  The Advisor continually
monitors the investments in the Fund's portfolio and carefully evaluates
whether to dispose of or to retain lower-quality and comparable unrated
securities whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed. 
    

   
         LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION.  The Fund may have difficulty disposing of
certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities because there may be a
thin trading market for such securities.  Because not all dealers maintain
markets in all lower-quality and comparable unrated securities, there is no
established retail secondary market for many of these securities.  The Fund
anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of
dealers or institutional investors.  To the extent a secondary trading market
does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for
higher-rated securities.  The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an
adverse impact on the market price of the security.  As a result, the Fund's
asset value and ability to dispose of particular securities, when necessary to
meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event,
may be impacted.  The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities
may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio.  Market quotations are
generally available on many lower-quality and comparable unrated issues only
from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of
such dealers or prices for actual sales.  During periods of thin trading, the
spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly.  In
addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-quality
and comparable unrated securities, especially in a thinly traded market. 
    

         RECENT AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION.  Recent legislation has been adopted,
and from time to time proposals have been discussed, regarding new legislation
designed to limit the use of certain lower-quality and comparable unrated
securities by certain issuers.  An example of legislation is a recent law which
requires federally insured savings and loan associations to divest their
investments in these securities over time.  It is not currently possible to
determine the impact of the recent legislation or the proposed legislation on
the lower-quality and comparable unrated securities market.  However, it is
anticipated that if additional legislation is enacted or proposed, it could
have a material affect on the value of these securities and the existence of a
secondary trading market for the securities.

MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

         Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations
in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real
property, and include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and
collateralized mortgage obligations.  Such securities may be issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, such as the
Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage
Association, or by private issuers, generally originators and investors in
mortgage loans, including savings associations, mortgage bankers, commercial
banks, investment bankers, and special purpose entities (collectively, "private
lenders").  Mortgage-backed securities issued by private lenders may be
supported by pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities that
are guaranteed, directly or indirectly, by the U.S. government or one of its
agencies or instrumentalities, or they may be issued without any governmental
guarantee of the underlying mortgage assets but with some form of
non-governmental credit enhancement.

         Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to
mortgage-backed securities.  However, the underlying assets are not first lien
mortgage loans or interests therein, but include assets such as motor vehicle
installment sales contracts, other installment loan contracts, home equity
loans, leases of various types of property, and receivables from credit card or
other revolving credit arrangements.  Payments or distributions of principal
and interest on asset-backed securities may be supported by non-governmental
credit enhancements similar to those utilized in connection with
mortgage-backed securities.

   
         The yield characteristics of mortgage- and asset-backed securities
differ from those of traditional debt obligations.  Among the principal
differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently
on mortgage- and asset-backed securities, usually monthly, and that principal
may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other
assets generally may be prepaid at any time.  As a result, if the Fund
purchases these securities at a premium, a prepayment rate
    

                                       9





<PAGE>   77
   
that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment
rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing
the yield to maturity.  Conversely, if the Fund purchases these securities at a
discount, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will increase yield to
maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will reduce
yield to maturity.  Amounts available for reinvestment by the Fund are likely
to be greater during a period of declining interest rates and, as a result, are
likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than during a period of rising
interest rates.  Accelerated prepayments on securities purchased by the Fund at
a premium also impose a risk of loss of principal because the premium may not
have been fully amortized at the time the principal is prepaid in full.  The
market for privately issued mortgage- and asset-backed securities is smaller
and less liquid than the market for government-sponsored mortgage-backed
securities. 
    

   
         The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities,
which receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from
the underlying assets.  The market value of such securities generally is more
sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with
traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases such
market value may be extremely volatile.  With respect to certain stripped
securities, such as interest only and principal only classes, a rate of
prepayment that is faster or slower than anticipated may result in the Fund
failing to recover all or a portion of its investment, even though the
securities are rated investment grade.  
    

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

   
         GENERAL DESCRIPTION.  As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund may use
a variety of derivative instruments, including options, futures contracts
(sometimes referred to as "futures"), options on futures contracts or forward
currency contracts for any lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment
objective, such as hedging the Fund's portfolio or risk management, but not for
speculation. 
     

   
         The use of these instruments is subject to applicable regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the several options and
futures exchanges upon which they may be traded, the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC") and various state regulatory authorities.  In addition, the
Fund's ability to use these instruments will be limited by tax considerations.
    

   
         In addition to the products, strategies, and risks described below and
in the Prospectus, the Advisor may expect to discover additional derivative
instruments and other hedging techniques.  These new opportunities may become
available as the Advisor develops new techniques or as regulatory authorities
broaden the range of permitted transactions.  The Advisor may utilize these
opportunities to the extent that they are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective and permitted by the Fund's investment limitations and applicable
regulatory authorities.
    

         SPECIAL RISKS OF THESE INSTRUMENTS.  The use of derivative instruments
involves special considerations and risks as described below.  Risks pertaining
to particular instruments are described in the sections that follow. 

   
         (1)  Successful use of most of these instruments depends upon the
Advisor's ability to predict movements of the overall securities and currency
markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices
of individual securities.  While the Advisor is experienced in the use of these
instruments, there can be no assurance that any particular strategy adopted
will succeed.  
    
 
        (2)  There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation,
between price movements of an instrument and price movements of investments
being hedged.  For example, if the value of an instrument used in a short hedge
(such as writing a call option, buying a put option, or selling a futures
contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investment,
the hedge would not be fully successful.  Such a lack of correlation might
occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged,
such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these
instruments are traded.  The effectiveness of hedges using instruments on
indices will depend on the degree of correlation between price movements in the
index and price movements in the investments being hedged.

                                       10





<PAGE>   78

   
         (3)  Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the risk of loss by
wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price
movements in the investments being hedged.  However, hedging strategies can
also reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable
price movements in the hedged investments.  For example, if the Fund entered
into a short hedge because the Advisor projected a decline in the price of a
security in the Fund's portfolio, and the price of that security increased
instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by a
decline in the price of the instrument.  Moreover, if the price of the
instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of the security, the
Fund could suffer a loss.
    

   
         (4)  As described below, the Fund might be required to maintain assets
as "cover," maintain segregated accounts, or make margin payments when it takes
positions in these instruments involving obligations to third parties (i.e.,
instruments other than purchased options).  If the Fund were unable to close
out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to continue to
maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position
expired or matured.  The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell a
portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be
favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at a
disadvantageous time.  The Fund's ability to close out a position in an
instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid
secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the other party to the transaction ("counter party") to enter
into a transaction closing out the position.  Therefore, there is no assurance
that any hedging position can be closed out at a time and price that is
favorable to the Fund.
    

   
         For a discussion of the federal income tax treatment of the Fund's
derivative instruments, see "TAXES - Derivative Instruments" below.
    

   

         GENERAL LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS.  The Fund has
filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the CFTC and the National Futures Association,
which regulate trading in the futures markets.  Pursuant to Rule 4.5 of the
regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA"), the notice of
eligibility for the Fund includes representations that the Fund will use
futures contracts and related options solely for bona fide hedging purposes
within the meaning of CFTC regulations, provided that the Fund may hold other
positions in futures contracts and related options that do not qualify as a
bona fide hedging position if the aggregate initial margin deposits and
premiums required to establish these positions, less the amount by which any
such options positions are "in the money," do not exceed 5% of the Fund's net
assets.  Adoption of these guidelines does not limit the percentage of the
Fund's assets at risk to 5%.
    

   
         In addition, (i) the aggregate value of securities underlying call
options on securities written by the Fund or obligations underlying put options
on securities written by the Fund determined as of the date the options are
written will not exceed 50% of the Fund's net assets; (ii) the aggregate
premiums paid on all options purchased by the Fund and which are being held
will not exceed 20% of the Fund's net assets; (iii) the Fund will not purchase
put or call options, other than hedging positions, if, as a result thereof,
more than 5% of its total assets would be so invested; and (iv) the aggregate
margin deposits required on all futures and options on futures transactions
being held will not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
    

   
         The foregoing limitations are not fundamental policies of the Fund and
may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval as
regulatory agencies permit.
    

   
         Transactions using options (other than purchased options) and forward
currency contracts expose the Fund to counterparty risk.  To the extent
required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will not enter into any such transactions
unless it owns either (1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities,
other options, or futures or (2) cash and liquid high grade debt obligations
with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations to the
extent not covered as provided in (1) above.  The Fund will also set aside cash
and/or appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account if required
to do so by the SEC and CFTC regulations.  Assets used as cover or held in a
segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding
option or futures contract is open, unless they are replaced with similar
assets.  As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Fund's assets to
segregated accounts as a cover could impede portfolio management or the Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
    

                                       11





<PAGE>   79

   

         In some cases, the Fund may be required to maintain or limit exposure
to a specified percentage of its assets to a particular asset class of foreign
country.  In such cases, when the Fund uses a derivative instrument to increase
or decrease exposure to an asset class or foreign country and is required by
applicable SEC guidelines to set aside liquid assets in a segregated account to
secure its obligations under the derivative instruments, the Advisor will
measure compliance with the applicable percentage by reference to the nature of
the economic exposure created through the use of the derivative instrument and
not by reference to the nature of the exposure arising from the liquid assets
set aside in the segregated account (unless another interpretation is specified
by applicable regulatory requirements.)
    

   

         OPTIONS.  The Fund may purchase or write put and call options on
securities, on indices of and on foreign currencies and enter into closing
transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position.
The purchase of call options serves as a long hedge, and the purchase of put
options serves as a short hedge.  Writing put or call options can enable the
Fund to enhance income by reason of the premiums paid by the purchaser of such
options.  Writing call options serves as a limited short hedge because declines
in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the
premium received for writing the option.  However, if the security appreciates
to a price higher than the exercise price of the call option, it can be
expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to
sell the security at less than its market value or will be obligated to
purchase the security at a price greater than that at which the security must
be sold under the option.  All or a portion of any assets used as cover for OTC
options written by the Fund would be considered illiquid to the extent
described under "Common Investment Policies and Techniques--Illiquid
Securities."  Writing put options serves as a limited long hedge because
increases in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent
of the premium received for writing the option.  However, if the security
depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can
be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be
obligated to purchase the security at more than its market value.
    

   
         The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the
historical price volatility of the underlying investment, the current market
value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the
relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying
investment, and general market conditions.  Options used by the Fund may
include European-style options.  This means that the option is only exercisable
at its expiration.  This is in contrast to American-style options which are
exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.  Options
that expire unexercised have no value.
    

   
         The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an
option by entering into a closing transaction.  For example, the Fund may
terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by
purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase
transaction.  Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call
option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is
known as a closing sale transaction.  Closing transactions permit the Fund to
realize the profit or limit the loss on an option position prior to its
exercise or expiration.
    

   
         The Fund may purchase or write both exchange-traded and OTC options.
Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with
the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees
completion of every exchange-traded option transaction.  OTC options are
contracts between the Fund and the other party to the transaction ("counter
party") (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization
guarantee.  Thus, when the Fund purchases or writes an OTC option, it relies on
the counter party to make or take delivery of the underlying investment upon
exercise of the option.  Failure by the counter party to do so would result in
the loss of any premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of any expected
benefit of the transaction.
    

   
         The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in
exchange-listed options depends on the existence of a liquid market.  The Fund
intends to purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there
appears to be a liquid secondary market.  However, there can be no assurance
that such a market will exist at any particular time.  Closing transactions can
be made for OTC options only by negotiating directly with the counter party, or
by a transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists.  Although
the Fund will enter into OTC options only with counter parties that are
expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund,
there is no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC
option at a favorable price prior to expiration.  In the event of insolvency of
the counter party, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position
at any time prior to its expiration.
    

                                       12





<PAGE>   80
   

         If the Fund were unable to effect a closing transaction for an option
it had purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit.
The inability to enter into a closing purchase transaction for a covered call
option written by the Fund could cause material losses because the Fund would
be unable to sell the investment used as a cover for the written option until
the option expires or is exercised.
    

   
         The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices in
much the same manner as the options discussed above, except the index options
may serve as a hedge against overall fluctuations in the securities markets in
general.
    

         The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity
that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.  Imperfect correlation between
the options and securities markets may detract the effectiveness of attempted
hedging.

   
         SPREAD TRANSACTIONS.  The Fund may purchase covered spread options
from securities dealers.  Such covered spread options are not presently
exchange-listed or exchange-traded.  The purchase of a spread option gives the
Fund the right to put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar
spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund
does not own, but which is used as a benchmark.  The risk to the Fund in
purchasing covered spread options is the cost of the premium paid for the
spread option and any transaction costs.  In addition, there is no assurance
that closing transactions will be available.  The purchase of spread options
will be used to protect the Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit
quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality
securities.  Such protection is only provided during the life of the spread
option.
    

   
         FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The Fund may enter into futures contracts,
including interest rate, index and currency futures.  The Fund may also
purchase put and call options, and write covered put and call options, on
futures in which it is allowed to invest.  The purchase of futures or call
options thereon can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures or the
purchase of put options thereon can serve as a short hedge.  Writing covered
call options on futures contracts can serve as a limited short hedge, and
writing covered put options on futures contracts can serve as a limited long
hedge, using a strategy similar to that used for writing covered options in
securities.  The Fund's hedging may include purchases of futures as an offset
against the effect of expected increases in currency exchange rates and
securities prices and sales of futures as an offset against the effect of
expected declines in currency exchange rates and securities prices.  The Fund's
futures transactions may be entered into for any lawful purpose consistent with
the Fund's investment objective, such as hedging purposes or risk management,
but not for speculation.  The Fund may also write put options on futures
contracts while at the same time purchasing call options on the same futures
contracts in order to create synthetically a long futures contract position.
Such options would have the same strike prices and expiration dates.  The Fund
will engage in this strategy only when the Advisor believes it is more
advantageous to the Fund than is purchasing the futures contract.
    

   
         To the extent required by regulatory authorities, the Fund only enters
into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges and are
standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument.  Futures
exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC.  Although
techniques other than sales and purchases of futures contracts could be used to
reduce the Fund's exposure to market, currency, or interest rate fluctuations,
the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a
lower cost through using futures contracts.
    

         An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one
party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific
financial instrument (e.g., debt security) or currency for a specified price at
a designated date, time, and place.  An index futures contract is an agreement
pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of
cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the
last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index futures
contract was originally written.  A foreign currency contract is a bilateral
agreement pursuant to which one party agrees to make and the other party agrees
to accept delivery of a specified type of currency at a specified future time
and at a specified price.  Transaction costs are incurred when a futures
contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained.  A futures
contract may be satisfied by delivery or purchase, as the case may be, of the
instrument, the currency or by payment of the change in the cash value of the
index.  More commonly, futures contracts are closed out prior to delivery by
entering into an offsetting

                                       13





<PAGE>   81
   
transaction in a matching futures contract.  Although the value of an index
might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical
delivery of those securities is made.  If the offsetting purchase price is less
than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund
realizes a loss.  Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the
original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund
realizes a loss.  The transaction costs must also be included in these
calculations.  There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able
to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures
contract at a particular time.  If the Fund is not able to enter into an
offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the
margin deposits on the futures contract.
    

   
         No price is paid by the Fund upon entering into a futures contract.
Instead, at the inception of a futures contract, the Fund is required to
deposit in a segregated account with its custodian, in the name of the futures
broker through whom the transaction was effected, "initial margin" consisting
of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid, high grade debt
obligations, in an amount generally equal to 10% or less of the contract value.
High grade securities include securities rated "A" or better by an NRSRO.
Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures
contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules.  Unlike margin in
securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent
a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith
deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if
all contractual obligations have been satisfied.  Under certain circumstances,
such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by an exchange to
increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin
requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
    

   
         Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the
futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process
known as "marking to market."  Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but
rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a
futures broker.  When the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium
paid plus transaction costs is all that is at risk.  In contrast, when the Fund
purchases or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon,
it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the
event of adverse price movements.  If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet
daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time
when such sales are disadvantageous.  Purchasers and sellers of futures
positions and options on futures can enter into offsetting closing transactions
by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the
instrument held or written.  Positions in futures and options on futures may be
closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market.
The Fund intends to enter into futures transactions only on exchanges or boards
of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market.  However, there
can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at
a particular time.
    

         Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily
limits on the amount that the price of a future or option on a futures contract
can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached,
no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit.  Daily price limits
do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for
several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing
liquidation of unfavorable positions.

   
         If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures or option on a futures
contract position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the
imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses.  The Fund would
continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position.  In
addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to
be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to
maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash
or securities in a segregated account.
    

         Certain characteristics of the futures market might increase the risk
that movements in the prices of futures contracts or options on futures
contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the
investments being hedged.  For example, all participants in the futures and
options on futures contracts markets are subject to daily variation margin
calls and might be compelled to liquidate futures or options on futures
contracts positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject
to further calls.  These liquidations could increase price volatility of the
instruments and distort the normal price relationship between the futures or
options and the investments being hedged.  Also, because initial margin deposit
requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements
in the securities markets, there might be increased participation by
speculators in the future markets.  This participation also might cause
temporary price distortions.  In addition, activities of large traders in both
the futures and securities markets involving arbitrage, "program trading" and
other investment strategies might result in temporary price distortions.


                                       14

<PAGE>   82


   
         FOREIGN CURRENCY-RELATED DERIVATIVE STRATEGIES - SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS. The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot
basis, and may use currency-related derivatives instruments such as options on
foreign currencies, futures on foreign currencies, options on futures on
foreign currencies and forward currency contracts (i.e., an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency at a specified future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the contract date agreed upon by the parties, at
a price set at the time the contract is entered into).  The Fund may use these
instruments for hedging or any other lawful purpose consistent with their
respective investment objectives, including transaction hedging, anticipatory
hedging, cross hedging, proxy hedging, and position hedging.  The Fund's use of
currency-related derivative instruments will be directly related to the Fund's
current or anticipated portfolio securities, and the Fund may engage in
transactions in currency-related derivative instruments as a means to protect
against some or all of the effects of adverse changes in foreign currency
exchange rates on their portfolio investments.  In general, if the currency in
which a portfolio investment is denominated appreciates against the U.S.
dollar, the dollar value of the security will increase.  Conversely, a decline
in the exchange rate of the currency would adversely affect the value of the
portfolio investment expressed in U.S. dollars.
    

   
         For example, the Fund might use currency-related derivative
instruments to "lock in" a U.S. dollar price for a portfolio investment,
thereby enabling the Fund to protect itself against a possible loss resulting
from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S.  dollar and the
subject foreign currency during the period between the date the security is
purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.  The Fund
also might use currency-related derivative instruments when the Advisor
believes that one currency may experience a substantial movement against
another currency, including the U.S. dollar, and it may use currency-related
derivative instruments to sell or buy the amount of the former foreign
currency, approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency.  Alternatively, where
appropriate, the Fund may use currency-related derivative instruments to hedge
all or part of its foreign currency exposure through the use of a basket of
currencies or a proxy currency where such currency or currencies act as an
effective proxy for other currencies.  The use of this basket hedging technique
may be more efficient and economical than using separate currency-related
derivative instruments for each currency exposure held by the Fund.
Furthermore, currency-related derivative instruments may be used for short
hedges - for example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in
the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of  a
security denominated in a foreign currency.
    

   
         In addition, the Fund may use a currency-related derivative instrument
to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one foreign country to
another foreign country where the Advisor believes that the foreign currency
exposure purchased will appreciate relative to the U.S. dollar and thus better
protect the Fund against the expected decline in the foreign currency exposure
sold.  For example, if the Fund owns securities denominated in a foreign
currency and the Advisor believes that currency will decline, it might enter
into a forward contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign
currency, with payment to be made in a second foreign currency that the Advisor
believes would better protect the Fund against the decline in the first
security than would a U.S. dollar exposure.  Hedging transactions that use two
foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as "cross hedges."  The effective
use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund in a cross hedge is
dependent upon a correlation between price movements of the two currency
instruments and the underlying security involved, and the use of two currencies
magnifies the risk that movements in the price of one instrument may not
correlate or may correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of
the currency instruments used or investments being hedged, such as speculative
or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded.
    

   
         The Fund also might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a
particular currency when no hedging instruments on that currency are available
or such hedging instruments are more expensive than certain other hedging
instruments.  In such cases, the Fund may hedge against price movements in that
currency by entering into transactions using currency-related derivative
instruments on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the values
of which the Advisor believes will have a high degree of positive correlation
to the value of the currency being hedged.  The risk that movements in the
price of the hedging instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in
the price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.
    

                                       15





<PAGE>   83


   
         The use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund
involves a number of risks.  The value of currency-related derivative
instruments depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the
U.S. dollar.  Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank
market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the
use of such derivative instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having
to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less
than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less
favorable than for round lots (generally consisting of transactions of greater
than $1 million).
    

         There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis.
Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in
the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where
rates might be less favorable.  The interbank market in foreign currencies is a
global, round-the-clock market.  To the extent the U.S. options or futures
markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open,
significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the markets for the derivative instruments until
they re-open.

   
         Settlement of transactions in currency-related derivative instruments
might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying
currency.  Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the
underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations
regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and
might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such
delivery assessed in the issuing country.
    

   
         When the Fund engages in a transaction in a currency-related
derivative instrument, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery
of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract or otherwise
complete the contract.  In other words, the Fund will be subject to the risk
that a loss may be sustained by the Fund as a result of the failure of the
counterparty to comply with the terms of the transaction.  The counterparty
risk for exchange-traded instruments is generally less than for
privately-negotiated or OTC currency instruments, since generally a clearing
agency, which is the issuer or counterparty to each instrument, provides a
guarantee of performance.  For privately-negotiated instruments, there is no
similar clearing agency guarantee.  In all transactions, the Fund will bear the
risk that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of the
expected benefit of the transaction and possibly other losses to the Fund.  The
Fund will enter into transactions in currency-related derivative instruments
only with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of
performing under the contract.
    

   
         Purchasers and sellers of currency-related derivative instruments may
enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing,
respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold.
Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with
the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency
contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty.  Thus, there can
be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward
currency contract (or any other currency-related derivative instrument) at a
time and price favorable to the Fund.  In addition, in the event of insolvency
of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency
contract at any time prior to maturity.  In the case of an exchange-traded
instrument, the Fund will be able to close the position out only on an exchange
which provides a market for the instruments.  The ability to establish and
close out positions on an exchange is subject to the maintenance of a liquid
market, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any
instrument at any specific time.  In the case of a privately-negotiated
instrument, the Fund will be able to realize the value of the instrument only
by entering into a closing transaction with the issuer or finding a third party
buyer for the instrument.  While the Fund will enter into privately-negotiated
transactions only with entities who are expected to be capable of entering into
a closing transaction, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be
able to enter into such closing transactions.
    

   
         The precise matching of currency-related derivative instrument amounts
and the value of the portfolio securities involved generally will not be
possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign
currency, will change after the currency-related derivative instrument position
has been established.  Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign
currencies in the spot (cash) market.  The projection of short-term currency
market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a
short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
    

                                       16





<PAGE>   84
   
         Permissible foreign currency options will include options traded
primarily in the OTC market.  Although options on foreign currencies are traded
primarily in the OTC market, the Fund will normally purchase or sell OTC
options on foreign currency only when the Advisor reasonably believes a liquid
secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time.
    

   
         There will be a cost to the Fund of engaging in transactions in
currency-related derivative instruments that will vary with factors such as the
contract or currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market
conditions then prevailing.  The Fund using these instruments may have to pay a
fee or commission or, in cases where the instruments are entered into on a
principal basis, foreign exchange dealers or other counterparties will realize
a profit based on the difference ("spread") between the prices at which they
are buying and selling various currencies.  Thus, for example, a dealer may
offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a
lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer.
    

   
         When required by the SEC guidelines, the Fund will set aside
permissible liquid assets in segregated accounts or otherwise cover their
respective potential obligations under currency-related derivatives
instruments.  To the extent the Fund's assets are so set aside, they cannot be
sold while the corresponding currency position is open, unless they are
replaced with similar assets.  As a result, if a large portion of the Fund's
assets are so set aside, this could impede portfolio management or the Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
    

   
         The Advisor's decision to engage in a transaction in a particular
currency-related derivative instrument will reflect the Advisor's judgment that
the transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is
consistent with the Fund's objectives and policies.  In making such a judgment,
the Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the transaction and weigh
them in the context of the Fund's entire portfolio and objectives.  The
effectiveness of any transaction in a currency-related derivative instrument is
dependent on a variety of factors, including the Advisor's skill in analyzing
and predicting currency values and upon a correlation between price movements
of the currency instrument and the underlying security.  There might be
imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of an
instrument and price movements of investments being hedged.  Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the
investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets
in which these instruments are traded.  In addition, the Fund's use of
currency-related derivative instruments is always subject to the risk that the
currency in question could be devalued by the foreign government.  In such a
case, any long currency positions would decline in value and could adversely
affect any hedging position maintained by the Fund.
    

   
         The Fund's dealing in currency-related derivative instruments will
generally be limited to the transactions described  above.  However, the Fund
reserves the right to use currency-related derivatives instruments for
different purposes and under different circumstances.  Of course, the Fund is
not required to use currency-related derivatives instruments and will not do so
unless deemed appropriate by the Advisor.  It also should be realized that use
of these instruments does not eliminate, or protect against, price movements in
the Fund's securities that are attributable to other (i.e., non-currency
related) causes.  Moreover, while the use of currency-related derivatives
instruments may reduce the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a
hedged currency, at the same time the use of these instruments tends to limit
any potential gain which may result from an increase in the value of that
currency.
    

   
         SWAP AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may enter into interest rate, securities
index and currency exchange rate swap agreements for any lawful purpose
consistent with the Fund's investment objective, such as for the purpose of
attempting to obtain or preserve a particular desired return or spread at a
lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument
that yielded that desired return or spread.  The Fund also may enter into swaps
in order to protect against an increase in the price of, or the currency
exchange rate applicable to, securities that the Fund anticipates purchasing at
a later date.  Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily
by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to several
years.  In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the
returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular
predetermined investments or instruments.  The gross returns to be exchanged or
"swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional
amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount
invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in
a "basket" of securities representing a particular index.  Swap agreements may
include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party
agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a
specified rate, or "cap;" interest rate floors, under which, in return for a
premium, one party agrees to make payments to the
    
                                       17

<PAGE>   85

other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or
"floor;" and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and
purchases a floor, or vice versa, in an attempt to protect itself against
interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

   
         The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only the agreed upon
basis for calculating the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have
agreed to exchange.  Under most swap agreements entered into by the Fund, the
obligations of the parties would be exchanged on a "net basis."  Consequently,
the Fund's obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be
equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based
on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement
(the "net amount").  The Fund's obligation under a swap agreement will be
accrued daily (offset against amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but
unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the
maintenance of a segregated account consisting of cash, or liquid high grade
debt obligations.
    

   
         Whether the Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in
furthering its investment objective will depend on the Advisor's ability to
predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce
greater returns than other investments.  Swap agreements may be considered to
be illiquid.  Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected
to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy
of a swap agreement counterparty.  Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by
the Internal Revenue Code may limit the Fund's ability to use swap agreements.
The swaps market is largely unregulated.
    

   
         The Fund will enter into swap agreements only with banks and
recognized securities dealers believed by the Advisor to present minimal credit
risks in accordance with guidelines established by the Fund's Board of
Directors.  If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the
Fund will have to rely on its contractual remedies (which may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws) pursuant to the agreements related to
the transaction.
    

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

   
         The Fund is authorized to lend up to 33 1/3% of the total value of its
portfolio securities to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the
Advisor deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains with the Fund's
custodian bank collateral either in cash or money market instruments in an
amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus
accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted
accordingly.  However, the Fund does not presently intend to engage in such
lending.  In determining whether to lend securities to a particular
broker-dealer or institutional investor, the Advisor will consider, and during
the period of the loan will monitor, all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.  The Fund will retain authority
to terminate any loans at any time.  The Fund may pay reasonable administrative
and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion
of the interest earned on the cash or money market instruments held as
collateral to the borrower or placing broker.  The Fund will receive reasonable
interest on the loan or a flat fee from the borrower and amounts equivalent to
any dividends, interest or other distributions on the securities loaned.  The
Fund will retain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial
rights, such as voting and subscription rights and rights to dividends,
interest and other distributions, when retaining such rights is considered to
be in the Fund's interest.
    

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued"
basis.  The price of debt securities purchased on a when-issued basis, which
may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment to
purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date.  Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the
purchase.  During the period between the purchase and settlement, no payment is
made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest on debt securities accrues to
the Fund.  Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the
security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is
in addition to the risk of decline in value of the Fund's other assets.  While
when-issued securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund
intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them
unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons.  At the time the Fund
makes the commitment to
    

                                       18





<PAGE>   86
   
purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and
reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value.  The Fund
does not believe that their respective net asset values or income will be
adversely affected by the purchase of securities on a when-issued basis.
    

   
         The Fund will maintain cash and marketable securities equal in value
to commitments for when-issued securities.  Such segregated securities either
will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.  When
the time comes to pay for when-issued securities, the Fund will meet its
obligations from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities held in the
separate account, described above, sale of other securities or, although it
would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the when-issued securities
themselves (which may have a market value greater or less than the Fund's
payment obligation).
    

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

   
         As indicated in the Prospectus, the Fund may invest in foreign
securities by purchasing depositary receipts, including American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or other securities
convertible into securities or issuers based in foreign countries.  These
securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted.  Generally, ADRs, in registered
form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S.
securities markets, while EDRs, in bearer form, may be denominated in other
currencies and are designed for use in European securities markets.  ADRs are
receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership
of the underlying securities.  EDRs are European receipts evidencing a similar
arrangement.  For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, ADRs and EDRs are
deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they
represent.  Thus, an ADR or EDR representing ownership of common stock will be
treated as common stock.
    

         ADR facilities may be established as either "unsponsored" or
"sponsored." While ADRs issued under these two types of facilities are in some
respects similar, there are distinctions between them relating to the rights
and obligations of ADR holders and the practices of market participants.  A
depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or
even necessarily the acquiescence of) the issuer of the deposited securities,
although typically the depositary requests a letter of non-objection from such
issuer prior to the establishment of the facility.  Holders of unsponsored ADRs
generally bear all the costs of such facilities.  The depositary usually
charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the
conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash
distributions, and the performance of other services.  The depositary of an
unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities
or to pass through voting rights to ADR holders in respect of the deposited
securities.  Sponsored ADR facilities are created in generally the same manner
as unsponsored facilities, except that the issuer of the deposited securities
enters into a deposit agreement with the depositary.  The deposit agreement
sets out the rights and responsibilities of the issuer, the depositary and the
ADR holders.  With sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities
generally will bear some of the costs relating to the facility (such as
dividend payment fees of the depositary), although ADR holders continue to bear
certain other costs (such as deposit and withdrawal fees).  Under the terms of
most sponsored arrangements, depositories agree to distribute notices of
shareholder meetings and voting instructions, and to provide shareholder
communications and other information to the ADR holders at the request of the
issuer of the deposited securities.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES

   
         Some of the countries in which the Fund invests may not permit direct
investment by outside investors.  Investments in such countries may only be
permitted through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment
vehicles, which may include other investment companies.  Investing through such
vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be
subject to limitation under the 1940 Act.  Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may
invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of investment companies and up to 5%
of its assets in any one investment company as long as the investment does not
represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company.
    

                                       19





<PAGE>   87
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

   
         The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with certain banks or
non-bank dealers.  In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security at one
price, and at the time of sale, the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation
at a mutually agreed upon time and price (usually within seven days).  The
repurchase agreement, thereby, determines the yield during the purchaser's
holding period, while the seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the
value of the underlying security.  If the value of such securities is less than
the repurchase price, plus any agreed-upon additional amount, the other party
to the agreement will be required to provide additional collateral so that at
all times the collateral is at least equal to the repurchase price, plus any
agreed-upon additional amount.  The Advisor will monitor, on an ongoing basis,
the value of the underlying securities to ensure that the value always equals
or exceeds the repurchase price plus accrued interest. Repurchase agreements
could involve certain risks in the event of a default or insolvency of the
other party to the agreement, including possible delays or restrictions upon
the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. Although no
definitive creditworthiness criteria are used, the Advisor reviews the
creditworthiness of the banks and non-bank dealers with which the Fund enters
into repurchase agreements to evaluate those risks. The Fund may, under certain
circumstances, deem repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.  government
securities to be investments in U.S. government securities.
    

BORROWING
   

         The Fund may borrow money from banks, limited by the Fund's
fundamental investment restriction to 33 1/3% of its total assets and may
engage in mortgage dollar roll transactions and reverse repurchase agreements
which may be considered a form of borrowing. (See "Mortgage Dollar Rolls and
Reverse Repurchase Agreements" below.) In addition, the Fund may borrow up to
an additional 5% of its total assets from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes.  The Fund will not purchase securities when bank borrowings exceed 5%
of the Fund's total assets.
    

MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

   
         The Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls, in which the Fund would
sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contract to purchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. While the Fund would forego principal and interest paid
on the mortgage-backed securities during the roll period, the Fund would be
compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower
price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds
of the initial sale. The Fund also could be compensated through the receipt of
fee income equivalent to a lower forward price. At the time the Fund would
enter into a mortgage dollar roll, it would set aside permissible liquid assets
in a segregated account to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to
buy mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be
considered a borrowing by the Fund.
    

   
         The Fund may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements to
facilitate portfolio liquidity, a practice common in the mutual fund industry,
or for arbitrage transactions discussed below. In a reverse repurchase
agreement, the Fund would sell a security and enter into an agreement to
repurchase the security at a specified future date and price. The Fund
generally retains the right to interest and principal payments on the security.
Since the Fund receives cash upon entering into a reverse repurchase agreement,
it may be considered a borrowing.  When required by guidelines of the SEC, the
Fund will set aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to secure
its obligation to repurchase the security.
    

   
         The mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements entered
into by the Fund may be used as arbitrage transactions in which the Fund will
maintain an offsetting position in investment-grade securities or repurchase
agreements that mature on or before the settlement date on the related mortgage
dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreement. Since the Fund will receive
interest on the securities or repurchase agreements in which it invests the
transaction proceeds, such transactions may involve leverage. However, since
such securities or repurchase agreements will be high quality and will mature
on or before the
    
                                       20





<PAGE>   88
   
settlement date of the mortgage dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreement,
the Advisor believes that such arbitrage transactions do not present the risks
to the Fund that is associated with other types of leverage.
    

FOREIGN SECURITIES
   

         The Equity Income Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in the
securities of foreign issuers, either through direct investment or depositary
receipts.  Many of the foreign securities held by the Fund will not be
registered with the SEC, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to SEC
reporting requirements.  Accordingly, there may be less publicly available
information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by the Fund than is
available concerning U.S. companies.  Disclosure and regulatory standards in
many respects are less stringent in emerging market countries than in the U.S.
and other major markets.  There also may be a lower level of monitoring and
regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets,
and enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited.  Foreign
companies, and in particular, companies in smaller and emerging capital markets
are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards or to other regulatory requirements comparable to those
applicable to U.S. companies.  The Fund's net investment income and capital
gains from its foreign investment activities may be subject to non-U.S.
withholding taxes.
    

   
         The costs attributable to foreign investing that the Fund must bear
frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing; this is
particularly true with respect to emerging capital markets.  For example, the
cost of maintaining custody of foreign securities exceeds custodian costs for
domestic securities, and transaction and settlement costs of foreign investing
also frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing.
Costs associated with the exchange of currencies also make foreign investing
more expensive than domestic investing.  Investment income on certain foreign
securities in which the Fund may invest may be subject to foreign withholding
or other government taxes that could reduce the return of these securities.
Tax treaties between the United States and foreign countries, however, may
reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign tax to which the Fund would be
subject.
    

   
         Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement
procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
failed to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it
difficult to conduct such transactions.  Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is
earned thereon.  The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases
due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment
opportunities.  Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement
problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines
in the value of such portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a
contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the
purchaser.
    

   
    

SMALL COMPANIES

         The Fund may, from time to time, invest a substantial portion of its
assets in small companies.  While smaller companies generally have the
potential for rapid growth, investments in smaller companies often involve
greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies because
smaller companies may lack the management experience, financial resources,
product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies. In
addition, in many instances the securities of smaller companies are traded only
over-the-counter or on a regional securities exchange, and the frequency and
volume of their trading is substantially less than is typical of larger
companies. Therefore, the securities of smaller companies may be subject to
greater and more abrupt price fluctuations. When making large sales, the Fund
may have to sell portfolio holdings at discounts from quoted prices or may have
to make a series of small sales over an extended period of time due to the
trading volume of smaller company securities. Investors should be aware that,
based on the foregoing factors, an investment in the Fund may be subject to
greater price fluctuations than an investment in a fund that invests primarily
in larger, more established companies. The Advisor's research efforts may also
play a greater role in selecting securities for the Fund than in a fund that
invests in larger, more established companies.

                                       21





<PAGE>   89

   

                       DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND
    

   
         Directors and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during the last five years, and other
information, are shown below.  Each director who is deemed an "interested
person," as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated by an asterisk.  Each officer
and director holds the same position with the following registered investment
companies and any series thereof:  Strong Advantage Fund, Inc.; Strong Asia
Pacific Fund, Inc.; Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Corporate Bond Fund,
Inc.; Strong Discovery Fund, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong Government
Securities Fund, Inc.; Strong Heritage Reserve Series, Inc.; Strong High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Income Funds, Inc.; Strong Insured Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong International Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong International
Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Money Market Fund, Inc.; Strong Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc.; Strong Municipal Funds, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.; Strong
Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Global Bond Fund, Inc.; and
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (collectively, the "Strong Funds");
and Strong Institutional Funds, Inc.; Strong Special Fund II, Inc.; and Strong
Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
    

   
         *Richard S. Strong (DOB 5/12/42), Chairman of the Board and Director
of the Fund.
    

   
         Prior to August 1985, Mr. Strong was Chief Executive Officer of the
Advisor, which he founded in 1974. Since August 1985, Mr. Strong has been a
Security Analyst and Portfolio Manager of the Advisor.  In October 1991, Mr.
Strong also became the Chairman of the Advisor.  Mr.  Strong is a director of
the Advisor.  Since October 1993, Mr. Strong has been Chairman and a director
of Strong Holdings, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation and subsidiary of the Advisor
("Holdings"), and the Fund's underwriter, Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., a
Wisconsin corporation and subsidiary of Holdings ("Distributor").  Since
January 1994, Mr. Strong has been Chairman and a director of Heritage Reserve
Development Corporation, a Wisconsin Corporation and subsidiary of Holdings;
and since February 1994, Mr. Strong has been a member of the Managing Boards of
Fussville Real Estate Holdings L.L.C., a Wisconsin Limited Liability Company
and subsidiary of the Advisor, and Fussville Development L.L.C., a Wisconsin
Limited Liability Company and subsidiary of the Advisor, and certain of its
subsidiaries.  Mr. Strong has served as a director and Chairman of the Board of
the Fund since October 1995.  Mr. Strong has been in the investment management
business since 1967.
    

   
         Marvin E. Nevins (DOB 7/9/18), Director of the Fund.
    
   
      Private Investor.  From 1945 to 1980, Mr. Nevins was Chairman of
Wisconsin Centrifugal Inc., a foundry. From July 1983 to December 1986, he was
Chairman of General Casting Corp., Waukesha, Wisconsin, a foundry. Mr. Nevins
is a former Chairman of the Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers & Commerce.
He was also a regent of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a member of the
Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Mr. Nevins has served
as a director of Fund since October 1995.
    
   
         Willie D. Davis (DOB 7/24/34), Director of the Fund.
    
   
         Mr. Davis has been director of Alliance Bank Since 1980, Sara Lee
Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, KMart Corporation (a
discount consumer products company) since 1985, YMCA Metropolitan - Los Angeles
since 1985, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, MGM Grand, Inc. (an
entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, WICOR, Inc. (a utility company) since
1990, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an industrial company) since 1992, L.A. Gear (a
footwear/sportswear company) since 1992, and Rally's Hamburger, Inc. since
1994.  Mr. Davis has been a trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980,
Marquette University since 1988, and Occidental College since 1990.  Since
1977, Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro
Broadcasting, Inc.  Mr. Davis was a director of the Fireman's Fund (an
insurance company) from 1975 until 1990.  Mr. Davis has served as a director of
Fund since October 1995.
    

                                       22





<PAGE>   90


   
         *John Dragisic (DOB 11/26/40), President and Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Dragisic has been President of the Advisor since October 1995 and
a director of the Advisor, Holdings, and Distributor since July 1994.  Mr.
Dragisic previously served as a director of the American Utilities Fund from
April 1993 until July 1994, and as a director of the Asset Allocation and Total
Return Funds from July 1991 until July 1994.  Mr. Dragisic was the President
and Chief Executive Officer of Grunau Company, Inc. (a mechanical contracting
and engineering firm), Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1987 until July 1994.  From
1981 to 1987, he was an Executive Vice President with Grunau Company, Inc.
From 1969 until 1973, Mr. Dragisic worked for the Inter American Development
Bank.  Mr.  Dragisic received his Ph.D. in Economics in 1971 from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his B.A. degree in Economics in 1962 from
Lake Forest College.  Mr. Dragisic has served as (i) President of the Fund
since November 1995 and (ii) director of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         Stanley Kritzik (DOB 1/9/30), Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Kritzik has been a Partner of  Metropolitan Associates since 1962,
a Director of Aurora Health Care since 1987, and Health Network Ventures, Inc.
since 1992.  He has served as a director of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         William F. Vogt (DOB 7/19/47), Director of the Fund.
    
   
         Mr. Vogt has been the President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc.
since 1990.  From 1982 until 1990, he served as Executive Director of
University Physicians of the University of Colorado.  Mr. Vogt is the Past
President of the Medical Group Management Association and a Fellow of the
American College of Medical Practice Executives.  He has served as a director
of the Fund since October 1995.
    
   
         Lawrence A. Totsky (DOB 5/6/59), C.P.A., Vice President of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Totsky has been Vice President of the Advisor since December 1992.
Mr. Totsky acted as the Advisor's Manager of Shareholder Accounting and
Compliance from June 1987 to June 1991 when he was named Director of Mutual
Fund Administration. Mr. Totsky has been a Vice President of the Fund since
October 1995.
    

   
         Thomas P. Lemke (DOB 7/30/54), Vice President of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Lemke has been Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General
Counsel of the Advisor since September 1994.  For two years prior to joining
the Advisor, Mr. Lemke acted as Resident Counsel for Funds Management at J.P.
Morgan & Co., Inc.  From February 1989 until April 1992, Mr. Lemke acted as
Associate General Counsel to Sanford C. Bernstein  Co., Inc.  For two years
prior to that, Mr. Lemke was Of Counsel at the Washington D.C. law firm of Tew
Jorden & Schulte, a successor of Finley, Kumble Wagner.  From August 1979 until
December 1986, Mr. Lemke worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission, most
notably as the Chief Counsel to the Division of Investment Management (November
1984 - December 1986), and as Special Counsel to the Office of Insurance
Products, Division of Investment Management (April 1982 - October 1984).  Mr.
Lemke has been a Vice President of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         Ann E. Oglanian (DOB 12/7/61), Secretary of the Fund.
    

   
         Ms. Oglanian has been an Associate Counsel of the Advisor since
January 1992.  Ms. Oglanian acted as Associate Counsel for the Chicago-based
investment management firm, Kemper Financial Services, Inc. from June 1988
until December 1991.  Ms. Oglanian has been the Secretary of the Fund since
October 1995.
    

                                       23





<PAGE>   91
   
         Ronald A. Neville (DOB 5/21/47), C.P.A., Treasurer of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Neville has been the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Advisor since January 1995.  For fourteen years prior to that,
Mr. Neville worked at Twentieth Century Companies, Inc., most notably as Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1988 until December 1994).  Mr.
Neville received his M.B.A. in 1972 from the University of Missouri - Kansas
City and his B.A. degree in Business Administration and Economics in 1969 from
Drury College.  Mr. Neville has been the Treasurer of the Fund since October
1995.
    

         Except for Messrs. Nevins, Davis, Kritzik and Vogt, the address of all
of the above persons is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.  Mr. Nevins'
address is 6075 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Florida 33963.  Mr. Davis'
address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, California 90301, Mr. Kritzik's
address is 1123 North Astor Street, P.O. Box 92547, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202-0547.  Mr. Vogt's address is 2830 East Third Avenue, Denver, Colorado
80206.

   
         The mutual fund complex that is managed by the Advisor, which is
composed of 26 open-end management investment companies consisting of 37 mutual
funds, of which the Fund is a part, in the aggregate, pays each Director who is
not a director, officer, or employee of the Advisor, or any affiliated company
(a "disinterested director") an annual fee of $50,000, plus $100 per Board
meeting for each mutual fund.  In addition, each disinterested director is
reimbursed by the mutual funds for travel and other expenses incurred in
connection with attendance at such meetings.  Other officers and directors of
the mutual funds receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the
mutual funds.
    

   
         As of December 28, 1995, the officers and directors of the Fund
beneficially owned _____ shares  of common stock of the Fund, which was 100% of
the Fund's then outstanding shares.
    
                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

   
         As of December 28, 1995, the Advisor owned both of record and
beneficially, and Mr. Strong, who controls the Advisor, owned beneficially,
_____ shares (100%) of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
    

   
                       INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND DISTRIBUTOR
    
   
    

   
         The Advisor to the Fund is Strong Capital Management, Inc.  Mr.
Richard S. Strong controls the Advisor.  Mr. Strong is the Chairman and a
Director of the Advisor, Mr. Dragisic is the President and a Director of the
Advisor, Mr. Totsky is a Senior Vice President of the Advisor, Mr. Lemke is a
Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of the Advisor, Mr.
Neville is a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor,
and  Ms. Oglanian is an Associate Counsel of the Advisor.  A brief description
of the Fund's investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement") is set forth
in the Prospectus under "About the Fund - Management."
    

   
         The Advisory Agreement for the Fund dated December 28, 1995 was last
approved by its sole shareholder on December 28, 1995, and will remain in
effect for a period of two years.  The Advisory Agreement is required to be
approved annually by either the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940
Act).  In either case, each annual renewal must also be approved by the vote of
a majority of the Fund's directors who are not parties to the Advisory
Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval.  The Advisory Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Board of
Directors of the Fund, by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, or by the Advisor, and will terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
    

   
         Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor manages the
Fund's investments subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors.
The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and supplies investment
research and portfolio management.  At its expense, the Advisor provides office
space and all necessary office facilities, equipment, and

    
   
                                       24





<PAGE>   92

    
   
personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund.  In addition, the Advisor
places all orders for the purchase and sale of the Fund's portfolio securities
at the Fund's expense.
    

   
         As compensation for its services, the Fund pays to the Advisor a
monthly management fee at the annual rate of .80% of the average daily net
asset value of the Fund.  (See "Shareholder Manual - Determining Your Share
Price" in the Prospectus.)  From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily
waive all or a portion of its management fee for the Fund.
    

   
    

   
         The Advisory Agreement requires the Advisor to reimburse the Fund in
the event that the expenses and charges payable by the Fund in any fiscal year,
including the management fee but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage
commissions, and similar fees and to the extent permitted extraordinary
expenses, exceed a percentage of the average net asset value of the Fund for
such year.  Such excess is determined by valuations made as of the close of
each business day of the year, which is the most restrictive percentage
provided by the laws of the various states in which the Fund's common stock is
qualified for sale; or if the states in which the Fund's common stock is
qualified for sale impose no restrictions, the Advisor shall reimburse the Fund
in the event the expenses and charges payable by the Fund in any fiscal year
(as described above) exceed 2%.  The most restrictive percentage limitation
currently applicable to the Fund is 2 1/2% of its average daily net assets up
to $30,000,000, 2% on the next $70,000,000 of its average daily net assets and
1 1/2% of its average daily net assets in excess of $100,000,000.
Reimbursement of expenses in excess of the applicable limitation will be made
on a monthly basis and will be paid to the Fund by reduction of the Advisor's
fee, subject to later adjustment, month by month, for the remainder of the
Fund's fiscal year.  The Advisor may from time to time voluntarily absorb
expenses for the Fund in addition to the reimbursement of expenses in excess of
applicable limitations.
    

   
         On July 12, 1994, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
filed an administrative action (Order) against the Advisor, Mr.  Strong, and
another employee of the Advisor in connection with conduct that occurred
between 1987 and early 1990. In re Strong/Corneliuson Capital Management, Inc.,
et al. Admin. Proc. File No. 3-8411. The proceeding was settled by consent
without admitting or denying the allegations in the Order. The Order alleged
that the Advisor and Mr. Strong aided and abetted violations of Section 17(a)
of the 1940 Act by effecting trades between mutual funds, and between mutual
funds and Harbour Investments Ltd. ("Harbour"), without complying with the
exemptive provisions of SEC Rule 17a-7 or otherwise obtaining an exemption. It
further alleged that the Advisor violated, and Mr. Strong aided and abetted
violations of, the disclosure provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 by misrepresenting the Advisor's policy on personal
trading and by failing to disclose trading by Harbour, an entity in which
principals of the Advisor owned between 18 and 25 percent of the voting stock.
As part of the settlement, the respondents agreed to a censure and a cease and
desist order and the Advisor agreed to various undertakings, including adoption
of certain procedures and a limitation for six months on accepting certain
types of new advisory clients.
    

         The staff of the U.S. Department of Labor (the "Staff") has contacted
the Advisor regarding alleged cross-trading of securities between 1987 and
early 1990 involving various customer accounts subject to the Employee
Retirement Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and managed by the Advisor.  The
Advisor has informed the Staff of the basis for its position that the trades
complied with ERISA and that, in any event, any alleged noncompliance was not
the cause of any losses to the accounts.  The Staff has stated that it
disagrees with the Advisor's positions, although to date it has not filed any
action against the Advisor.  At this time, the Advisor is negotiating with the
Staff regarding a possible resolution of the matter, but it cannot presently
determine whether the matter will be settled or litigated or, if it is settled
or litigated, how it ultimately will be resolved.  However, management
presently believes, based on current knowledge and the Advisor's insurance
coverage, that the ultimate resolution of this matter should not have a
material adverse effect on the Advisor's financial position.

   
    

   
         Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor or by the Distributor, as
described below with respect to the distribution of the Fund's shares, the Fund
is responsible for all its other expenses, including, without limitation,
interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions and similar expenses;
organizational expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase or redemption of
shares; expenses of registering or qualifying shares for sale with the states
and the SEC; expenses for printing and distributing Prospectuses and quarterly
financial statements to existing shareholders; charges of custodians, transfer
agents (including the printing and mailing of reports and notices to
shareholders), registrars, auditing and legal services, clerical services
related to
    
                                       25





<PAGE>   93
recordkeeping and shareholder relations, and printing of stock certificates;
and fees for directors who are not "interested persons" of the Advisor.

   
         The Advisor has adopted a Code of Ethics (the "Code") which governs
the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the Advisor.  Access
Persons include every director and officer of the Advisor and the investment
companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund, as well as certain
employees of the Advisor who have access to information relating to the
purchase or sale of securities by the Advisor on behalf of accounts managed by
it.  The Code is based upon the principal that such Access Persons have a
fiduciary duty to place the interests of the Advisor's clients ahead of their
own.
    

   
         The Code requires Access Persons (other than Access Persons who are
independent directors of the investment companies managed by the Advisor,
including the Fund) to, among other things, preclear their securities
transactions (with limited exceptions, such as transactions in shares of mutual
funds, direct obligations of the U.S. government and certain options on
broad-based securities market indexes) and to execute such transactions through
the Advisor's trading department.  The Code, which applies to all Access
Persons (other than Access Persons who are independent directors of the
investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund), includes a
ban on acquiring any securities in an initial public offering, other than a new
offering of a registered open-end investment company, and a prohibition from
profiting on short-term trading in securities.  In addition, no Access Person
may purchase or sell any security which, at the time, is being purchased or
sold, or to the knowledge of the Access Person, is being considered for
purchase or sale, by the Advisor on behalf of any mutual fund or other account
managed by it.  Finally, the Code provides for trading "black out" periods
which prohibit trading by Access Persons who are portfolio managers within
seven calendar days of trading in the same securities by any mutual fund or
other account managed by the portfolio manager.
    

   
    

   
         Under a Distribution Agreement dated December 28, 1995 for the Fund
(the "Distribution Agreement"), Strong Funds Distributors, Inc.  acts as
underwriter of the Fund's shares ("Distributor").  The Distribution Agreement
provides that the Distributor will use its best efforts to distribute the
Fund's shares.  Since the Fund is a "no-load" fund, no sales commissions are
charged on the purchase of the Fund's shares.  The Distribution Agreement
further provides that the Distributor will bear the costs of printing
Prospectuses and shareholder reports which are used for selling purposes, as
well as advertising and other costs attributable to the distribution of the
Fund's shares.  The Distributor is an indirect subsidiary of the Advisor and
controlled by the Advisor and Richard S. Strong.  The Distribution Agreement is
subject to the same termination and renewal provisions as are described above
with respect to the Advisory Agreements.
    

   
         From time to time, the Distributor may hold in-house sales incentive
programs for its associated persons under which these persons may receive
non-cash compensation awards in connection with the sale and distribution of
the Fund's shares.  These awards may include items such as, but not limited to,
gifts, merchandise, gift certificates, and payment of travel expenses, meals
and lodging.  As required by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. or NASD's proposed rule amendments in this area, any in-house sales
incentive program will be multi-product oriented, i.e., any incentive will be
based on an associated person's gross production of all securities within a
product type and will not be based on the sales of shares of any specifically
designated mutual fund.
    

                      PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

   
         The Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities
for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's portfolio business and the
negotiation of the commissions to be paid on such transactions.  It is the
policy of the Advisor to seek the best execution at the best security price
available with respect to each transaction, in light of the overall quality of
brokerage and research services provided to the Advisor or the Fund.  In
over-the-counter transactions, orders are placed directly with a principal
market maker unless it is believed that a better price and execution can be
obtained using a broker.  The best price to the Fund means the best net price
without regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and commissions. In
selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Advisor considers
a variety of factors, including best price and execution, the full
    
                                       26





<PAGE>   94
   
range of brokerage services provided by the broker, as well as its capital
strength and stability, and the quality of the research and research services
provided by the broker.  Brokerage will not be allocated based on the sale of
the Fund's shares.
    

   
    

         Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)")
permits an investment advisor, under certain circumstances, to cause an account
to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of
the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for
effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by the broker or dealer.  Brokerage and research
services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing, purchasing or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (b)
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of
accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody).

   
         In carrying out the provisions of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor
may cause the Fund to pay a broker, which provides brokerage and research
services to the Advisor, a commission for effecting a securities transaction in
excess of the amount another broker would have charged for effecting the
transaction.  The Advisor believes it is important to the decision-making
process to have access to independent research.  The Advisory Agreement
provides that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless (a)
the Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation
to the services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the
Advisor's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which it
exercises investment discretion; (b) such payment is made in compliance with
the provisions of Section 28(e), other applicable state and federal laws, and
the Advisory Agreement; and (c) in the opinion of the Advisor, the total
commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to
the Fund over the long term.  The investment management fees paid by the Fund
under its Advisory Agreement are not reduced as a result of the Advisor's
receipt of research services.
    

         Generally, research services provided by brokers include information
on the economy, industries, groups of securities, individual companies,
statistical information, accounting and tax law interpretations, political
developments, legal developments affecting portfolio securities, technical
market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk
measurement analysis, performance analysis, and analysis of corporate
responsibility issues.  Such research services are received primarily in the
form of written reports, telephone contacts, and personal meetings with
security analysts.  In addition, such research services may be provided in the
form of access to various computer-generated data, computer hardware and
software, and meetings arranged with corporate and industry spokespersons,
economists, academicians, and government representatives.  In such cases,
research services are generated by third parties but are provided to the
Advisor by or through brokers.  Such brokers may pay for all or a portion of
computer hardware and software costs relating to the pricing of securities.

   
         Where the Advisor itself receives both administrative benefits and
research and brokerage services from the services provided by brokers, it makes
a good faith allocation between the administrative benefits and the research
and brokerage services, and will pay for any administrative benefits with cash.
In making good faith allocations between administrative benefits and research
and brokerage services, a conflict of interest may exist by reason of the
Advisor's allocation of the costs of such benefits and services between those
that primarily benefit the Advisor and those that primarily benefit the Fund
and other advisory clients.
    

   
         From time to time, the Advisor may purchase securities for the Fund in
a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the
selling group that will, in addition to selling the securities to the Fund and
other advisory clients, provide the Advisor with research. The National
Association of Securities Dealers has adopted rules expressly permitting these
types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will
provide research "credits" in these situations at a rate that is higher than
that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These
arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
    

   
         Each year, the Advisor considers the amount and nature of research and
research services provided by brokers, as well as the extent to which such
services are relied upon, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage
business of the Fund and other advisory clients on the basis of that
consideration. In addition, brokers may suggest a level of business they would
like to
    
                                       27





<PAGE>   95
receive in order to continue to provide such services. The actual brokerage
business received by a broker may be more or less than the suggested
allocations, depending upon the Advisor's evaluation of all applicable
considerations.

         During its last fiscal year, the Advisor had an arrangement with
various brokers whereby, in consideration of the providing of research
services, the Advisor allocated brokerage to those firms, provided that their
brokerage and research services were satisfactory to the Advisor and their
execution capabilities were compatible with the Advisor's policy of seeking
best execution at the best security price available, as discussed above.

   
         The Advisor may direct the purchase of securities on behalf of the
Fund and other advisory clients in secondary market transactions, in public
offerings directly from an underwriter, or in privately negotiated transactions
with an issuer. When the Advisor believes the circumstances so warrant,
securities purchased in public offerings may be resold shortly after
acquisition in the immediate aftermarket for the security in order to take
advantage of price appreciation from the public offering price or for other
reasons. Short-term trading of securities acquired in public offerings, or
otherwise, may result in higher portfolio turnover and associated brokerage
expenses.
    

   
         The Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts,
including other mutual funds managed by the Advisor.  Research services
furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities transactions
may be used by the Advisor in servicing all of their accounts; not all of such
services may be used by the Advisor, and Subadvisor, in connection with the
Fund.  In the opinion of the Advisor, it is not possible to separately measure
the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the
Fund) managed by the Advisor.  Because the volume and nature of the trading
activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of commissions in excess
of those charged by another broker paid by each account for brokerage and
research services will vary.  However, in the opinion of the Advisor, such
costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the
Fund on a continuing basis.
    

   
         The Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably
whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the
Fund and another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an
adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund.
In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the
main factors considered by the Advisor are the respective investment
objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable
securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of investment
commitments generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for
recommending the investment.
    

   
         Where consistent with a client's investment objectives, investment
restrictions, and risk tolerance, the Advisor may purchase securities sold in
underwritten public offerings for client accounts, commonly referred to as
"deal" securities.  The Advisor has adopted deal allocation procedures (the
"procedures"), summarized below, that reflect the Advisor's overriding policy
that deal securities must be allocated among participating client accounts in a
fair and equitable manner and that deal securities may not be allocated in a
manner that unfairly discriminates in favor of certain clients or types of
clients.
    

   
         The procedures provide that, in determining which client accounts a
portfolio manager team will seek to have purchase deal securities, the team
will consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the nature,
size, and expected allocation to the Advisor of deal securities; the size of
the account(s); the accounts' investment objectives and restrictions; the risk
tolerance of the client; the client's tolerance for possibly higher portfolio
turnover; the amount of commissions generated by the account during the past
year; and the number of other deals the client has participated in during the
past year.
    

   
         Where more than one of the Advisor portfolio manager team seeks to
have client accounts participate in a deal and the amount of deal securities
allocated to the Advisor by the underwriting syndicate is less than the
aggregate amount ordered by the Advisor (a "reduced allocation"), the deal
securities will be allocated among the portfolio manager teams based on all
relevant factors.  The primary factor shall be assets under management,
although other factors that may be considered in the allocation decision
include, but are not limited to, the nature, size, and expected Advisor
allocation of the deal; the amount of brokerage commissions or other amounts
generated by the respective participating portfolio manager teams; and which
portfolio manager team is primarily responsible for the Advisor receiving
securities in the deal.  Based on the relevant factors, the Advisor has
established general allocation percentages for its portfolio manager teams, and
these percentages are reviewed on a regular basis to
    
                                       28





<PAGE>   96
   
determine whether asset growth or other factors make it appropriate to use
different general allocation percentages for reduced allocations.
    

   
         When a portfolio manager team receives a reduced allocation of deal
securities, the portfolio manager team will allocate the reduced allocation
among client accounts in accordance with the allocation percentages set forth
in the team's initial allocation instructions for the deal securities, except
where this would result in a de minimis allocation to any client account.  On a
regular basis, the Advisor reviews the allocation of deal securities to ensure
that they have been allocated in a fair and equitable manner that does not
unfairly discriminate in favor of certain clients or types of clients.
    

                                   CUSTODIAN

   
         As custodian of the Fund's assets, Firstar Trust Company, P.O. Box
701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, has custody of all securities and cash of the
Fund, delivers and receives payment for securities sold, receives and pays for
securities purchased, collects income from investments and performs other
duties, all as directed by the officers of the Fund.  The custodian is in no
way responsible for any of the investment policies or decisions of the Fund.
    

                  TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT

   
         The Advisor acts as transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for
the Fund.  The Advisor is compensated based on an annual fee per open account
of $21.75 plus certain out-of-pocket expenses and a $4.20 charge per account
per annum on all closed accounts, payable monthly.  The Advisor also acts as
investment advisor for the Fund.  The fees received and the services provided
as transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent are in addition to those
received and provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement.  In
addition, the Advisor provides certain printing and mailing services for the
Fund, such as printing and mailing of shareholder account statements, checks,
and tax forms.
    

   
    

   
         From time to time, the Fund, directly or indirectly through
arrangements with the Advisor, and/or the Advisor may pay amounts to third
parties that provide transfer agent and other administrative services relating
to the Fund to persons who beneficially own interests in the Fund, such as
participants in 401(k) plans.  These services may include, among other things,
sub-accounting services, answering inquiries relating to the Fund,
transmitting, on behalf of the Fund, proxy statements, annual reports, updated
Prospectuses, other communications regarding the Fund, and related services as
the Fund or beneficial owners may reasonably request.  In such cases, the Fund
will not pay fees at a rate that is greater than the rate the Fund is currently
paying the Advisor for providing these services to Fund shareholders.
    

                                     TAXES

GENERAL

   
         As indicated under "About the Fund - Distributions and Taxes" in the
Prospectus, the Fund intends to continue to qualify annually for treatment as a
regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, (the "Code").  This qualification does not involve government
supervision of the Fund's management practices or policies.
    

   
         In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code, the Fund
must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (consisting generally of net investment
income, net short-term capital gain, and net gains from certain foreign
currency transactions) ("Distribution Requirements") and must meet several
additional requirements.  Among these requirements are the following: (1) the
Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from
the sale or other disposition of securities, foreign currencies, or other
income (including gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived
with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies
("Income Requirement"); (2) the Fund must derive less than 30% of its
    
                                       29





<PAGE>   97
   
gross income each taxable year from the sale or other disposition of
securities, or any of the following that was held for less than three months
- --  options or futures (other than those on foreign currencies), or foreign
currencies (or options, futures, or forward contracts thereon) that are not
directly related to the Fund's principal business of investing in securities
(or options and futures with respect to securities), or forward contracts ("30%
Limitation"); (3) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at
least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other
securities, with these other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer,
to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting
securities; and (4) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year,
not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in
securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other
RICs) of any one issuer.  From time to time the Advisor may find it necessary to
make certain types of investments for the purpose of ensuring that the Fund
continues to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code.
    


         If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or
less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital
loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares.

   
         The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise
Tax") to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year
substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net
income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain
other amounts.
    


FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS

   
         Interest and dividends received by the Fund may be subject to income,
withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S.  possessions
that would reduce the yield on its securities.  Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes,
however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in
respect of investments by foreign investors.
    

   
         The Fund maintains its accounts and calculates its income in U.S.
dollars.  In general, gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign
currencies and forward currency contracts, (2) from the disposition of
foreign-currency-denominated debt securities that are attributable to
fluctuations in exchange rates between the date the securities are acquired and
their disposition date, and (3) attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables or expenses or
other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund
actually collects those receivables or pays those liabilities, will be treated
as ordinary income or loss.  A foreign-currency-denominated debt security
acquired by the Fund may bear interest at a high normal rate that takes into
account expected decreases in the value of the principal amount of the security
due to anticipated currency devaluations; in that case, the Fund would be
required to include the interest in income as it accrues but generally would
realize a currency loss with respect to the principal only when the principal
was received (through disposition or upon maturity).
    

   
         The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment
companies" ("PFICs").  A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets
either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive
or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the
production of, passive income.  Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be
subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution"
received on the stock or of any gain on disposition of the stock (collectively,
"PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC
income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders.  The balance of the PFIC
income will be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and,
accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent that income is distributed
to its shareholders.  If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the
PFIC as a "qualified electing fund," then in lieu of the foregoing tax and
interest obligation, the Fund will be required to include in income each year
its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund's annual ordinary earnings
and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss) -- which probably would have to be distributed to its
shareholders to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of
the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings and gain were not received by the
Fund.  In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make
this election because of certain requirements thereof.
    

         The "Tax Simplification and Technical Corrections Bill of 1993,"
passed in May 1994 by the House of Representatives, would substantially modify
the taxation of U.S. shareholders of foreign corporations, including
eliminating the provisions described above dealing with PFICs and replacing
them (and other provisions) with a regulatory scheme involving entities called

                                       30
<PAGE>   98

 "passive foreign corporations." Three similar bills were passed by Congress in
1991 and 1992 and were vetoed.  It is unclear at this time whether, and in what
form, the proposed modifications may be enacted into law.

   
         Pursuant to proposed regulations, open-end RICs such as the Fund would
be entitled to elect to "mark-to-market" its stock in certain PFICs.
"Marking-to-market," in this context, means recognizing as gain for each
taxable year the excess, as of the end of that year, of the fair market value
of each such PFIC's stock over the adjusted basis in that stock (including
mark-to-market gain for each prior year for which an election was in effect).
    



                                       31





<PAGE>   99
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

   
         The use of derivatives strategies, such as purchasing and selling
(writing) options and futures and entering into foreign currency contracts,
involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the
character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes
in connection therewith.  Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies
(except certain gains therefrom that may be excluded by future regulations),
and income from transactions in options, futures, and forward currency
contracts derived by the Fund with respect to its business of investing in
securities or foreign currencies, will qualify as permissible income under the
Income Requirement.  However, income from the disposition of options and
futures (other than those on foreign currencies) will be subject to the 30%
Limitation if they are held for less than three months.  Income from the
disposition of foreign currencies, and options, futures, and forward contracts
on foreign currencies, that are not directly related to the Fund's principal
business of investing in securities (or options and futures with respect to
securities) also will be subject to the 30% Limitation if they are held for
less than three months.
    

   
         If the Fund satisfies certain requirements, any increase in value of a
position that is part of a "designated hedge" will be offset by any decrease in
value (whether realized or not) of the offsetting hedging position during the
period of the hedge for purposes of determining whether the Fund satisfies the
30% Limitation.  Thus, only the net gain (if any) from the designated hedge
will be included in gross income for purposes of that limitation.  The Fund
intends that, when they engage in hedging strategies, the hedging transactions
will qualify for this treatment, but at the present time it is not clear
whether this treatment will be available for all of the Fund's hedging
transactions.  To the extent this treatment is not available or is not elected
by the Fund, it may be forced to defer the closing out of certain options,
futures, or forward currency contracts beyond the time when it otherwise would
be advantageous to do so, in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a
RIC.
    

   
         For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to recognize as
income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on options,
futures, and forward currency contracts that are subject to section 1256 of the
Code ("Section 1256 Contracts") and are held by the Fund as of the end of the
year, as well as gains and losses on Section 1256 Contracts actually realized
during the year.  Except for Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a "mixed
straddle" and with respect to which the Fund makes a certain election, any gain
or loss recognized with respect to Section 1256 Contracts is considered to be
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss,
without regard to the holding period of the Section 1256 Contract.  Unrealized
gains on Section 1256 Contracts that have been held by the Fund for less than
three months as of the end of its taxable year, and that are recognized for
federal income tax purposes as described above, will not be considered gains on
investments held for less than three months for purposes of the 30% Limitation.
    

ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may acquire zero-coupon, step-coupon, or other securities
issued with original issue discount.  As a holder of those securities, the Fund
must include in its income the original issue discount that accrues on the
securities during the taxable year, even if the Fund receives no corresponding
payment on the securities during the year.  Similarly, the Fund must include in
its income securities it receives as "interest" on pay-in-kind securities.
Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment
company taxable income, including any original issue discount and other
non-cash income, to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition
of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular year to distribute as a
dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually
receives.  Those distributions may be made from the proceeds on sales of
portfolio securities, if necessary.  The Fund may realize capital gains or
losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment
company taxable income or net capital gain, or both.  In addition, any such
gains may be realized on the disposition of securities held for less than three
months.  Because of the 30% Limitation, any such gains would reduce the Fund's
ability to sell other securities, or certain options, futures, or forward
currency contracts, held for less that three months that it might wish to sell
in the ordinary course of its portfolio management.
    

   
         The foregoing federal tax discussion as well as the tax discussion
contained within the Prospectus under "About the Fund - Distributions and
Taxes" is intended to provide you with an overview of the impact of federal
income tax provisions on the Fund or its shareholders.  These tax provisions
are subject to change by legislative or administrative action at the federal,
state, or local level, and any changes may be applied retroactively.  Any such
action that limits or restricts the Fund's current ability to pass-through
earnings without taxation at the Fund level, or otherwise materially changes
the Fund's tax treatment, could
    
                                       32





<PAGE>   100
   
adversely affect the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund.  Because
the Fund's taxes are a complex matter, you should consult your tax adviser for
more detailed information concerning the taxation of the Fund and the federal,
state, and local tax consequences to shareholders of an investment in the Fund.
    

                        DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

   
         As set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Shareholder Manual -
Determining Your Share Price," the net asset value of the Fund will be
determined as of the close of trading on each day the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") is open for trading. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through
Friday except New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the
NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday, and when such
holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the
succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending
of a monthly or the yearly accounting period.
    

   
         Debt obligations are valued by a pricing service that utilizes
electronic data processing techniques to determine values for normal
institutional-sized trading units of debt obligations without regard to sale or
bid prices when such values are believed to more accurately reflect the fair
market value for such securities. Otherwise, sale or bid prices are used. Any
securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Fund. Debt obligations having remaining maturities of 60 days
or less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost method when the Fund's
Board of Directors determines that the fair value of such securities is their
amortized cost. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially valued
at its acquisition cost, and thereafter, amortization of any discount or
premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of the fluctuating rates
on the market value of the instrument.
    

                       ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION


TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES AND AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN

   
         Shares of the Fund and any other funds sponsored by the Advisor may be
exchanged for each other at relative net asset values.  Exchanges will be
effected by redemption of shares of the Fund held and purchase of shares of the
fund for which Fund shares are being exchanged (the "New Fund").  For federal
income tax purposes, any such exchange constitutes a sale upon which a capital
gain or loss will be realized, depending upon whether the value of the shares
being exchanged is more or less than the shareholder's adjusted cost basis.  If
you are interested in exercising any of these exchange privileges, you should
obtain Prospectuses of other funds sponsored by the Advisor from the Advisor.
Upon a telephone exchange, the transfer agent establishes a new account in the
New Fund with the same registration and dividend and capital gains options as
the redeemed account, unless otherwise specified, and confirms the purchase to
you.
    

   
      The Fund employs reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. The Fund may not be liable for losses
due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Such procedures include but are
not limited to requiring a form of personal identification prior to acting on
instructions received by telephone, providing written confirmations of such
transactions to the address of record, and tape recording telephone
instructions.
    

   
      The Telephone Exchange and Redemption Privileges and Automatic Exchange
Plan are available only in states where shares of the New Fund may be sold, and
may be modified or discontinued at any time.  Additional information regarding
the Telephone Exchange and Redemption Privileges and Automatic Exchange Plan is
contained in the Fund's Prospectus.
    

                                       33





<PAGE>   101
RETIREMENT PLANS

Individual Retirement Account (IRA): Everyone under age 70 1/2 with earned
income may contribute to a tax-deferred IRA. The Strong Funds offer a prototype
plan for you to establish your own IRA. You are allowed to contribute up to the
lesser of $2,000 or 100% of your earned income each year to your IRA. Under
certain circumstances, your contribution will be deductible.

Direct Rollover IRA: To avoid the mandatory 20% federal withholding tax on
distributions,  you must transfer the qualified retirement or Code section
403(b) plan distribution directly into an IRA. This tax cannot be avoided if
you receive a distribution and then roll it over into an IRA. The amount of
your Direct Rollover IRA contribution will not be included in your taxable
income for the year.

Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP-IRA): A SEP-IRA allows an employer to
make deductible contributions to separate IRA accounts established for each
eligible employee.

Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SAR SEP-IRA): A SAR SEP-IRA
is a type of SEP-IRA in which an employer may allow employees to defer part of
their salaries and contribute into an IRA account. These deferrals help lower
the employees' taxable income.

Defined Contribution Plan: A defined contribution plan allows self-employed
individuals, partners, or a corporation to provide retirement benefits for
themselves and their employees. There are three plan types: a profit-sharing
plan, a money purchase pension plan, and a paired plan (a combination of a
profit-sharing plan and a money purchase plan).

401(k) Plan: A 401(k) plan is a type of profit-sharing plan that allows
employees to have part of their salary contributed to a retirement plan which
will earn tax-deferred income. A 401(k) plan is funded by employee
contributions, employer contributions, or a combination of both.

403(b)(7) Plan: A tax-sheltered custodial account designed to qualify under
section 403(b)(7) of the Code is available for use by employees of certain
educational, non-profit, hospital, and charitable organizations.

                               FUND ORGANIZATION

   
         The Fund is a series of common stock of Strong Conservative Equity
Funds, Inc. (formerly known as Strong American Utilities Fund, Inc.), a
Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation").  The Corporation was incorporated on
December 28, 1990 and is authorized to issue 10,000,000,000 shares of common
stock and series and classes of series of shares of common stock, with a par
value of $ .00001 per share.  The Corporation is authorized to issue
300,000,000 shares of common stock of the Fund.  The shares in any one
portfolio may, in turn, be offered in separate classes, each with differing
preferences, limitations or relative rights.  However, the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation provides that if additional classes of shares are
issued by the Fund, such new classes of shares may not affect the preferences,
limitations or relative rights of the Fund's outstanding shares.  In addition,
the Corporation's Board is authorized to allocate assets, liabilities, income,
and expenses to each series and class.  Classes within a series may have
different expense arrangements than other classes of the same series and,
accordingly, the net asset value of shares within a series may differ.
Finally, all holders of shares of the Corporation may vote on each matter
presented to shareholders for action except with respect to any matter which
affects only one or more series or class, in which case only the shares of the
affected series or class are entitled to vote.  Fractional shares have the same
rights proportionately as do full shares.  Shares of the Fund have no
preemptive, conversion, or subscription rights.  The Corporation currently has
two series of common stock outstanding.  If the Corporation issues additional
series, the assets belonging to each series of shares will be held separately
by the custodian, and in effect each series will be a separate fund.
    

   
    

   
    

                                       34





<PAGE>   102

                              SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS

   
         The Wisconsin Business Corporation Law permits registered investment
companies, such as the Fund, to operate without an annual meeting of
shareholders under specified circumstances if an annual meeting is not required
by the 1940 Act.  The Fund has adopted the appropriate provisions in its Bylaws
and may, at their discretion, not hold an annual meeting in any year in which
the election of directors is not required to be acted on by shareholders under
the 1940 Act.
    

   
         The Corporation's Bylaws allow for a director to be removed by its
shareholders with or without cause, only at a meeting called for the purpose of
removing the director.  Upon the written request of the holders of shares
entitled to not less than ten percent (10%) of all the votes entitled to be
cast at such meeting, the Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly call a
special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of
removal of any director.  The Secretary of the Corporation shall inform such
shareholders of the reasonable estimated costs of preparing and mailing the
notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the Corporation of such costs, the
Corporation shall give not less than ten nor more than sixty days notice of the
special meeting.
    

                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

   
         As described in the "About the Fund - Performance Information" section
of the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund's historical performance or return may be
shown in the form of "average annual total return," "total return," and
"cumulative total return."  From time to time, the Advisor may agree to waive
or reduce its management fee and to absorb certain operating expenses for the
Fund.  Without these waivers and absorption of expenses, the performance
results for the Fund noted herein would have been lower.  All performance and
returns noted herein are historical and do not represent the future performance
of the Fund.
    

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
         The Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in
accordance with a standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC.  The
average annual total return for the Fund for a specific period is found by
first taking a hypothetical $10,000 investment ("initial investment") in the
Fund's shares on the first day of the period and computing the "redeemable
value" of that investment at the end of the period.  The redeemable value is
then divided by the initial investment, and this quotient is taken to the Nth
root (N representing the number of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted
from the result, which is then expressed as a percentage.  The calculation
assumes that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
Average annual total return figures for various periods are set forth in the
table below.
    

TOTAL RETURN

   
         Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a
standardized formula.  Total return performance for a specific period is
calculated by first taking an investment (assumed below to be $10,000)
("initial investment") in the Fund's shares on the first day of the period and
computing the "ending value" of that investment at the end of the period.  The
total return percentage is then determined by subtracting the initial
investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial
investment and expressing the result as a percentage.  The calculation assumes
that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been
reinvested at net asset value of the Fund on the reinvestment dates during the
period.  Total return may also be shown as the increased dollar value of the
hypothetical investment over the period.  Total return figures for various
periods are set forth in the table below.
    



                                       35





<PAGE>   103
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

         Cumulative total return represents the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period and may be quoted as a percentage or as a
dollar amount.  Total returns and cumulative total returns may be broken down
into their components of income and capital (including capital gains and
changes in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship between these
factors and their contributions to total return.

   
         The Fund's performance figures are based upon historical results and
do not represent future performance.  The Fund's shares are sold at net asset
value per share.  The Fund's returns and net asset value will fluctuate and
shares are redeemable at the then current net asset value of the Fund, which
may be more or less than original cost.  Factors affecting the Fund's
performance include general market conditions, operating expenses, and
investment management.  Any additional fees charged by a dealer or other
financial services firm would reduce the returns described in this section.
    

   
    

YIELD

   
         The Fund's yield is computed in accordance with a standardized method
prescribed by rules of the SEC.  Under that method, the current yield quotation
for the Fund is based on a one month or 30-day period.  The yield is computed
by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the 30-day or one
month period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period, according to the following formula:
    

                                                  6
                              YIELD = 2[( a-b + 1) - 1]
                                          ---
                                          cd

Where    a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
         b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
         c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
             that were entitled to receive dividends.
         d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.

   
         In computing its yield, the Fund follows certain standardized
accounting practices specified by rules of the SEC.  These practices are not
necessarily consistent with those that the Fund uses to prepare annual and
interim financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
    

DISTRIBUTION RATE

   
         The distribution rate for the Fund is computed, according to a
non-standardized formula, by dividing the total amount of actual distributions
per share paid by the Fund over a twelve month period by the Fund's net asset
value on the last day of the period.  The distribution rate differs from the
Fund's yield because the distribution rate includes distributions to
shareholders from sources other than dividends and interest, such as premium
income from option writing and short-term capital gains.  Therefore, the Fund's
distribution rate may be substantially different than its yield.  Both the
Fund's yield and distribution rate will fluctuate.
    

COMPARISONS
   

(1)      U.S. TREASURY BILLS, NOTES, OR BONDS
         Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of
U.S. Treasury bills, notes, or bonds, which are issued by the U.S.  Government.
Treasury obligations are issued in selected denominations.  Rates of Treasury
obligations are fixed at the time of issuance and payment of principal and
interest is backed by the full faith and credit of the Treasury.  The
    

                                       36





<PAGE>   104

   
market value of such instruments will generally fluctuate inversely with
interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at maturity.
Generally, the values of obligations with shorter maturities will fluctuate
less than those with longer maturities.
    



                                       37





<PAGE>   105

   

(2)      CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
         Investors may want to compare the Fund's performance to that of
certificates of deposit offered by banks and other depositary institutions.
Certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and
principal is guaranteed and may be insured.  Withdrawal of the deposits prior
to maturity normally will be subject to a penalty.  Rates offered by banks and
other depositary institutions are subject to change at any time specified by
the issuing institution.
    

(3)      MONEY MARKET FUNDS
   
         Investors may also want to compare performance of the Fund to that of
money market funds.  Money market fund yields will fluctuate and shares are not
insured, but share values usually remain stable.
    

(4)      LIPPER ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. ("LIPPER") AND OTHER INDEPENDENT
RANKING ORGANIZATIONS
   
         From time to time, in marketing and other fund literature, the Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of other mutual funds in general
or to the performance of particular types of mutual funds with similar
investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations.  Among these
organizations, Lipper, a widely used independent research firm which ranks
mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, may be
cited.  Lipper performance figures are based on changes in net asset value,
with all income and capital gains dividends reinvested.  Such calculations do
not include the effect of any sales charges imposed by other funds.  The Fund
will be compared to Lipper's appropriate fund category, that is, by fund
objective and portfolio holdings.  The Fund's performance may also be compared
to the average performance of its Lipper category.
    

(5)      MORNINGSTAR, INC.
   
         The Fund's performance may also be compared to the performance of
other mutual funds by Morningstar, Inc., which rates funds on the basis of
historical risk and total return.  Morningstar's ratings range from five stars
(highest) to one star (lowest) and represent Morningstar's assessment of the
historical risk level and total return of a fund as a weighted average for 3,
5, and 10 year periods.  Ratings are not absolute and do not represent future
results.
    

(6)      INDEPENDENT SOURCES
   
         Evaluations of Fund performance made by independent sources may also
be used in advertisements concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or
selections from, editorials or articles about the Fund, especially those with
similar objectives.  Sources for Fund performance and articles about the Fund
may include publications such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's, Smart Money,
Financial World, Business Week, U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street
Journal, Barron's and a variety of investment newsletters.
    

 (7)   INDICES
   
       The Fund may compare its performance to a wide variety of indices
       including the following:
    

                 (a)      The Consumer Price Index
                 (b)      Dow Jones Average of 30 Industrials
                 (c)      Dow Jones Utility Average
                 (d)      Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index
                 (e)      Standard & Poor's Utility Index
                 (f)      NASDAQ Over-the-Counter Composite Index
                 (g)      Russell 1000 Stock Index
                 (h)      Russell 1000 Growth Index
                 (i)      Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
                 (j)      Russell 2500 Stock Index
                 (k)      Russell 3000 Stock Index
                 (l)      Russell Midcap Index
   
                 (m)      Russell Midcap Growth Index
    
                 (n)      Salomon Brothers Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index
   
                 (o)      Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
    

                                       38





<PAGE>   106


   
          There are differences and similarities between the investments that
the Fund may purchase and the investments measured by the indices which are
noted herein.
    

(8)      HISTORICAL ASSET CLASS RETURNS
         From time to time, marketing materials may portray the historical
returns of various asset classes.  Such presentations will typically compare
the average annual rates of return of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, bonds,
common stocks, and small stocks. There are important differences between each
of these investments that should be considered in viewing any such comparison.
The market value of stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and
small-stock prices generally will fluctuate more than large-stock prices.
Stocks are generally more volatile than bonds.  In return for this volatility,
stocks have generally performed better than bonds or cash over time.  Bond
prices generally will fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market
conditions, and the prices of bonds with longer maturities generally will
fluctuate more than those of shorter-maturity bonds. Interest rates for bonds
may be fixed at the time of issuance, and payment of principal and interest may
be guaranteed by the issuer and, in the case of U.S. Treasury obligations,
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.

(9)      STRONG FAMILY OF FUNDS
         The Strong Family of Funds offers a comprehensive range of
conservative to aggressive investment options. All of the members of the Strong
Family and their investment objectives are listed below. The Funds are listed
in ascending order of risk and return, as determined by the Funds' Advisor.



                                       39





<PAGE>   107

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND NAME                                            INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
<S>                                                 <C>
Strong U.S. Treasury Money Fund                      Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
Strong Money Market Fund                             Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
Strong Heritage Money Fund                           Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
Strong Municipal Money Market Fund                   Federally tax-exempt current income, a stable share-price, and daily 
                                                     liquidity.      
Strong Advantage Fund                                Current income with a very low degree of share-price fluctuation.
Strong Municipal Advantage Fund                      Federally tax-emempt current income with a very low degree of share-price
                                                     fluctuation.
Strong Short-Term Bond Fund                          Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a low degree
                                                     of share-price fluctuation.
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund                Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current
                                                     income with a low degree of share-price fluctuation.
Strong Short-Term Global Bond Fund                   Total return by investing for a high level of income with a low degree of
                                                     share-price fluctuation.
Strong Government Securities Fund                    Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate
                                                     degree of share-price fluctuation.
Strong Insured Municipal Bond Fund                   Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current
                                                     income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
Strong Municipal Bond Fund                           Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current
                                                     income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
Strong Corporate Bond Fund                           Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate
                                                     degree of share-price fluctuation.
Strong International Bond Fund                       High total return by investing for both income and capital appreciation.
Strong High-Yield Bond Fund                          Total return by investing for a high level of current income and capital 
                                                     growth.
Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund                Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current 
                                                     income.
Strong Asset Allocation Fund                         High total return consistent with reasonable risk over the long term.
Strong Equity Income Fund*                           Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
Strong American Utilities Fund                       Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
Strong Total Return Fund                             High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
Strong Growth and Income Fund*                       High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
Strong Value Fund                                    Capital growth.
Strong Opportunity Fund                              Capital growth.
Strong Growth Fund                                   Capital growth.
Strong Common Stock Fund*                            Capital growth.
Strong Small Cap Fund*                               Capital growth.
Strong Discovery Fund                                Capital growth.
Strong International Stock Fund                      Capital growth.
Strong Asia Pacific Fund                             Capital growth.
</TABLE>
    


   
* The Fund is currently closed to new investors.
    

         The Advisor also serves as Advisor or Subadvisor to several management
investment companies, some of which fund variable annuity separate accounts of
certain insurance companies.

                                       40





<PAGE>   108
   
         The Fund may from time to time be compared to the other funds in the
Strong Family of Funds based on a risk/reward spectrum.  In general, the amount
of risk associated with any investment product is commensurate with that
product's potential level of reward. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum or
any Fund's position on the continuum may be described or diagrammed in
marketing materials.  The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum positions the risk
and reward potential of each Strong Fund relative to the other Strong Funds,
but is not intended to position any Strong Fund relative to other mutual funds
or investment products. Marketing materials may also discuss the relationship
between risk and reward as it relates to an individual investor's portfolio.
    

   
(10)     TYING TIME FRAMES TO YOUR GOALS

         There are many issues to consider as you make your investment
decisions, including analyzing your risk tolerance, investing experience, and
asset allocations.  You should start to organize your investments by learning
to link your many financial goals to specific time frames.  Then you can begin
to identify the appropriate types of investments to help meet your goals.  As a
general rule of thumb, the longer your time horizon, the more price fluctuation
you will be able to tolerate in pursuit of higher returns.  For that reason,
many people with longer-term goals select stocks or long-term bonds, and many
people with nearer-term goals match those up with for instance, short-term
bonds.  The Advisor developed the following suggested holding periods to help
our investors set realistic expectations for both the risk and reward potential
of our funds.  (See table below.)  Of course, time is just one element to
consider when making your investment decision.
    

   
                 STRONG FUNDS SUGGESTED MINIMUM HOLDING PERIODS
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          UNDER 1 YEAR             1 TO 2 YEARS                  4 TO 7 YEARS              5 OR MORE YEARS
                          ------------             ------------                  ------------              ---------------
                    <S>                        <C>                           <C>                          <C>
                    U.S. Treasury Money Fund   Advantage Fund                Government Securities        Total Return Fund
                    Money Market Fund          Municipal Advantage Fund      Fund                         Opportunity Fund
                    Heritage Money Fund                                      Insured Municipal Bond       Growth Fund
                    Municipal Money Market         2 TO 4 YEARS                 Fund                     Common Stock Fund*
                    Fund                           ------------              Municipal Bond Fund          Discovery Fund        
                                               Short-Term Bond Fund          Corporate Bond Fund          International Stock
                                               Short-Term Municipal Bond     International Bond Fund      Fund   
                                               Fund                          High-Yield Municipal Bond    Asia Pacific Fund
                                               Short-Term Global Bond        Fund                         Value Fund       
                                               Fund                          Asset Allocation Fund        Small Cap Fund*  
                                                                             American Utilities Fund      Equity Income Fund*  
                                                                             High-Yield Bond Fund         Growth and Income
                                                                                                          Fund*
                                                       
</TABLE>


*This fund is currently closed to new investors.
    

ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION

(1)      PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS
   
         In order to present a more complete picture of the Fund's portfolio,
marketing materials may include various actual or estimated portfolio
characteristics, including but not limited to median market capitalizations,
earnings per share, alphas, betas, price/earnings ratios, returns on equity,
dividend yields, capitalization ranges, growth rates, price/book ratios, top
holdings, sector breakdowns, asset allocations, quality breakdowns, and
breakdowns by geographic region.
    


(2)      MEASURES OF VOLATILITY AND RELATIVE PERFORMANCE

   
         Occasionally statistics may be used to specify Fund volatility or
risk. The general premise is that greater volatility connotes greater risk
undertaken in achieving performance.  Measures of volatility or risk are
generally used to compare the Fund's net asset value or performance relative to
a market index.  One measure of volatility is beta.  Beta is the volatility of
a fund relative to the total market as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500
Stock Index.  A beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility
    

                                       41





<PAGE>   109
   
greater than the market, and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less
than the market.  Another measure of volatility or risk is standard deviation.
Standard deviation is a statistical tool that measures the degree to which the
fund's performance has varied from its average performance during a particular
time period.  Standard deviation is calculated using the following formula:
    

                                                         2
      Standard deviation = the square root of  E(x - x)
                                                  i    m
                                               -----------
                                                 n-1
where   E  = "the sum of",
        x  = each individual return during the time period,
         i
        x  = the average return over the time period, and
         m
        n  = the number of individual returns during the time period.


   
         Statistics may also be used to discuss the Fund's relative
performance. One such measure is alpha. Alpha measures the actual return of a
fund compared to the expected return of a fund given its risk (as measured by
beta).  The expected return is based on how the market as a whole performed,
and how the particular fund has historically performed against the market.
Specifically, alpha is the actual return less the expected return. The expected
return is computed by multiplying the advance or decline in a market
representation by the fund's beta. A positive alpha quantifies the value that
the fund manager has added, and a negative alpha quantifies the value that the
fund manager has lost.
    


         Other measures of volatility and relative performance may be used as
appropriate. However, all such measures will fluctuate and do not represent
future results.

                              GENERAL INFORMATION

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY

         The Advisor is an independent, Midwestern-based investment advisor,
owned by professionals active in its management. Recognizing that investors are
the focus of its business, the Advisor strives for excellence both in
investment management and in the service provided to investors. This commitment
affects many aspects of the business, including professional staffing, product
development, investment management, and service delivery.  Through its
commitment to excellence, the Advisor intends to benefit investors and to
encourage them to think of Strong Funds as their mutual fund family.

         The increasing complexity of the capital markets requires specialized
skills and processes for each asset class and style. Therefore, the Advisor
believes that active management should produce greater returns than a passively
managed index.  The Advisor has brought together a group of top-flight
investment professionals with diverse product expertise, and each concentrates
on their investment specialty. The Advisor believes that people are the firm's
most important asset. For this reason, continuity of professionals is critical
to the firm's long-term success.

INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT


   
         Discussions of economic, social, and political conditions and their
impact on the Fund may be used in advertisements and sales materials.  Such
factors that may impact the Fund include, but are not limited to, changes in
interest rates, political developments, the competitive environment, consumer
behavior, industry trends, technological advances, macroeconomic trends, and
the supply and demand of various financial instruments.  In addition, marketing
materials may cite the portfolio management's views or interpretations of such
factors.

    


                                       42





<PAGE>   110

EIGHT BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING

         These common sense rules are followed by many successful investors.
They make sense for beginners, too. If you have a question on these principles,
or would like to discuss them with us, please contact us at 1-800-368-3863.

1.   Have a plan -- even a simple plan can help you take control of your
     financial future. Review your plan once a year, or if your circumstances
     change.

2.   Start investing as soon as possible. Make time a valuable ally. Let it put
     the power of compounding to work for you, while helping to reduce your
     potential investment risk.

3.   Diversify your portfolio. By investing in different asset classes --
     stocks, bonds, and cash -- you help protect against poor performance in one
     type of investment while including investments most likely to help you
     achieve your important goals.

4.   Invest regularly. Investing is a process, not a one-time event.  By
     investing regularly over the long term, you reduce the impact of
     short-term market gyrations, and you attend to your long-term plan before
     you're tempted to spend those assets on short-term needs.

5.   Maintain a long-term perspective. For most individuals, the best
     discipline is staying invested as market conditions change. Reactive,
     emotional investment decisions are all too often a source of regret -- and
     principal loss.

6.   Consider stocks to help achieve major long-term goals. Over time, stocks
     have provided the more powerful returns needed to help the value of your
     investments stay well ahead of inflation.

7.   Keep a comfortable amount of cash in your portfolio. To meet current
     needs, including emergencies, use a money market fund or a bank account --
     not your long-term investment assets.

8.   8.  Know what you're buying. Make sure you understand the potential risks
     and rewards associated with each of your investments. Ask questions...
     request information...make up your own mind. And choose a fund company
     that helps you make informed investment decisions.

STRONG RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES

         Strong Retirement Plan Services offers a full menu of high quality,
affordable retirement plan options, including traditional money purchase
pension and profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, simplified employee pension
plans, salary reduction plans, Keoghs, and 403(b) plans.  Retirement plan
specialists are available to help companies determine which type of retirement
plan may be appropriate for their particular situation.

Markets:

         The retirement plan services provided by the Advisor focus on four
distinct markets, based on the belief that a retirement plan should fit the
customer's needs, not the other way around.

1.  Small company plans.  Small company plans are designed for companies with
    1-50 plan participants.  The objective is to incorporate the features and
    benefits typically reserved for large companies, such as sophisticated
    recordkeeping systems, outstanding service, and investment expertise, into
    a small company plan without administrative hassles or undue expense.
    Small company plan sponsors receive a comprehensive plan administration
    manual as well as toll-free telephone support.


                                       43





<PAGE>   111

2.  Large company plans.  Large company plans are designed for companies with
    between 51 and 1,000 plan participants.  Each large company plan is
    assigned a team of professionals consisting of an account manager, who is
    typically an attorney, CPA, or holds a graduate degree in business, a
    conversion specialist (if applicable), an accounting manager, a
    legal/technical manager, and an education/communications educator.

3.  Women-owned businesses.

    Non-profit and educational organizations (the 403(b) market).

Turnkey approach:

    The retirement plans offered by the Advisor are designed to be streamlined
and simple to administer.  To this end, the Advisor has invested heavily in the
equipment, systems, and people necessary to adopt or convert a plan, and to
keep it running smoothly.  The Advisor provides all aspects of the plan,
including plan design, administration, recordkeeping, and investment
management.  To streamline plan design, the Advisor provides customizable
IRS-approved prototype documents.  The Advisor's services also include annual
government reporting and testing as well as daily valuation of each
participant's account.  This structure is intended to eliminate the confusion
and complication often associated with dealing with multiple vendors.  It is
also designed to save plan sponsors time and expense.

    The Advisor strives to provide one-stop retirement savings programs that
combine the advantages of proven investment management, flexible plan design
and a wide range of investment options.  The open architecture design of the
plans allow for the use of the family of mutual funds managed by the Advisor as
well as a stable asset value option.  Large company plans may supplement these
options with their company stock (if publicly traded) or funds from other
well-known mutual fund families.

Education:

    Participant education and communication is key to the success of any
retirement program, and therefore is one of the most important services that
the Advisor provides.  The Advisor's goal is twofold: to make sure that plan
participants fully understand their options and to educate them about the
lifelong investment process.  To this end, the Advisor provides attractive,
readable print materials that are supplemented with audio and video tapes and
retirement education programs.

Service:

    The Advisor's goal is to provide a world class level of service.  One
aspect of that service is an experienced, knowledgeable team that provides
ongoing support for plan sponsors, both at adoption or conversion and
throughout the life of a plan.  The Advisor is committed to delivering accurate
and timely information, evidenced by straightforward, complete, and
understandable reports, participant account statements and plan summaries.

    The Advisor has designed both "high-tech" and "high-touch" systems,
providing an automated telephone system as well as personal contact.
Participants can access daily account information, conduct transactions, or
have questions answered in the way that is most comfortable for them.

STRONG FINANCIAL ADVISORS GROUP

         The Strong Financial Advisors Group is dedicated to helping financial
advisors better serve their clients.  Financial advisors receive regular
updates on the mutual funds managed by the Advisor, access to portfolio
managers through special conference calls, consolidated mailings of duplicate
confirmation statements, access to the Advisor's network of regional
representatives, and other specialized services.  For more information on the
Strong Financial Advisors Group, call 1-800-368-1683.


                                       44





<PAGE>   112

                              PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

         Each portfolio manager works with a team of analysts, traders, and
administrative personnel. From time to time, marketing materials may discuss
various members of the team, including their education, investment experience,
and other credentials.

   
    

                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

         Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202, are the independent accountants for the Fund, providing audit
services and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of
filings with the SEC.

                                 LEGAL COUNSEL
   
         Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., 780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202, acts as outside legal counsel for the Fund.
    

   
    





                                     45

<PAGE>   113

                                    APPENDIX

                                  BOND RATINGS

                         Standard & Poor's Debt Ratings

         A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal debt rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific
obligation.  This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as
guarantors, insurers, or lessees.

         The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.

         The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer
or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable.  S&P does not
perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information.  The ratings may be changed, suspended, or
withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or
for other circumstances.

         The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:

        1.  Likelihood of default -- capacity and willingness of the obligor as
            to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in
            accordance with the terms of the obligation.

        2.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

        3.  Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
            the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under
            the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

INVESTMENT GRADE
         AAA Debt rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's.  Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

         AA Debt rated 'AA' has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.

         A Debt rated 'A' has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.

         BBB Debt rated 'BBB' is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

SPECULATIVE GRADE
         Debt rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC' and 'C' is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal.  'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation
and 'C' the highest.  While such debt will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

         BB Debt rated 'BB' has less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues.  However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
the 'BB' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied 'BBB-' rating.





                                     A-1
<PAGE>   114


         B Debt rated 'B' has a greater vulnerability to default but currently
has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.  Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal.  The 'B' rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied 'BB' or 'BB-' rating.

         CCC Debt rated 'CCC' has a currently identifiable vulnerability to
default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal.  In
the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not
likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.  The 'CCC'
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied 'B' or 'B-' rating.

         CC Debt rated 'CC' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating.

         C Debt rated 'C' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC-' debt rating.  The 'C' rating
may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed,
but debt service payments are continued.

         CI the rating 'CI' is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid.

         D  Debt rated 'D' is in payment default.  The 'D' rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grade period.  The 'D' rating also will
be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.

                         MOODY'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS

         Aaa  - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edged".  Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure.  While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

         Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards.  Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds.  They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.

         A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations.  Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the
future.

         Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured).
interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time.  Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.

         Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well-assured. often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.  Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.

         B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment.  Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.


                                     A-2
<PAGE>   115


         Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing.  Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.

         Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree.  Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

         C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
          
                   FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. BOND RATINGS


         Fitch Investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security.  The ratings
represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations of
a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.

         The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.

         Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be
provided by insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise
indicated.

         Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small
differences in the degrees of credit risk.

         Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any
security.  Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the
suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature
or taxability of payments made in respect of any security.

         Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other
obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources fitch believes to be
reliable.  Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information.  Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
          
        AAA     Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
                credit quality.  The obligor has an exceptionally strong 
                ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely 
                to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
         
        AA      Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
                quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay 
                principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds
                rated 'AAA'.  Because bonds rated in the 'AAA'  and 'AA' 
                categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable 
                future developments, short-term debt of the issuers is 
                generally rated 'F-1+'.
         
        A       Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
                quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay 
                principal is considered to be strong, but may be more 
                vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and 
                circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.





                                     A-3
<PAGE>   116

        BBB      Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
                 credit quality.  The obligor's ability to pay interest and 
                 repay principal is considered to be adequate.  Adverse changes
                 in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more 
                 likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore 
                 impair timely payment.  The likelihood that the ratings of 
                 these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than 
                 for bonds with higher ratings.

         Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security.  The ratings
('BB' to 'C') represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment
of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond
issues not in default.  For defaulted bonds, the rating ('DDD' to 'D') is an
assessment of the ultimate recovery value through reorganization or
liquidation.

         The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength.

         Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories cannot fully reflect the
differences in the degrees of credit risk.  Moreover, the character of the risk
factor varies from industry to industry and between corporate, health care and
municipal obligations.

          
        BB     Bonds are considered speculative.  The obligor's ability to pay
               interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
               economic changes.  However, business and financial alternatives
               can be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying 
               its debt service requirements.

        B      Bonds are considered highly speculative.  While bonds in this
               class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the 
               probability of continued timely payment of principal and 
               interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and 
               the need for reasonable business and economic activity 
               throughout the life of the issue.
        
        CCC    Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not
               remedied, may lead to default.  The ability to meet obligations
               requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
        
        CC     Bonds are minimally protected.  Default in payment of interest
               and/or principal seems probable over time.
         
        C      Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or 
               principal.

        DDD,  
        DD, 
        AND D  Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.  
               Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on
               the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or
               reorganization of the obligor.  'DDD' represents the highest
               potential for recovery of these bonds, and 'D' represents the 
               lowest potential for recovery.
                      

                   DUFF & PHELPS, INC. LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS

         These ratings represent a summary opinion of the issuer's long-term
fundamental quality.  Rating determination is based on qualitative and
quantitative factors which may vary according to the basic economic and
financial characteristics of each industry and each issuer.  Important
considerations are vulnerability to economic cycles as well as risks related to
such factors as competition, government action, regulation, technological
obsolescence, demand shifts, cost structure, and management depth and
expertise.  The projected viability of the obligor at the trough of the cycle
is a critical determination.





                                     A-4
<PAGE>   117

         Each rating also takes into account the legal form of the security,
(e.g., first mortgage bonds, subordinated debt, preferred stock, etc.).  The
extent of rating dispersion among the various classes of securities is
determined by several factors including relative weightings of the different
security classes in the capital structure, the overall credit strength of the
issuer, and the nature of covenant protection.  Review of indenture
restrictions is important to the analysis of a company's operating and
financial constraints.

         The Credit Rating Committee formally reviews all ratings once per
quarter (more frequently, if necessary).   Ratings of 'BBB-' and higher fall
within the definition of investment grade securities, as defined by bank and
insurance supervisory authorities.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Scale              Definition
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
AAA                       Highest credit quality.  The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more
                          than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+                       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong.  Risk is modest, but may
AA                        vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
AA-  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
A+                        Protection factors are average but adequate.  However, risk factors are more
A                         variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
A-   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
BBB+                      Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for prudent
BBB                       investment.  Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
BBB- 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
BB+                       Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
BB                        Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
BB-                       industry conditions or company fortunes.  Overall quality may move up or
                          down frequently within this category.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B+                        Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be met
B                         when due.  Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to
B-                        economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes.  Potential
                          exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher
                          or lower rating grade.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
CCC                       Well below investment grade securities.  Considerable uncertainty exists as to
                          timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends.
                          Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
                          economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                     A-5
<PAGE>   118


DD                        Defaulted debt obligations.  Issuer failed to meet
                          scheduled principal and/or interest payments.
DP                        Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               SHORT-TERM RATINGS

                   STANDARD & POOR'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant
market.

         Ratings graded into several categories, ranging from 'A-1' for the
highest quality obligations to 'D' for the lowest.  These categories are as
follows:

         A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is strong.  Those issues determined to possess
extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+)
designation.

         A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory.  However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated 'A-1'.

         A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment.  They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.

         B Issues rated 'B' are regarded as having only speculative capacity
for timely payment.

         C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with doubtful
capacity for payment.

         D Debt rated 'D' is in payment default.  The 'D' rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due,
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period.


                         STANDARD & POOR'S NOTE RATINGS

         A S&P note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market-access
risks unique to notes.  Notes maturing in three years or less  will likely
receive a note rating.  Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating.

         The following criteria will be used in making the assessment:

              Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to
              other maturities, the more likely the issue is to be treated as a 
              note.

              Source of payment - the more the issue depends on the market for  
              its refinancing, the more likely it is to be considered a note.

         The note rating symbols and definitions are as follows:

         SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest.  Issues determined
to possess very strong characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.





                                     A-6
<PAGE>   119


         SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay interest and principal, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.

         SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.


                        MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         The term "commercial paper" as used by Moody's means promissory
obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months.  Moody's
makes no representation as to whether such commercial paper is by any other
definition "commercial paper" or is exempt from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of
issuers to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original
maturity in excess of nine months.  Moody's makes no representation that such
obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, nor
does it represent that any specific note is a valid obligation of a rated
issuer or issued in conformity with any applicable law.  Moody's employs the
following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate
the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:

         Issuers rated PRIME-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a
superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.  Prime-1
repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:
(i) leading market positions in well established industries, (ii) high rates of
return on funds employed, (iii) conservative capitalization structures with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection, (iv) broad margins in
earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation,
and (v) well established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.

         Issuers rated PRIME-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a
strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.  This will
normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a
lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more
subject to variation.  Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate,
may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample alternate liquidity is
maintained.

         Issuers rated PRIME-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an
acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.  The
effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more
pronounced.  Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in
the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively
high financial leverage.  Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

         Issuers rated NOT PRIME do not fall within any of the prime rating
categories.

                              MOODY'S NOTE RATINGS

         MIG 1/VMIG 1  This designation denotes best quality.  There is present
strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
demonstrated broad based access to the market for refinancing.

         MIG 2/VMIG 2  This designation denotes high quality.  Margins of
protection are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

         MIG 3/VMIG 3  This designation denotes favorable quality.  All
security elements are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable
strength of the preceding grades.  Liquidity and cash flow protection may be
narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

         MIG 4/VMIG 4  This designation denotes adequate quality.  Protection
commonly regarded as required of an investment security is present and although
not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.





                                     A-7
<PAGE>   120


         SG  This designation denotes speculative quality.  Debt instruments in
this category lack margins of protection.
              

                FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. SHORT-TERM RATINGS

         Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable
on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and
investment notes.

         The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating
on the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a
timely manner.
          
F-1+     (Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating are
         regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely
         payment.

F-1      (Very Strong Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating reflect an
         assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues
         rated 'F-1+'.
     
F-2      (Good Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
         degree of assurance for timely payment but the margin of safety is not
         as great as for issues assigned 'F-1+' and 'F-1' ratings.
     
F-3      (Fair Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
         suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is
         adequate, however, near-term adverse changes could cause these
         securities to be rated below investment grade.
     
F-S      (Weak Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
         suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for timely payment and are
         vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
         conditions.
     
D        (Default) Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent
         payment default.
     
LOC      The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
         credit issued by a commercial bank.





                                     A-8
<PAGE>   121
                                                                              
                  DUFF & PHELPS, INC. SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS                 
                                                                              
        Duff & Phelps' short-term ratings are consistent with the rating      
criteria utilized by money market participants.  The ratings apply to all     
obligations with maturities of under one year, including commercial paper, the
uninsured portion of certificates of deposit, unsecured bank loans, master    
notes, bankers acceptances, irrevocable letters of credit, and current        
maturities of long-term debt.  Asset-backed commercial paper is also rated    
according to this scale.                                                      
                                                                              
         Emphasis is placed on liquidity which is defined as not only cash from
operations, but also access to alternative sources of funds including trade    
credit, bank lines, and the capital markets.  An important consideration is the
level of an obligor's reliance on short-term funds on an ongoing basis.       
                                                                              
<TABLE>                                                                       
<CAPTION>                                                                     
          RATING SCALE:   DEFINITION:                                         
          ------------    ----------                                          
          <S>             <C>                                                 
          Duff 1+          Highest certainty of timely payment.  Short-term liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or 
                           access to alternative sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S. Treasury
                           short-term  obligations.
               
          Duff 1           Very high certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by good 
                           fundamental protection factors.  Risk factors are minor.
                       
          Duff 1-          High certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors are strong and supported by good fundamental 
                           protection factors.  Risk factors are very small.
                       
                           Good Grade
                           ----------
                       
          Duff 2           Good certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors and company fundamentals are sound.  Although 
                           ongoing funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good.  
                           Risk factors are small.
                       
                           Satisfactory Grade
                           ------------------
             
          DUFF 3           Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issue as to investment grade.  Risk factors
                           are larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.

                           Non-investment Grade
                           --------------------
                       
          DUFF 4           Speculative investment characteristics.  Liquidity is not sufficient to insure against disruption in 
                           debt service.  Operating factors and market access may be subject to a high degree of variation.
                       
                           Default
                           -------

          DUFF 5           Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest payments.
</TABLE>
          
          
          
          
          
                                                               A-9
<PAGE>   122





                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
    



                         STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

                                 P.O. Box 2936
                           Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
                           Telephone:  1-414-359-1400
                           Toll-Free:  1-800-368-3863

   
         This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Strong Growth and
Income Fund (the "Fund") which is a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds,
Inc., dated December 29, 1995.  Requests for copies of the Prospectus should be
made by calling one of the numbers listed above.
    












   
     This Statement of Additional Information is dated December 29, 1995. 
    

<PAGE>   123


   
                         STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                            PAGE 
<S>                                                                          <C>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
   Illiquid Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
   Short Sales Against the Box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
   Warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
   Debt Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
   Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
   High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
   Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
   Derivative Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
   Lending of Portfolio Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
   When-Issued Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
   Depositary Receipts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
   Foreign Investment Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
   Repurchase Agreements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
   Borrowing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
   Mortgage Dollar Rolls and Reverse Repurchase Agreements  . . . . . . . . . 20
   Foreign Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
   Small Companies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND DISTRIBUTOR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
CUSTODIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
FUND ORGANIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
LEGAL COUNSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
APPENDIX  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  A-1
</TABLE>
    



   
         No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Statement of Additional
Information and the Prospectus dated December 29, 1995, and if given or made,
such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Fund.
    


 This Statement of Additional Information does not constitute an offer to sell
                                  securities.
<PAGE>   124

                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

   
         The investment objective of the Growth and Income Fund is to seek high
total return by investing for capital growth and income.  The Fund's investment
objective and policies are described in detail in the Prospectus under the
caption "Investment Objective and Policies."  The following are the Fund's
fundamental investment limitations which cannot be changed without shareholder
approval.
    

   
The Fund:
    

1.       May not with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the
         securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by
         the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a
         result, (i) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested
         in the securities of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more
         than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.

2.       May (i) borrow money from banks and (ii) make other investments or
         engage in other transactions permissible under the Investment Company
         Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")  which may involve a borrowing, provided
         that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the
         value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less
         the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings), except that the Fund
         may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets (not including
         the amount borrowed) from a bank for temporary or emergency purposes
         (but not for leverage or the purchase of investments).  The Fund may
         also borrow money from the other Strong Funds or other persons to the
         extent permitted by applicable law.

3.       May not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940
         Act.

4.       May not act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except
         to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within
         the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the
         purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

5.       May not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a
         result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall
         not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures
         contracts, or other derivative instruments, or from investing in
         securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).

6.       May not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of the Fund's
         total assets would be lent to other persons, except through (i)
         purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or (ii)
         engaging in repurchase agreements.

7.       May not purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more
         than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
         securities of issuers, the principal business activities of which are
         in the same industry (however, with respect to the American Utilities
         Fund only, under normal market conditions, it will invest more than
         25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in the public
         utility industry).

8.       May not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
         ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not
         prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other
         instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate
         activities).

9.       May, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or
         restriction, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single
         open-end management investment company with substantially the same
         fundamental investment objective, policies, and restrictions as the
         Fund.





                                       3
<PAGE>   125

   
         The following are the Fund's non-fundamental operating policies which
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.
    

   
The Fund may not:
    

1.       Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain
         securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short,
         or unless it covers such short sale as required by the current rules
         and positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff,
         and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options
         on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed
         to constitute selling securities short.

2.       Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
         short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions;
         and provided that margin deposits in connection with futures
         contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative
         instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

3.       Invest in illiquid securities if, as a result of such investment, more
         than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities,
         or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act.

4.       Purchase securities of other investment companies except in compliance
         with the 1940 Act and applicable state law.

5.       Invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end
         management investment company with substantially the same fundamental
         investment objective, restrictions and policies as the Fund.

6.       Purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
         guaranteed by domestic or foreign governments or political
         subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total
         assets would be invested in the securities of issuers that, including
         predecessor or unconditional guarantors, have a record of less than
         three years of continuous operation.  This policy does not apply to
         securities of pooled investment vehicles or mortgage or asset-backed
         securities.

7.       Invest in direct interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration
         programs or leases; however, the Fund may invest in the securities of
         issuers that engage in these activities.

8.       Engage in futures or options on futures transactions which are
         impermissible pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act
         and, in accordance with Rule 4.5, will use futures or options on
         futures transactions solely for bona fide hedging transactions (within
         the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), provided, however,  that
         the Fund may, in addition to bona fide hedging transactions, use
         futures and options on futures transactions if the aggregate initial
         margin and premiums required to establish such positions, less the
         amount by which any such options positions are in the money (within
         the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), do not exceed 5% of the
         Fund's net assets.

         In addition, (i) the aggregate value of securities underlying call
         options on securities written by the Fund or obligations underlying
         put options on securities written by the Fund determined as of the
         date the options are written will not exceed 50% of the Fund's net
         assets; (ii) the aggregate premiums paid on all options purchased by
         the Fund and which are being held will not exceed 20% of the Fund's
         net assets; (iii) the Fund will not purchase put or call options,
         other than hedging positions, if, as a result thereof, more than 5% of
         its total assets would be so invested; and (iv) the aggregate margin
         deposits required on all futures and options on futures transactions
         being held will not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.

9.       Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate any assets owned by the Fund except as
         may be necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
         investments and then such pledging, mortgaging, or hypothecating may
         not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets at the time of the
         borrowing or investment.

10.      Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if any officer or
         director of the Fund or its investment advisor (or subadvisor, in the
         case of the American Utilities Fund) beneficially owns more than 1/2
         of 1% of the securities of such issuer and such officers and directors
         together own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such
         issuer.





                                       4
<PAGE>   126

11.      Purchase warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market value, in
         excess of 5% of the Fund's net assets.  Included in that amount, but
         not to exceed 2% of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants that are
         not listed on any stock exchange.  Warrants acquired by the Fund in
         units or attached to securities are not subject to these restrictions.

12.      Borrow money except (i) from banks or (ii) through reverse repurchase
         agreements or mortgage dollar rolls, and will not purchase securities
         when bank borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

13.      Make any loans other than loans of portfolio securities, except
         through (i) purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or
         (ii) engaging in repurchase agreements.

   
         Except for the fundamental investment limitations listed above and the
Fund's investment objective, the other investment policies described in the
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information are not fundamental and
may be changed with approval of the Fund's Board of Directors.
    

   
                       INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
    

   
         The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's
investment objective, policies, and techniques that are described in detail in
the Prospectus under the captions "Investment Objective and Policies" and
"Implementation of Policies and Risks."
    

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are
not readily marketable).  However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid
securities if, as a result, they would comprise more than 15% of the value of
the Fund's net assets (or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940
Act).  The Board of Directors of the Fund, or its delegate, has the ultimate
authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities
laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this limitation.
Certain securities exempt from registration or issued in transactions exempt
from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), including securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, may be considered liquid.  The Board of Directors of the Fund
has delegated to Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the "Advisor") the day-to-day
determination of the liquidity of a security, although it has retained
oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations.  Although no
definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Board of Directors has directed the
Advisor to look to such factors as (i) the nature of the market for a security
(including the institutional private resale market), (ii) the terms of certain
securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party
or the issuer thereof (e.g., certain repurchase obligations and demand
instruments), (iii) the availability of market quotations (e.g., for securities
quoted in the PORTAL system), and (iv) other permissible relevant factors.
    

   
         Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated
transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration
statement is in effect under the Securities Act.  Where registration is
required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration
expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision
to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an
effective registration statement.  If, during such a period, adverse market
conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than
prevailed when it decided to sell.  Restricted securities will be priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
If through the appreciation of restricted securities or the depreciation of
unrestricted securities, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15%
of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid assets, including
restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Fund will take such
steps as is deemed advisable, if any, to protect liquidity.
    

   
         The Fund may sell over-the-counter ("OTC") options and, in connection
therewith, segregate assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC
options written by the Fund.  The assets used as cover for OTC options written
by the Fund will be considered illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to
qualified dealers who agree that the Fund may repurchase any OTC
    





                                       5
<PAGE>   127

option it writes at a maximum price to be calculated by a formula set forth in
the option agreement.  The cover for an OTC option written subject to this
procedure would be considered illiquid only to the extent that the maximum
repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option.

   
         Notwithstanding the above, the Advisor intends, as a matter of
internal policy, to limit the Fund's investments in illiquid securities to 10%
of its net assets.
    

SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX

   
         The Fund may sell securities short against the box to hedge unrealized
gains on portfolio securities.  Selling securities short against the box
involves selling a security that the Fund owns or has the right to acquire, for
delivery at a specified date in the future.  If the Fund sells securities short
against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity
to profit on such securities if the price rises.
    

WARRANTS

   
         The Fund may acquire warrants.  Warrants are securities giving the
holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a
given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of
issuance) during a specified period or perpetually.  Warrants may be acquired
separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities.  The Fund will
not purchase warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market value, in excess
of 5% of the Fund's net assets.  Included in that amount, but not to exceed 2%
of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants that are not listed on any stock
exchange.  Warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to securities are
not subject to these restrictions.  Warrants do not carry with them the right
to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle
their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of
the issuer.  As a result, warrants may be considered more speculative than
certain other types of investments.  In addition, the value of a warrant does
not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a
warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration
date.
    

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

   
         The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt obligations,
including U.S. government securities, commercial paper, banker's acceptances,
certificates of deposit, and time deposits.  Issuers of debt obligations have a
contractual obligation to pay interest at a specified rate on specified dates
and to repay principal on a specified maturity date.  Certain debt obligations
(usually intermediate- and long-term bonds) have provisions that allow the
issuer to redeem or "call" a bond before its maturity.  Issuers are most likely
to call such securities during periods of falling interest rates.
    

   
         PRICE VOLATILITY.  The market value of debt obligations is affected by
changes in prevailing interest rates.  The market value of a debt obligation
generally reacts inversely to interest-rate changes, meaning, when prevailing
interest rates decline, an obligation's price usually rises, and when
prevailing interest rates rise, an obligation's price usually declines.  The
fund portfolio consisting primarily of debt obligations will react similarly to
changes in interest rates.
    

         MATURITY.  In general, the longer the maturity of a debt obligation,
the higher its yield and the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest
rates.  Conversely, the shorter the maturity, the lower the yield but the
greater the price stability.  Commercial paper is generally considered the
shortest form of debt obligation.  The term "bond" generally refers to
securities with maturities longer than two years.  Bonds with maturities of
three years or less are considered short-term, bonds with maturities between
three and seven years are considered intermediate-term, and bonds with
maturities greater than seven years are considered long-term.

         CREDIT QUALITY.  The values of debt obligations may also be affected
by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of their issuers.
Generally, the lower the quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of
risk as to the payment of interest and return of principal.  To compensate
investors for taking on such increased risk, those issuers deemed to be less
creditworthy generally must offer their investors higher interest rates than do
issuers with better credit ratings.





                                       6
<PAGE>   128

   
         In conducting its credit research and analysis, the Advisor considers
both qualitative and quantitative factors to evaluate the creditworthiness of
individual issuers.  The Advisor also relies, in part, on credit ratings
compiled by a number of NRSROs.  See the Appendix for additional information.
    

   
         TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION.  When the Advisor determines that market
conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest without
limitation in cash and short-term fixed income securities, including U.S.
government securities, commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of
deposit, and time deposits.
    

VARIABLE- OR FLOATING-RATE SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may invest in securities which offer a variable- or
floating-rate of interest.  Variable-rate securities provide for automatic
establishment of a new interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, monthly,
semi-annually, etc.).  Floating-rate securities provide for automatic
adjustment of the interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index
changes.  The interest rate on variable- or floating-rate securities is
ordinarily determined by reference to or is a percentage of a bank's prime
rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial
paper, bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or
some other objective measure.
    

   
         Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand
feature entitling the holder to sell the securities to the issuer at par.  In
many cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time on 7 days' notice;
in other cases, the demand feature is exercisable at any time on 30 days'
notice or on similar notice at intervals of not more than one year.  Some
securities, which do not have variable or floating interest rates, may be
accompanied by puts producing similar results and price characteristics.  When
considering a maturity of any instrument which may be sold or put to the issuer
or a third party, the Fund may consider that instrument's maturity to be
shorter than its stated maturity.
    

   
         Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes, which are
obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts that may change
daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the borrower.  The interest rates on these notes fluctuate from
time to time.  The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding
right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding
principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified
number of days' notice to the holders of such obligations.  The interest rate
on a floating-rate demand obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as
a bank's prime rate, and is adjusted automatically each time such rate is
adjusted.  The interest rate on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted
automatically at specified intervals.  Frequently, such obligations are secured
by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks.
Because these obligations are direct-lending arrangements between the lender
and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments will generally be
traded.  There generally is not an established secondary market for these
obligations, although they are redeemable at face value.  Accordingly, where
these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support
arrangements, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the
borrower to pay principal and interest on demand.  Such obligations frequently
are not rated by credit rating agencies and, if not so rated, the Fund may
invest in them only if the Fund's Advisor determines that, at the time of
investment, the obligations are of comparable quality to the other obligations
in which the Fund may invest.  The Fund's Advisor, on behalf of the Fund, will
consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuers of the
floating- and variable-rate demand obligations in the Fund's portfolio.
    

   
         The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in variable-
and floating-rate demand obligations that are not readily marketable (a
variable- or floating-rate demand obligation that may be disposed of on not
more than seven days notice will be deemed readily marketable and will not be
subject to this limitation).  (See "Common Investment Policies and Techniques -
Illiquid Securities" and "Investment Restrictions.")  In addition, each
variable- or floating-rate obligation must meet the credit quality requirements
applicable to all the Fund's investments at the time of purchase.  When
determining whether such an obligation meets the Fund's credit quality
requirements, the Fund may look to the credit quality of the financial
guarantor providing a letter of credit or other credit support arrangement.
    





                                       7
<PAGE>   129

HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES

   
         IN GENERAL.  The Growth and Income Fund has the authority to invest up
to 5% of its net assets in non-investment grade debt obligations.
Non-investment grade debt obligations (hereinafter referred to as
"lower-quality securities") include (i) bonds rated as low as C by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"),
or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), or CCC by Duff & Phelps, Inc.
("D&P"); (ii) commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P, Not Prime by Moody's,
or Fitch 4 by Fitch; and (iii) unrated debt obligations of comparable quality.
Lower-quality securities, while generally offering higher yields than
investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks,
including the possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. The special risk considerations in connection with
investments in these securities are discussed below.  Refer to the Appendix of
this Statement of Additional Information for a discussion of securities
ratings.
    

         EFFECT OF INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC CHANGES.  The lower-quality and
comparable unrated security market is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion.  As a result, it is not clear how this
market may withstand a prolonged recession or economic downturn.  Such an
economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for and adversely affect
the value of such securities.

   
         All interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when
interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise.  The market
values of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities tend to reflect
individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher rated
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities also tend to be
more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities.  As a
result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the
higher-rated categories.  During an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower-quality and comparable
unrated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient
revenues to meet their payment obligations.  The issuer's ability to service
its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate
developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business
forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due
to default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than
issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors.  Further, if the
issuer of a lower- quality or comparable unrated security defaulted, the Fund
might incur additional expenses to seek recovery.  Periods of economic
uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in
the market prices of these securities and thus in the Fund's net asset value.
    

   
         As previously stated, the value of a lower-quality or comparable
unrated security will decrease in a rising interest rate market and
accordingly, so will the Fund's net asset value.  If the Fund experiences
unexpected net redemptions in such a market, it may be forced to liquidate a
portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits.
Due to the limited liquidity of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities
(discussed below), the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a
substantial discount.  Any such liquidation would reduce the Fund's asset base
over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of
return for the Fund.
    

   
         PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS.  Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities
typically contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the
issuer of such securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion,
redeem the securities.  During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of
these securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance
them with debt securities with a lower interest rate.  To the extent an issuer
is able to refinance the securities, or otherwise redeem them, the Fund may
have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which would
result in a lower return for the Fund.
    

         CREDIT RATINGS.  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies
evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities.
They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of lower-quality
securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an
investment.  In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely
changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of
the issuer that affect the market value of the security.  Consequently, credit
ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
Investments in lower-quality and comparable unrated obligations will be more
dependent on the Advisor's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade





                                       8
<PAGE>   130

   
debt obligations.  The Advisor employs its own credit research and analysis,
which includes a study of existing debt, capital structure, ability to service
debt and to pay dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its
operating history and the current trend of earnings.  The Advisor continually
monitors the investments in the Fund's portfolio and carefully evaluates
whether to dispose of or to retain lower-quality and comparable unrated
securities whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.
    

   
         LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION.  The Fund may have difficulty disposing of
certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities because there may be a
thin trading market for such securities.  Because not all dealers maintain
markets in all lower-quality and comparable unrated securities, there is no
established retail secondary market for many of these securities.  The Fund
anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of
dealers or institutional investors.  To the extent a secondary trading market
does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for
higher-rated securities.  The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an
adverse impact on the market price of the security.  As a result, the Fund's
asset value and ability to dispose of particular securities, when necessary to
meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event,
may be impacted.  The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities
may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio.  Market quotations are
generally available on many lower-quality and comparable unrated issues only
from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of
such dealers or prices for actual sales.  During periods of thin trading, the
spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly.  In
addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-quality
and comparable unrated securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
    

         RECENT AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION.  Recent legislation has been adopted,
and from time to time proposals have been discussed, regarding new legislation
designed to limit the use of certain lower-quality and comparable unrated
securities by certain issuers.  An example of legislation is a recent law which
requires federally insured savings and loan associations to divest their
investments in these securities over time.  It is not currently possible to
determine the impact of the recent legislation or the proposed legislation on
the lower-quality and comparable unrated securities market.  However, it is
anticipated that if additional legislation is enacted or proposed, it could
have a material affect on the value of these securities and the existence of a
secondary trading market for the securities.

MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

         Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations
in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real
property, and include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and
collateralized mortgage obligations.  Such securities may be issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, such as the
Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage
Association, or by private issuers, generally originators and investors in
mortgage loans, including savings associations, mortgage bankers, commercial
banks, investment bankers, and special purpose entities (collectively, "private
lenders").  Mortgage-backed securities issued by private lenders may be
supported by pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities that
are guaranteed, directly or indirectly, by the U.S. government or one of its
agencies or instrumentalities, or they may be issued without any governmental
guarantee of the underlying mortgage assets but with some form of
non-governmental credit enhancement.

         Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to
mortgage-backed securities.  However, the underlying assets are not first lien
mortgage loans or interests therein, but include assets such as motor vehicle
installment sales contracts, other installment loan contracts, home equity
loans, leases of various types of property, and receivables from credit card or
other revolving credit arrangements.  Payments or distributions of principal
and interest on asset-backed securities may be supported by non-governmental
credit enhancements similar to those utilized in connection with
mortgage-backed securities.

   
         The yield characteristics of mortgage- and asset-backed securities
differ from those of traditional debt obligations.  Among the principal
differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently
on mortgage- and asset-backed securities, usually monthly, and that principal
may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other
assets generally may be prepaid at any time.  As a result, if the Fund
purchases these securities at a premium, a prepayment rate
    





                                       9
<PAGE>   131
   
that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment
rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing
the yield to maturity.  Conversely, if the Fund purchases these securities at a
discount, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will increase yield to
maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will reduce
yield to maturity.  Amounts available for reinvestment by the Fund are likely
to be greater during a period of declining interest rates and, as a result, are
likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than during a period of rising
interest rates.  Accelerated prepayments on securities purchased by the Fund at
a premium also impose a risk of loss of principal because the premium may not
have been fully amortized at the time the principal is prepaid in full.  The
market for privately issued mortgage- and asset-backed securities is smaller
and less liquid than the market for government- sponsored mortgage-backed
securities.
    

   
         The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities,
which receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from
the underlying assets.  The market value of such securities generally is more
sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with
traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases such
market value may be extremely volatile.  With respect to certain stripped
securities, such as interest only and principal only classes, a rate of
prepayment that is faster or slower than anticipated may result in the Fund
failing to recover all or a portion of its investment, even though the
securities are rated investment grade.
    

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

   
         GENERAL DESCRIPTION.  As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund may use
a variety of derivative instruments, including options, futures contracts
(sometimes referred to as "futures"), options on futures contracts or forward
currency contracts for any lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment
objective, such as hedging the Fund's portfolio or risk management, but not for
speculation.
    

   
         The use of these instruments is subject to applicable regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the several options and
futures exchanges upon which they may be traded, the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC") and various state regulatory authorities.  In addition, the
Fund's ability to use these instruments will be limited by tax considerations.
    

   
         In addition to the products, strategies, and risks described below and
in the Prospectus, the Advisor may expect to discover additional derivative
instruments and other hedging techniques.  These new opportunities may become
available as the Advisor develops new techniques or as regulatory authorities
broaden the range of permitted transactions.  The Advisor may utilize these
opportunities to the extent that they are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective and permitted by the Fund's investment limitations and applicable
regulatory authorities.
    

         SPECIAL RISKS OF THESE INSTRUMENTS.  The use of derivative instruments
involves special considerations and risks as described below.  Risks pertaining
to particular instruments are described in the sections that follow.

   
         (1)  Successful use of most of these instruments depends upon the
Advisor's ability to predict movements of the overall securities and currency
markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices
of individual securities.  While the Advisor is experienced in the use of these
instruments, there can be no assurance that any particular strategy adopted
will succeed.
    

         (2)  There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation,
between price movements of an instrument and price movements of investments
being hedged.  For example, if the value of an instrument used in a short hedge
(such as writing a call option, buying a put option, or selling a futures
contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investment,
the hedge would not be fully successful.  Such a lack of correlation might
occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged,
such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these
instruments are traded.  The effectiveness of hedges using instruments on
indices will depend on the degree of correlation between price movements in the
index and price movements in the investments being hedged.





                                       10
<PAGE>   132

   
         (3)  Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the risk of loss by
wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price
movements in the investments being hedged.  However, hedging strategies can
also reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable
price movements in the hedged investments.  For example, if the Fund entered
into a short hedge because the Advisor projected a decline in the price of a
security in the Fund's portfolio, and the price of that security increased
instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by a
decline in the price of the instrument.  Moreover, if the price of the
instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of the security, the
Fund could suffer a loss.
    

   
         (4)  As described below, the Fund might be required to maintain assets
as "cover," maintain segregated accounts, or make margin payments when it takes
positions in these instruments involving obligations to third parties (i.e.,
instruments other than purchased options).  If the Fund were unable to close
out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to continue to
maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position
expired or matured.  The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell a
portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be
favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at a
disadvantageous time.  The Fund's ability to close out a position in an
instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid
secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the other party to the transaction ("counter party") to enter
into a transaction closing out the position.  Therefore, there is no assurance
that any hedging position can be closed out at a time and price that is
favorable to the Fund.
    

   
         For a discussion of the federal income tax treatment of the Fund's
derivative instruments, see "TAXES - Derivative Instruments" below.
    

   
         GENERAL LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS.  The Fund has
filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the CFTC and the National Futures Association,
which regulate trading in the futures markets.  Pursuant to Rule 4.5 of the
regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA"), the notice of
eligibility for the Fund includes representations that the Fund will use
futures contracts and related options solely for bona fide hedging purposes
within the meaning of CFTC regulations, provided that the Fund may hold other
positions in futures contracts and related options that do not qualify as a
bona fide hedging position if the aggregate initial margin deposits and
premiums required to establish these positions, less the amount by which any
such options positions are "in the money," do not exceed 5% of the Fund's net
assets.  Adoption of these guidelines does not limit the percentage of the
Fund's assets at risk to 5%.
    

   
         In addition, (i) the aggregate value of securities underlying call
options on securities written by the Fund or obligations underlying put options
on securities written by the Fund determined as of the date the options are
written will not exceed 50% of the Fund's net assets; (ii) the aggregate
premiums paid on all options purchased by the Fund and which are being held
will not exceed 20% of the Fund's net assets; (iii) the Fund will not purchase
put or call options, other than hedging positions, if, as a result thereof,
more than 5% of its total assets would be so invested; and (iv) the aggregate
margin deposits required on all futures and options on futures transactions
being held will not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
    

   
         The foregoing limitations are not fundamental policies of the Fund and
may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval as
regulatory agencies permit.
    

   
         Transactions using options (other than purchased options) and forward
currency contracts expose the Fund to counterparty risk.  To the extent
required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will not enter into any such transactions
unless it owns either (1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities,
other options, or futures or (2) cash and liquid high grade debt obligations
with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations to the
extent not covered as provided in (1) above.  The Fund will also set aside cash
and/or appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account if required
to do so by the SEC and CFTC regulations.  Assets used as cover or held in a
segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding
option or futures contract is open, unless they are replaced with similar
assets.  As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Fund's assets to
segregated accounts as a cover could impede portfolio management or the Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
    





                                       11
<PAGE>   133

   
         In some cases, the Fund may be required to maintain or limit exposure
to a specified percentage of its assets to a particular asset class of foreign
country.  In such cases, when the Fund uses a derivative instrument to increase
or decrease exposure to an asset class or foreign country and is required by
applicable SEC guidelines to set aside liquid assets in a segregated account to
secure its obligations under the derivative instruments, the Advisor will
measure compliance with the applicable percentage by reference to the nature of
the economic exposure created through the use of the derivative instrument and
not by reference to the nature of the exposure arising from the liquid assets
set aside in the segregated account (unless another interpretation is specified
by applicable regulatory requirements.)
    

   
         OPTIONS.  The Fund may purchase or write put and call options on
securities, on indices of and on foreign currencies and enter into closing
transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position.
The purchase of call options serves as a long hedge, and the purchase of put
options serves as a short hedge.  Writing put or call options can enable the
Fund to enhance income by reason of the premiums paid by the purchaser of such
options.  Writing call options serves as a limited short hedge because declines
in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the
premium received for writing the option.  However, if the security appreciates
to a price higher than the exercise price of the call option, it can be
expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to
sell the security at less than its market value or will be obligated to
purchase the security at a price greater than that at which the security must
be sold under the option.  All or a portion of any assets used as cover for OTC
options written by the Fund would be considered illiquid to the extent
described under "Common Investment Policies and Techniques--Illiquid
Securities."  Writing put options serves as a limited long hedge because
increases in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent
of the premium received for writing the option.  However, if the security
depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can
be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be
obligated to purchase the security at more than its market value.
    

   
         The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the
historical price volatility of the underlying investment, the current market
value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the
relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying
investment, and general market conditions.  Options used by the Fund may
include European-style options.  This means that the option is only exercisable
at its expiration.  This is in contrast to American-style options which are
exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.  Options
that expire unexercised have no value.
    

   
         The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an
option by entering into a closing transaction.  For example, the Fund may
terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by
purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase
transaction.  Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call
option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is
known as a closing sale transaction.  Closing transactions permit the Fund to
realize the profit or limit the loss on an option position prior to its
exercise or expiration.
    

   
         The Fund may purchase or write both exchange-traded and OTC options.
Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with
the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees
completion of every exchange-traded option transaction.  OTC options are
contracts between the Fund and the other party to the transaction ("counter
party") (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization
guarantee.  Thus, when the Fund purchases or writes an OTC option, it relies on
the counter party to make or take delivery of the underlying investment upon
exercise of the option.  Failure by the counter party to do so would result in
the loss of any premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of any expected
benefit of the transaction.
    

   
         The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in
exchange-listed options depends on the existence of a liquid market.  The Fund
intends to purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there
appears to be a liquid secondary market.  However, there can be no assurance
that such a market will exist at any particular time.  Closing transactions can
be made for OTC options only by negotiating directly with the counter party, or
by a transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists.  Although
the Fund will enter into OTC options only with counter parties that are
expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund,
there is no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC
option at a favorable price prior to expiration.  In the event of insolvency of
the counter party, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position
at any time prior to its expiration.
    





                                       12
<PAGE>   134

   
         If the Fund were unable to effect a closing transaction for an option
it had purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit.
The inability to enter into a closing purchase transaction for a covered call
option written by the Fund could cause material losses because the Fund would
be unable to sell the investment used as a cover for the written option until
the option expires or is exercised.
    

   
         The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices in
much the same manner as the options discussed above, except the index options
may serve as a hedge against overall fluctuations in the securities markets in
general.
    

         The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity
that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.  Imperfect correlation between
the options and securities markets may detract the effectiveness of attempted
hedging.

   
         SPREAD TRANSACTIONS.  The Fund may purchase covered spread options
from securities dealers.  Such covered spread options are not presently
exchange-listed or exchange-traded.  The purchase of a spread option gives the
Fund the right to put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar
spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund
does not own, but which is used as a benchmark.  The risk to the Fund in
purchasing covered spread options is the cost of the premium paid for the
spread option and any transaction costs.  In addition, there is no assurance
that closing transactions will be available.  The purchase of spread options
will be used to protect the Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit
quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality
securities.  Such protection is only provided during the life of the spread
option.
    

   
         FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The Fund may enter into futures contracts,
including interest rate, index and currency futures.  The Fund may also
purchase put and call options, and write covered put and call options, on
futures in which it is allowed to invest.  The purchase of futures or call
options thereon can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures or the
purchase of put options thereon can serve as a short hedge.  Writing covered
call options on futures contracts can serve as a limited short hedge, and
writing covered put options on futures contracts can serve as a limited long
hedge, using a strategy similar to that used for writing covered options in
securities.  The Fund's hedging may include purchases of futures as an offset
against the effect of expected increases in currency exchange rates and
securities prices and sales of futures as an offset against the effect of
expected declines in currency exchange rates and securities prices.  The Fund's
futures transactions may be entered into for any lawful purpose consistent with
the Fund's investment objective, such as hedging purposes or risk management,
but not for speculation.  The Fund may also write put options on futures
contracts while at the same time purchasing call options on the same futures
contracts in order to create synthetically a long futures contract position.
Such options would have the same strike prices and expiration dates.  The Fund
will engage in this strategy only when the Advisor believes it is more
advantageous to the Fund than is purchasing the futures contract.
    

   
         To the extent required by regulatory authorities, the Fund only enters
into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges and are
standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument.  Futures
exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC.  Although
techniques other than sales and purchases of futures contracts could be used to
reduce the Fund's exposure to market, currency, or interest rate fluctuations,
the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a
lower cost through using futures contracts.
    

         An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one
party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific
financial instrument (e.g., debt security) or currency for a specified price at
a designated date, time, and place.  An index futures contract is an agreement
pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of
cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the
last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index futures
contract was originally written.  A foreign currency contract is a bilateral
agreement pursuant to which one party agrees to make and the other party agrees
to accept delivery of a specified type of currency at a specified future time
and at a specified price.  Transaction costs are incurred when a futures
contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained.  A futures
contract may be satisfied by delivery or purchase, as the case may be, of the
instrument, the currency or by payment of the change in the cash value of the
index.  More commonly, futures contracts are closed out prior to delivery by
entering into an offsetting





                                       13
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transaction in a matching futures contract.  Although the value of an index
might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical
delivery of those securities is made.  If the offsetting purchase price is less
than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund
realizes a loss.  Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the
original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund
realizes a loss.  The transaction costs must also be included in these
calculations.  There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able
to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures
contract at a particular time.  If the Fund is not able to enter into an
offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the
margin deposits on the futures contract.
    

   
         No price is paid by the Fund upon entering into a futures contract.
Instead, at the inception of a futures contract, the Fund is required to
deposit in a segregated account with its custodian, in the name of the futures
broker through whom the transaction was effected, "initial margin" consisting
of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid, high grade debt
obligations, in an amount generally equal to 10% or less of the contract value.
High grade securities include securities rated "A" or better by an NRSRO.
Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures
contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules.  Unlike margin in
securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent
a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith
deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if
all contractual obligations have been satisfied.  Under certain circumstances,
such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by an exchange to
increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin
requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
    

   
         Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the
futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process
known as "marking to market."  Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but
rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a
futures broker.  When the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium
paid plus transaction costs is all that is at risk.  In contrast, when the Fund
purchases or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon,
it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the
event of adverse price movements.  If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet
daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time
when such sales are disadvantageous.  Purchasers and sellers of futures
positions and options on futures can enter into offsetting closing transactions
by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the
instrument held or written.  Positions in futures and options on futures may be
closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market.
The Fund intends to enter into futures transactions only on exchanges or boards
of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market.  However, there
can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at
a particular time.
    

         Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily
limits on the amount that the price of a future or option on a futures contract
can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached,
no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit.  Daily price limits
do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for
several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing
liquidation of unfavorable positions.

   
         If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures or option on a futures
contract position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the
imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses.  The Fund would
continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position.  In
addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to
be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to
maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash
or securities in a segregated account.
    

         Certain characteristics of the futures market might increase the risk
that movements in the prices of futures contracts or options on futures
contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the
investments being hedged.  For example, all participants in the futures and
options on futures contracts markets are subject to daily variation margin
calls and might be compelled to liquidate futures or options on futures
contracts positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject
to further calls.  These liquidations could increase price volatility of the
instruments and distort the normal price relationship between the futures or
options and the investments being hedged.  Also, because initial margin deposit
requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements
in the securities markets, there might be increased participation by
speculators in the future markets.  This participation also might cause
temporary price distortions.  In addition, activities of large traders in both
the futures and securities markets involving arbitrage, "program trading" and
other investment strategies might result in temporary price distortions.





                                       14
<PAGE>   136

   
         FOREIGN CURRENCY-RELATED DERIVATIVE STRATEGIES - SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS. The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot
basis, and may use currency-related derivatives instruments such as options on
foreign currencies, futures on foreign currencies, options on futures on
foreign currencies and forward currency contracts (i.e., an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency at a specified future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the contract date agreed upon by the parties, at
a price set at the time the contract is entered into).  The Fund may use these
instruments for hedging or any other lawful purpose consistent with their
respective investment objectives, including transaction hedging, anticipatory
hedging, cross hedging, proxy hedging, and position hedging.  The Fund's use of
currency-related derivative instruments will be directly related to the Fund's
current or anticipated portfolio securities, and the Fund may engage in
transactions in currency-related derivative instruments as a means to protect
against some or all of the effects of adverse changes in foreign currency
exchange rates on their portfolio investments.  In general, if the currency in
which a portfolio investment is denominated appreciates against the U.S.
dollar, the dollar value of the security will increase.  Conversely, a decline
in the exchange rate of the currency would adversely affect the value of the
portfolio investment expressed in U.S. dollars.
    

   
         For example, the Fund might use currency-related derivative
instruments to "lock in" a U.S. dollar price for a portfolio investment,
thereby enabling the Fund to protect itself against a possible loss resulting
from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S.  dollar and the
subject foreign currency during the period between the date the security is
purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.  The Fund
also might use currency-related derivative instruments when the Advisor
believes that one currency may experience a substantial movement against
another currency, including the U.S. dollar, and it may use currency-related
derivative instruments to sell or buy the amount of the former foreign
currency, approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency.  Alternatively, where
appropriate, the Fund may use currency-related derivative instruments to hedge
all or part of its foreign currency exposure through the use of a basket of
currencies or a proxy currency where such currency or currencies act as an
effective proxy for other currencies.  The use of this basket hedging technique
may be more efficient and economical than using separate currency-related
derivative instruments for each currency exposure held by the Fund.
Furthermore, currency-related derivative instruments may be used for short
hedges - for example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in
the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of  a
security denominated in a foreign currency.
    

   
         In addition, the Fund may use a currency-related derivative instrument
to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one foreign country to
another foreign country where the Advisor believes that the foreign currency
exposure purchased will appreciate relative to the U.S. dollar and thus better
protect the Fund against the expected decline in the foreign currency exposure
sold.  For example, if the Fund owns securities denominated in a foreign
currency and the Advisor believes that currency will decline, it might enter
into a forward contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign
currency, with payment to be made in a second foreign currency that the Advisor
believes would better protect the Fund against the decline in the first
security than would a U.S. dollar exposure.  Hedging transactions that use two
foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as "cross hedges."  The effective
use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund in a cross hedge is
dependent upon a correlation between price movements of the two currency
instruments and the underlying security involved, and the use of two currencies
magnifies the risk that movements in the price of one instrument may not
correlate or may correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of
the currency instruments used or investments being hedged, such as speculative
or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded.
    

   
         The Fund also might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a
particular currency when no hedging instruments on that currency are available
or such hedging instruments are more expensive than certain other hedging
instruments.  In such cases, the Fund may hedge against price movements in that
currency by entering into transactions using currency-related derivative
instruments on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the values
of which the Advisor believes will have a high degree of positive correlation
to the value of the currency being hedged.  The risk that movements in the
price of the hedging instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in
the price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.
    





                                       15
<PAGE>   137

   
         The use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund
involves a number of risks.  The value of currency-related derivative
instruments depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the
U.S. dollar.  Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank
market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the
use of such derivative instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having
to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less
than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less
favorable than for round lots (generally consisting of transactions of greater
than $1 million).
    

         There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis.
Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in
the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where
rates might be less favorable.  The interbank market in foreign currencies is a
global, round-the-clock market.  To the extent the U.S. options or futures
markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open,
significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the markets for the derivative instruments until
they re-open.

   
         Settlement of transactions in currency-related derivative instruments
might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying
currency.  Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the
underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations
regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and
might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such
delivery assessed in the issuing country.
    

   
         When the Fund engages in a transaction in a currency-related
derivative instrument, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery
of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract or otherwise
complete the contract.  In other words, the Fund will be subject to the risk
that a loss may be sustained by the Fund as a result of the failure of the
counterparty to comply with the terms of the transaction.  The counterparty
risk for exchange-traded instruments is generally less than for
privately-negotiated or OTC currency instruments, since generally a clearing
agency, which is the issuer or counterparty to each instrument, provides a
guarantee of performance.  For privately-negotiated instruments, there is no
similar clearing agency guarantee.  In all transactions, the Fund will bear the
risk that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of the
expected benefit of the transaction and possibly other losses to the Fund.  The
Fund will enter into transactions in currency-related derivative instruments
only with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of
performing under the contract.
    

   
         Purchasers and sellers of currency-related derivative instruments may
enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing,
respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold.
Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with
the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency
contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty.  Thus, there can
be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward
currency contract (or any other currency-related derivative instrument) at a
time and price favorable to the Fund.  In addition, in the event of insolvency
of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency
contract at any time prior to maturity.  In the case of an exchange-traded
instrument, the Fund will be able to close the position out only on an exchange
which provides a market for the instruments.  The ability to establish and
close out positions on an exchange is subject to the maintenance of a liquid
market, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any
instrument at any specific time.  In the case of a privately-negotiated
instrument, the Fund will be able to realize the value of the instrument only
by entering into a closing transaction with the issuer or finding a third party
buyer for the instrument.  While the Fund will enter into privately-negotiated
transactions only with entities who are expected to be capable of entering into
a closing transaction, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be
able to enter into such closing transactions.
    

   
         The precise matching of currency-related derivative instrument amounts
and the value of the portfolio securities involved generally will not be
possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign
currency, will change after the currency-related derivative instrument position
has been established.  Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign
currencies in the spot (cash) market.  The projection of short-term currency
market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a
short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
    





                                       16
<PAGE>   138

   
         Permissible foreign currency options will include options traded
primarily in the OTC market.  Although options on foreign currencies are traded
primarily in the OTC market, the Fund will normally purchase or sell OTC
options on foreign currency only when the Advisor reasonably believes a liquid
secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time.
    

   
         There will be a cost to the Fund of engaging in transactions in
currency-related derivative instruments that will vary with factors such as the
contract or currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market
conditions then prevailing.  The Fund using these instruments may have to pay a
fee or commission or, in cases where the instruments are entered into on a
principal basis, foreign exchange dealers or other counterparties will realize
a profit based on the difference ("spread") between the prices at which they
are buying and selling various currencies.  Thus, for example, a dealer may
offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a
lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer.
    

   
         When required by the SEC guidelines, the Fund will set aside
permissible liquid assets in segregated accounts or otherwise cover their
respective potential obligations under currency-related derivatives
instruments.  To the extent the Fund's assets are so set aside, they cannot be
sold while the corresponding currency position is open, unless they are
replaced with similar assets.  As a result, if a large portion of the Fund's
assets are so set aside, this could impede portfolio management or the Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
    

   
         The Advisor's decision to engage in a transaction in a particular
currency-related derivative instrument will reflect the Advisor's judgment that
the transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is
consistent with the Fund's objectives and policies.  In making such a judgment,
the Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the transaction and weigh
them in the context of the Fund's entire portfolio and objectives.  The
effectiveness of any transaction in a currency-related derivative instrument is
dependent on a variety of factors, including the Advisor's skill in analyzing
and predicting currency values and upon a correlation between price movements
of the currency instrument and the underlying security.  There might be
imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of an
instrument and price movements of investments being hedged.  Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the
investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets
in which these instruments are traded.  In addition, the Fund's use of
currency-related derivative instruments is always subject to the risk that the
currency in question could be devalued by the foreign government.  In such a
case, any long currency positions would decline in value and could adversely
affect any hedging position maintained by the Fund.
    

   
         The Fund's dealing in currency-related derivative instruments will
generally be limited to the transactions described  above.  However, the Fund
reserves the right to use currency-related derivatives instruments for
different purposes and under different circumstances.  Of course, the Fund is
not required to use currency-related derivatives instruments and will not do so
unless deemed appropriate by the Advisor.  It also should be realized that use
of these instruments does not eliminate, or protect against, price movements in
the Fund's securities that are attributable to other (i.e., non-currency
related) causes.  Moreover, while the use of currency-related derivatives
instruments may reduce the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a
hedged currency, at the same time the use of these instruments tends to limit
any potential gain which may result from an increase in the value of that
currency.
    

   
         SWAP AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may enter into interest rate, securities
index and currency exchange rate swap agreements for any lawful purpose
consistent with the Fund's investment objective, such as for the purpose of
attempting to obtain or preserve a particular desired return or spread at a
lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument
that yielded that desired return or spread.  The Fund also may enter into swaps
in order to protect against an increase in the price of, or the currency
exchange rate applicable to, securities that the Fund anticipates purchasing at
a later date.  Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily
by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to several
years.  In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the
returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular
predetermined investments or instruments.  The gross returns to be exchanged or
"swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional
amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount
invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in
a "basket" of securities representing a particular index.  Swap agreements may
include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party
agrees to make payments to the
    





                                       17
<PAGE>   139

other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap;"
interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to
make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a
specified level, or "floor;" and interest rate collars, under which a party
sells a cap and purchases a floor, or vice versa, in an attempt to protect
itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum
levels.

   
         The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only the agreed upon
basis for calculating the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have
agreed to exchange.  Under most swap agreements entered into by the Fund, the
obligations of the parties would be exchanged on a "net basis."  Consequently,
the Fund's obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be
equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based
on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement
(the "net amount").  The Fund's obligation under a swap agreement will be
accrued daily (offset against amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but
unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the
maintenance of a segregated account consisting of cash, or liquid high grade
debt obligations.
    

   
         Whether the Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in
furthering its investment objective will depend on the Advisor's ability to
predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce
greater returns than other investments.  Swap agreements may be considered to
be illiquid.  Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected
to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy
of a swap agreement counterparty.  Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by
the Internal Revenue Code may limit the Fund's ability to use swap agreements.
The swaps market is largely unregulated.
    

   
         The Fund will enter into swap agreements only with banks and
recognized securities dealers believed by the Advisor to present minimal credit
risks in accordance with guidelines established by the Fund's Board of
Directors.  If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the
Fund will have to rely on its contractual remedies (which may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws) pursuant to the agreements related to
the transaction.
    

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

   
         The Fund is authorized to lend up to 33 1/3% of the total value of its
portfolio securities to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the
Advisor deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains with the Fund's
custodian bank collateral either in cash or money market instruments in an
amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus
accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted
accordingly.  However, the Fund does not presently intend to engage in such
lending.  In determining whether to lend securities to a particular
broker-dealer or institutional investor, the Advisor will consider, and during
the period of the loan will monitor, all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.  The Fund will retain authority
to terminate any loans at any time.  The Fund may pay reasonable administrative
and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion
of the interest earned on the cash or money market instruments held as
collateral to the borrower or placing broker.  The Fund will receive reasonable
interest on the loan or a flat fee from the borrower and amounts equivalent to
any dividends, interest or other distributions on the securities loaned.  The
Fund will retain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial
rights, such as voting and subscription rights and rights to dividends,
interest and other distributions, when retaining such rights is considered to
be in the Fund's interest.
    

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued"
basis.  The price of debt securities purchased on a when-issued basis, which
may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment to
purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date.  Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the
purchase.  During the period between the purchase and settlement, no payment is
made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest on debt securities accrues to
the Fund.  Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the
security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is
in addition to the risk of decline in value of the Fund's other assets.  While
when-issued securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund
intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them
unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons.  At the time the Fund
makes the commitment to
    





                                       18
<PAGE>   140

   
purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and
reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value.  The Fund
does not believe that their respective net asset values or income will be
adversely affected by the purchase of securities on a when-issued basis.
    

   
         The Fund will maintain cash and marketable securities equal in value
to commitments for when-issued securities.  Such segregated securities either
will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.  When
the time comes to pay for when-issued securities, the Fund will meet its
obligations from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities held in the
separate account, described above, sale of other securities or, although it
would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the when-issued securities
themselves (which may have a market value greater or less than the Fund's
payment obligation).
    

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

   
         As indicated in the Prospectus, the Fund may invest in foreign
securities by purchasing depositary receipts, including American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or other securities
convertible into securities or issuers based in foreign countries.  These
securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted.  Generally, ADRs, in registered
form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S.
securities markets, while EDRs, in bearer form, may be denominated in other
currencies and are designed for use in European securities markets.  ADRs are
receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership
of the underlying securities.  EDRs are European receipts evidencing a similar
arrangement.  For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, ADRs and EDRs are
deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they
represent.  Thus, an ADR or EDR representing ownership of common stock will be
treated as common stock.
    

         ADR facilities may be established as either "unsponsored" or
"sponsored." While ADRs issued under these two types of facilities are in some
respects similar, there are distinctions between them relating to the rights
and obligations of ADR holders and the practices of market participants.  A
depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or
even necessarily the acquiescence of) the issuer of the deposited securities,
although typically the depositary requests a letter of non-objection from such
issuer prior to the establishment of the facility.  Holders of unsponsored ADRs
generally bear all the costs of such facilities.  The depositary usually
charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the
conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash
distributions, and the performance of other services.  The depositary of an
unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities
or to pass through voting rights to ADR holders in respect of the deposited
securities.  Sponsored ADR facilities are created in generally the same manner
as unsponsored facilities, except that the issuer of the deposited securities
enters into a deposit agreement with the depositary.  The deposit agreement
sets out the rights and responsibilities of the issuer, the depositary and the
ADR holders.  With sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities
generally will bear some of the costs relating to the facility (such as
dividend payment fees of the depositary), although ADR holders continue to bear
certain other costs (such as deposit and withdrawal fees).  Under the terms of
most sponsored arrangements, depositories agree to distribute notices of
shareholder meetings and voting instructions, and to provide shareholder
communications and other information to the ADR holders at the request of the
issuer of the deposited securities.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES

   
         Some of the countries in which the Fund invests may not permit direct
investment by outside investors.  Investments in such countries may only be
permitted through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment
vehicles, which may include other investment companies.  Investing through such
vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be
subject to limitation under the 1940 Act.  Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may
invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of investment companies and up to 5%
of its assets in any one investment company as long as the investment does not
represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company.
    





                                       19
<PAGE>   141


REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

   
         The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with certain banks or
non-bank dealers.  In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security at one
price, and at the time of sale, the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation
at a mutually agreed upon time and price (usually within seven days).  The
repurchase agreement, thereby, determines the yield during the purchaser's
holding period, while the seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the
value of the underlying security.  If the value of such securities is less than
the repurchase price, plus any agreed-upon additional amount, the other party
to the agreement will be required to provide additional collateral so that at
all times the collateral is at least equal to the repurchase price, plus any
agreed-upon additional amount.  The Advisor will monitor, on an ongoing basis,
the value of the underlying securities to ensure that the value always equals
or exceeds the repurchase price plus accrued interest. Repurchase agreements
could involve certain risks in the event of a default or insolvency of the
other party to the agreement, including possible delays or restrictions upon
the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. Although no
definitive creditworthiness criteria are used, the Advisor reviews the
creditworthiness of the banks and non-bank dealers with which the Fund enters
into repurchase agreements to evaluate those risks. The Fund may, under certain
circumstances, deem repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.  government
securities to be investments in U.S. government securities.
    

BORROWING

   
         The Fund may borrow money from banks, limited by the Fund's
fundamental investment restriction to 33 1/3% of its total assets and may
engage in mortgage dollar roll transactions and reverse repurchase agreements
which may be considered a form of borrowing. (See "Mortgage Dollar Rolls and
Reverse Repurchase Agreements" below.) In addition, the Fund may borrow up to
an additional 5% of its total assets from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes.  The Fund will not purchase securities when bank borrowings exceed 5%
of the Fund's total assets.
    

MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

   
         The Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls, in which the Fund would
sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contract to purchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. While the Fund would forego principal and interest paid
on the mortgage-backed securities during the roll period, the Fund would be
compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower
price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds
of the initial sale. The Fund also could be compensated through the receipt of
fee income equivalent to a lower forward price. At the time the Fund would
enter into a mortgage dollar roll, it would set aside permissible liquid assets
in a segregated account to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to
buy mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be
considered a borrowing by the Fund.
    

   
         The Fund may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements to
facilitate portfolio liquidity, a practice common in the mutual fund industry,
or for arbitrage transactions discussed below. In a reverse repurchase
agreement, the Fund would sell a security and enter into an agreement to
repurchase the security at a specified future date and price. The Fund
generally retains the right to interest and principal payments on the security.
Since the Fund receives cash upon entering into a reverse repurchase agreement,
it may be considered a borrowing.  When required by guidelines of the SEC, the
Fund will set aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to secure
its obligation to repurchase the security.
    

   
         The mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements entered
into by the Fund may be used as arbitrage transactions in which the Fund will
maintain an offsetting position in investment-grade securities or repurchase
agreements that mature on or before the settlement date on the related mortgage
dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreement. Since the Fund will receive
interest on the securities or repurchase agreements in which it invests the
transaction proceeds, such transactions may involve leverage. However, since
such securities or repurchase agreements will be high quality and will mature
on or before the
    





                                       20
<PAGE>   142

   
settlement date of the mortgage dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreement,
the Advisor believes that such arbitrage transactions do not present the risks
to the Fund that is associated with other types of leverage.
    

FOREIGN SECURITIES

   
         The Growth and Income Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets
directly in the securities of foreign issuers.  It may also invest without
limitation in foreign securities in domestic markets through depositary
receipts.  However, as a matter of policy, the Advisor intends to limit total
foreign exposure, including both direct investments and depositary receipts, to
no more than 25% of the Fund's net assets.  Many of the foreign securities held
by the Fund will not be registered with the SEC, nor will the issuers thereof
be subject to SEC reporting requirements.  Accordingly, there may be less
publicly available information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by
the Fund than is available concerning U.S. companies.  Disclosure and
regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent in emerging market
countries than in the U.S. and other major markets.  There also may be a lower
level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of
investors in such markets, and enforcement of existing regulations may be
extremely limited.  Foreign companies, and in particular, companies in smaller
and emerging capital markets are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory requirements
comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies.  The Fund's net investment
income and capital gains from its foreign investment activities may be subject
to non-U.S. withholding taxes.
    

   
         The costs attributable to foreign investing that the Fund must bear
frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing; this is
particularly true with respect to emerging capital markets.  For example, the
cost of maintaining custody of foreign securities exceeds custodian costs for
domestic securities, and transaction and settlement costs of foreign investing
also frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing.
Costs associated with the exchange of currencies also make foreign investing
more expensive than domestic investing.  Investment income on certain foreign
securities in which the Fund may invest may be subject to foreign withholding
or other government taxes that could reduce the return of these securities.
Tax treaties between the United States and foreign countries, however, may
reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign tax to which the Fund would be
subject.
    

   
         Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement
procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
failed to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it
difficult to conduct such transactions.  Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is
earned thereon.  The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases
due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment
opportunities.  Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement
problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines
in the value of such portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a
contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the
purchaser.
    

   
    
SMALL COMPANIES

         The Fund may, from time to time, invest a substantial portion of its
assets in small companies.  While smaller companies generally have the
potential for rapid growth, investments in smaller companies often involve
greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies because
smaller companies may lack the management experience, financial resources,
product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies. In
addition, in many instances the securities of smaller companies are traded only
over-the-counter or on a regional securities exchange, and the frequency and
volume of their trading is substantially less than is typical of larger
companies. Therefore, the securities of smaller companies may be subject to
greater and more abrupt price fluctuations. When making large sales, the Fund
may have to sell portfolio holdings at discounts from quoted prices or may have
to make a series of small sales over an extended period of time due to the
trading volume of smaller company securities. Investors should be aware that,
based on the foregoing factors, an investment in the Fund may be subject to
greater price fluctuations than an investment in a fund that invests primarily
in larger, more established companies. The Advisor's research efforts may also
play a greater role in selecting securities for the Fund than in a fund that
invests in larger, more established companies.





                                       21
<PAGE>   143


   
                       DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND
    

   
         Directors and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during the last five years, and other
information, are shown below.  Each director who is deemed an "interested
person," as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated by an asterisk.  Each officer
and director holds the same position with the following registered investment
companies and any series thereof:  Strong Advantage Fund, Inc.; Strong Asia
Pacific Fund, Inc.; Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Corporate Bond Fund,
Inc.; Strong Discovery Fund, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong Government
Securities Fund, Inc.; Strong Heritage Reserve Series, Inc.; Strong High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Income Funds, Inc.; Strong Insured Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong International Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong International
Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Money Market Fund, Inc.; Strong Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc.; Strong Municipal Funds, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.; Strong
Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Global Bond Fund, Inc.; and
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (collectively, the "Strong Funds");
and Strong Institutional Funds, Inc.; Strong Special Fund II, Inc.; and Strong
Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
    

   
         *Richard S. Strong (DOB 5/12/42), Chairman of the Board and Director
of the Fund.
    

   
         Prior to August 1985, Mr. Strong was Chief Executive Officer of the
Advisor, which he founded in 1974. Since August 1985, Mr. Strong has been a
Security Analyst and Portfolio Manager of the Advisor.  In October 1991, Mr.
Strong also became the Chairman of the Advisor.  Mr.  Strong is a director of
the Advisor.  Since October 1993, Mr. Strong has been Chairman and a director
of Strong Holdings, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation and subsidiary of the Advisor
("Holdings"), and the Fund's underwriter, Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., a
Wisconsin corporation and subsidiary of Holdings ("Distributor").  Since
January 1994, Mr. Strong has been Chairman and a director of Heritage Reserve
Development Corporation, a Wisconsin Corporation and subsidiary of Holdings;
and since February 1994, Mr. Strong has been a member of the Managing Boards of
Fussville Real Estate Holdings L.L.C., a Wisconsin Limited Liability Company
and subsidiary of the Advisor, and Fussville Development L.L.C., a Wisconsin
Limited Liability Company and subsidiary of the Advisor, and certain of its
subsidiaries.  Mr. Strong has served as a director and Chairman of the Board of
the Fund since October 1995.  Mr. Strong has been in the investment management
business since 1967.
    

   
         Marvin E. Nevins (DOB 7/9/18), Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Private Investor.  From 1945 to 1980, Mr. Nevins was Chairman of
Wisconsin Centrifugal Inc., a foundry. From July 1983 to December 1986, he was
Chairman of General Casting Corp., Waukesha, Wisconsin, a foundry. Mr. Nevins
is a former Chairman of the Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers & Commerce.
He was also a regent of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a member of the
Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Mr. Nevins has served
as a director of Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         Willie D. Davis (DOB 7/24/34), Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Davis has been director of Alliance Bank Since 1980, Sara Lee
Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, KMart Corporation (a
discount consumer products company) since 1985, YMCA Metropolitan - Los Angeles
since 1985, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, MGM Grand, Inc. (an
entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, WICOR, Inc. (a utility company) since
1990, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an industrial company) since 1992, L.A. Gear (a
footwear/sportswear company) since 1992, and Rally's Hamburger, Inc. since
1994.  Mr. Davis has been a trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980,
Marquette University since 1988, and Occidental College since 1990.  Since
1977, Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro
Broadcasting, Inc.  Mr. Davis was a director of the Fireman's Fund (an
insurance company) from 1975 until 1990.  Mr. Davis has served as a director of
Fund since October 1995.
    





                                       22
<PAGE>   144


   
         *John Dragisic (DOB 11/26/40), President and Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Dragisic has been President of the Advisor since October 1995 and
a director of the Advisor, Holdings, and Distributor since July 1994.  Mr.
Dragisic previously served as a director of the American Utilities Fund from
April 1993 until July 1994, and as a director of the Asset Allocation and Total
Return Funds from July 1991 until July 1994.  Mr. Dragisic was the President
and Chief Executive Officer of Grunau Company, Inc. (a mechanical contracting
and engineering firm), Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1987 until July 1994.  From
1981 to 1987, he was an Executive Vice President with Grunau Company, Inc.
From 1969 until 1973, Mr. Dragisic worked for the Inter American Development
Bank.  Mr.  Dragisic received his Ph.D. in Economics in 1971 from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his B.A. degree in Economics in 1962 from
Lake Forest College.  Mr. Dragisic has served as (i) President of the Fund
since November 1995 and (ii) director of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         Stanley Kritzik (DOB 1/9/30), Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Kritzik has been a Partner of  Metropolitan Associates since 1962,
a Director of Aurora Health Care since 1987, and Health Network Ventures, Inc.
since 1992.  He has served as a director of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         William F. Vogt (DOB 7/19/47), Director of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Vogt has been the President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc.
since 1990.  From 1982 until 1990, he served as Executive Director of
University Physicians of the University of Colorado.  Mr. Vogt is the Past
President of the Medical Group Management Association and a Fellow of the
American College of Medical Practice Executives.  He has served as a director
of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         Lawrence A. Totsky (DOB 5/6/59), C.P.A., Vice President of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Totsky has been Vice President of the Advisor since December 1992.
Mr. Totsky acted as the Advisor's Manager of Shareholder Accounting and
Compliance from June 1987 to June 1991 when he was named Director of Mutual
Fund Administration. Mr. Totsky has been a Vice President of the Fund since
October 1995.
    

   
         Thomas P. Lemke (DOB 7/30/54), Vice President of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Lemke has been Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General
Counsel of the Advisor since September 1994.  For two years prior to joining
the Advisor, Mr. Lemke acted as Resident Counsel for Funds Management at J.P.
Morgan & Co., Inc.  From February 1989 until April 1992, Mr. Lemke acted as
Associate General Counsel to Sanford C. Bernstein  Co., Inc.  For two years
prior to that, Mr. Lemke was Of Counsel at the Washington D.C. law firm of Tew
Jorden & Schulte, a successor of Finley, Kumble Wagner.  From August 1979 until
December 1986, Mr. Lemke worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission, most
notably as the Chief Counsel to the Division of Investment Management (November
1984 - December 1986), and as Special Counsel to the Office of Insurance
Products, Division of Investment Management (April 1982 - October 1984).  Mr.
Lemke has been a Vice President of the Fund since October 1995.
    

   
         Ann E. Oglanian (DOB 12/7/61), Secretary of the Fund.
    

   
         Ms. Oglanian has been an Associate Counsel of the Advisor since
January 1992.  Ms. Oglanian acted as Associate Counsel for the Chicago- based
investment management firm, Kemper Financial Services, Inc. from June 1988
until December 1991.  Ms. Oglanian has been the Secretary of the Fund since
October 1995.
    





                                       23
<PAGE>   145


   
         Ronald A. Neville (DOB 5/21/47), C.P.A., Treasurer of the Fund.
    

   
         Mr. Neville has been the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Advisor since January 1995.  For fourteen years prior to that,
Mr. Neville worked at Twentieth Century Companies, Inc., most notably as Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1988 until December 1994).  Mr.
Neville received his M.B.A. in 1972 from the University of Missouri - Kansas
City and his B.A. degree in Business Administration and Economics in 1969 from
Drury College.  Mr. Neville has been the Treasurer of the Fund since October
1995.
    

         Except for Messrs. Nevins, Davis, Kritzik and Vogt, the address of all
of the above persons is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.  Mr. Nevins'
address is 6075 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Florida 33963.  Mr. Davis'
address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, California 90301, Mr. Kritzik's
address is 1123 North Astor Street, P.O. Box 92547, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202-0547.  Mr. Vogt's address is 2830 East Third Avenue, Denver, Colorado
80206.

   
         The mutual fund complex that is managed by the Advisor, which is
composed of 26 open-end management investment companies consisting of 37 mutual
funds, of which the Fund is a part, in the aggregate, pays each Director who is
not a director, officer, or employee of the Advisor, or any affiliated company
(a "disinterested director") an annual fee of $50,000, plus $100 per Board
meeting for each mutual fund.  In addition, each disinterested director is
reimbursed by the mutual funds for travel and other expenses incurred in
connection with attendance at such meetings.  Other officers and directors of
the mutual funds receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the
mutual funds.
    

   
         As of December 28, 1995, the officers and directors of the Fund
beneficially owned _____ shares  of common stock of the Fund, which was 100% of
the Fund's then outstanding shares.
    

                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

   
         As of December 28, 1995, the Advisor owned both of record and
beneficially, and Mr. Strong, who controls the Advisor, owned beneficially,
_____ shares (100%) of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
    

   
                       INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND DISTRIBUTOR
    

   
         The Advisor to the Fund is Strong Capital Management, Inc.  Mr.
Richard S. Strong controls the Advisor.  Mr. Strong is the Chairman and a
Director of the Advisor, Mr. Dragisic is the President and a Director of the
Advisor, Mr. Totsky is a Senior Vice President of the Advisor, Mr. Lemke is a
Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of the Advisor, Mr.
Neville is a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor,
and  Ms. Oglanian is an Associate Counsel of the Advisor.  A brief description
of the Fund's investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement") is set forth
in the Prospectus under "About the Fund - Management."
    

   
         The Advisory Agreement for the Fund dated December 28, 1995 was last
approved by its sole shareholder on December 28, 1995, and will remain in
effect for a period of two years.  The Advisory Agreement is required to be
approved annually by either the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940
Act).  In either case, each annual renewal must also be approved by the vote of
a majority of the Fund's directors who are not parties to the Advisory
Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval.  The Advisory Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Board of
Directors of the Fund, by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, or by the Advisor, and will terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
    

   
         Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor manages the
Fund's investments subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors.
The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and supplies investment
research and portfolio management.  At its expense, the Advisor provides office
space and all necessary office facilities, equipment, and
    





                                       24
<PAGE>   146

   
personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund.  In addition, the Advisor
places all orders for the purchase and sale of the Fund's portfolio securities
at the Fund's expense.
    

   
         As compensation for its services, the Fund pays to the Advisor a
monthly management fee at the annual rate of .80% of the average daily net
asset value of the Fund.  (See "Shareholder Manual - Determining Your Share
Price" in the Prospectus.)  From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily
waive all or a portion of its management fee for the Fund.
    

   
         The Advisory Agreement requires the Advisor to reimburse the Fund in
the event that the expenses and charges payable by the Fund in any fiscal year,
including the management fee but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage
commissions, and similar fees and to the extent permitted extraordinary
expenses, exceed a percentage of the average net asset value of the Fund for
such year.  Such excess is determined by valuations made as of the close of
each business day of the year, which is the most restrictive percentage
provided by the laws of the various states in which the Fund's common stock is
qualified for sale; or if the states in which the Fund's common stock is
qualified for sale impose no restrictions, the Advisor shall reimburse the Fund
in the event the expenses and charges payable by the Fund in any fiscal year
(as described above) exceed 2%.  The most restrictive percentage limitation
currently applicable to the Fund is 2 1/2% of its average daily net assets up
to $30,000,000, 2% on the next $70,000,000 of its average daily net assets and
1 1/2% of its average daily net assets in excess of $100,000,000.
Reimbursement of expenses in excess of the applicable limitation will be made
on a monthly basis and will be paid to the Fund by reduction of the Advisor's
fee, subject to later adjustment, month by month, for the remainder of the
Fund's fiscal year.  The Advisor may from time to time voluntarily absorb
expenses for the Fund in addition to the reimbursement of expenses in excess of
applicable limitations.
    

   
         On July 12, 1994, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
filed an administrative action (Order) against the Advisor, Mr.  Strong, and
another employee of the Advisor in connection with conduct that occurred
between 1987 and early 1990. In re Strong/Corneliuson Capital Management, Inc.,
et al. Admin. Proc. File No. 3-8411. The proceeding was settled by consent
without admitting or denying the allegations in the Order. The Order alleged
that the Advisor and Mr. Strong aided and abetted violations of Section 17(a)
of the 1940 Act by effecting trades between mutual funds, and between mutual
funds and Harbour Investments Ltd. ("Harbour"), without complying with the
exemptive provisions of SEC Rule 17a-7 or otherwise obtaining an exemption. It
further alleged that the Advisor violated, and Mr. Strong aided and abetted
violations of, the disclosure provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 by misrepresenting the Advisor's policy on personal
trading and by failing to disclose trading by Harbour, an entity in which
principals of the Advisor owned between 18 and 25 percent of the voting stock.
As part of the settlement, the respondents agreed to a censure and a cease and
desist order and the Advisor agreed to various undertakings, including adoption
of certain procedures and a limitation for six months on accepting certain
types of new advisory clients.
    

         The staff of the U.S. Department of Labor (the "Staff") has contacted
the Advisor regarding alleged cross-trading of securities between 1987 and
early 1990 involving various customer accounts subject to the Employee
Retirement Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and managed by the Advisor.  The
Advisor has informed the Staff of the basis for its position that the trades
complied with ERISA and that, in any event, any alleged noncompliance was not
the cause of any losses to the accounts.  The Staff has stated that it
disagrees with the Advisor's positions, although to date it has not filed any
action against the Advisor.  At this time, the Advisor is negotiating with the
Staff regarding a possible resolution of the matter, but it cannot presently
determine whether the matter will be settled or litigated or, if it is settled
or litigated, how it ultimately will be resolved.  However, management
presently believes, based on current knowledge and the Advisor's insurance
coverage, that the ultimate resolution of this matter should not have a
material adverse effect on the Advisor's financial position.

   
    

   
         Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor or by the Distributor, as
described below with respect to the distribution of the Fund's shares, the Fund
is responsible for all its other expenses, including, without limitation,
interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions and similar expenses;
organizational expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase or redemption of
shares; expenses of registering or qualifying shares for sale with the states
and the SEC; expenses for printing and distributing Prospectuses and quarterly
financial statements to existing shareholders; charges of custodians, transfer
agents (including the printing and mailing of reports and notices to
shareholders), registrars, auditing and legal services, clerical services
related to
    





                                       25
<PAGE>   147

recordkeeping and shareholder relations, and printing of stock certificates;
and fees for directors who are not "interested persons" of the Advisor.

   
         The Advisor has adopted a Code of Ethics (the "Code") which governs
the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the Advisor.  Access
Persons include every director and officer of the Advisor and the investment
companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund, as well as certain
employees of the Advisor who have access to information relating to the
purchase or sale of securities by the Advisor on behalf of accounts managed by
it.  The Code is based upon the principal that such Access Persons have a
fiduciary duty to place the interests of the Advisor's clients ahead of their
own.
    

   
         The Code requires Access Persons (other than Access Persons who are
independent directors of the investment companies managed by the Advisor,
including the Fund) to, among other things, preclear their securities
transactions (with limited exceptions, such as transactions in shares of mutual
funds, direct obligations of the U.S. government and certain options on
broad-based securities market indexes) and to execute such transactions through
the Advisor's trading department.  The Code, which applies to all Access
Persons (other than Access Persons who are independent directors of the
investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund), includes a
ban on acquiring any securities in an initial public offering, other than a new
offering of a registered open-end investment company, and a prohibition from
profiting on short-term trading in securities.  In addition, no Access Person
may purchase or sell any security which, at the time, is being purchased or
sold, or to the knowledge of the Access Person, is being considered for
purchase or sale, by the Advisor on behalf of any mutual fund or other account
managed by it.  Finally, the Code provides for trading "black out" periods
which prohibit trading by Access Persons who are portfolio managers within
seven calendar days of trading in the same securities by any mutual fund or
other account managed by the portfolio manager.
    

   
    

   
         Under a Distribution Agreement dated December 28, 1995 for the Fund
(the "Distribution Agreement"), Strong Funds Distributors, Inc.  acts as
underwriter of the Fund's shares ("Distributor").  The Distribution Agreement
provides that the Distributor will use its best efforts to distribute the
Fund's shares.  Since the Fund is a "no-load" fund, no sales commissions are
charged on the purchase of the Fund's shares.  The Distribution Agreement
further provides that the Distributor will bear the costs of printing
Prospectuses and shareholder reports which are used for selling purposes, as
well as advertising and other costs attributable to the distribution of the
Fund's shares.  The Distributor is an indirect subsidiary of the Advisor and
controlled by the Advisor and Richard S. Strong.  The Distribution Agreement is
subject to the same termination and renewal provisions as are described above
with respect to the Advisory Agreements.
    

   
         From time to time, the Distributor may hold in-house sales incentive
programs for its associated persons under which these persons may receive
non-cash compensation awards in connection with the sale and distribution of
the Fund's shares.  These awards may include items such as, but not limited to,
gifts, merchandise, gift certificates, and payment of travel expenses, meals
and lodging.  As required by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. or NASD's proposed rule amendments in this area, any in-house sales
incentive program will be multi-product oriented, i.e., any incentive will be
based on an associated person's gross production of all securities within a
product type and will not be based on the sales of shares of any specifically
designated mutual fund.
    

                      PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

   
         The Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities
for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's portfolio business and the
negotiation of the commissions to be paid on such transactions.  It is the
policy of the Advisor to seek the best execution at the best security price
available with respect to each transaction, in light of the overall quality of
brokerage and research services provided to the Advisor or the Fund.  In
over-the-counter transactions, orders are placed directly with a principal
market maker unless it is believed that a better price and execution can be
obtained using a broker.  The best price to the Fund means the best net price
without regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and commissions. In
selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Advisor considers
a variety of factors, including best price and execution, the full
    





                                       26
<PAGE>   148

   
range of brokerage services provided by the broker, as well as its capital
strength and stability, and the quality of the research and research services
provided by the broker.  Brokerage will not be allocated based on the sale of
the Fund's shares.
    

   
    

         Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)")
permits an investment advisor, under certain circumstances, to cause an account
to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of
the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for
effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by the broker or dealer.  Brokerage and research
services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing, purchasing or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (b)
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of
accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody).

   
         In carrying out the provisions of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor
may cause the Fund to pay a broker, which provides brokerage and research
services to the Advisor, a commission for effecting a securities transaction in
excess of the amount another broker would have charged for effecting the
transaction.  The Advisor believes it is important to the decision-making
process to have access to independent research.  The Advisory Agreement
provides that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless (a)
the Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation
to the services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the
Advisor's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which it
exercises investment discretion; (b) such payment is made in compliance with
the provisions of Section 28(e), other applicable state and federal laws, and
the Advisory Agreement; and (c) in the opinion of the Advisor, the total
commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to
the Fund over the long term.  The investment management fees paid by the Fund
under its Advisory Agreement are not reduced as a result of the Advisor's
receipt of research services.
    

         Generally, research services provided by brokers include information
on the economy, industries, groups of securities, individual companies,
statistical information, accounting and tax law interpretations, political
developments, legal developments affecting portfolio securities, technical
market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk
measurement analysis, performance analysis, and analysis of corporate
responsibility issues.  Such research services are received primarily in the
form of written reports, telephone contacts, and personal meetings with
security analysts.  In addition, such research services may be provided in the
form of access to various computer-generated data, computer hardware and
software, and meetings arranged with corporate and industry spokespersons,
economists, academicians, and government representatives.  In such cases,
research services are generated by third parties but are provided to the
Advisor by or through brokers.  Such brokers may pay for all or a portion of
computer hardware and software costs relating to the pricing of securities.

   
         Where the Advisor itself receives both administrative benefits and
research and brokerage services from the services provided by brokers, it makes
a good faith allocation between the administrative benefits and the research
and brokerage services, and will pay for any administrative benefits with cash.
In making good faith allocations between administrative benefits and research
and brokerage services, a conflict of interest may exist by reason of the
Advisor's allocation of the costs of such benefits and services between those
that primarily benefit the Advisor and those that primarily benefit the Fund
and other advisory clients.
    

   
         From time to time, the Advisor may purchase securities for the Fund in
a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the
selling group that will, in addition to selling the securities to the Fund and
other advisory clients, provide the Advisor with research. The National
Association of Securities Dealers has adopted rules expressly permitting these
types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will
provide research "credits" in these situations at a rate that is higher than
that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These
arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
    

   
         Each year, the Advisor considers the amount and nature of research and
research services provided by brokers, as well as the extent to which such
services are relied upon, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage
business of the Fund and other advisory clients on the basis of that
consideration. In addition, brokers may suggest a level of business they would
like to
    





                                       27
<PAGE>   149

receive in order to continue to provide such services. The actual brokerage
business received by a broker may be more or less than the suggested
allocations, depending upon the Advisor's evaluation of all applicable
considerations.

         During its last fiscal year, the Advisor had an arrangement with
various brokers whereby, in consideration of the providing of research
services, the Advisor allocated brokerage to those firms, provided that their
brokerage and research services were satisfactory to the Advisor and their
execution capabilities were compatible with the Advisor's policy of seeking
best execution at the best security price available, as discussed above.

   
         The Advisor may direct the purchase of securities on behalf of the
Fund and other advisory clients in secondary market transactions, in public
offerings directly from an underwriter, or in privately negotiated transactions
with an issuer. When the Advisor believes the circumstances so warrant,
securities purchased in public offerings may be resold shortly after
acquisition in the immediate aftermarket for the security in order to take
advantage of price appreciation from the public offering price or for other
reasons. Short-term trading of securities acquired in public offerings, or
otherwise, may result in higher portfolio turnover and associated brokerage
expenses.
    

   
         The Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts,
including other mutual funds managed by the Advisor.  Research services
furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities transactions
may be used by the Advisor in servicing all of their accounts; not all of such
services may be used by the Advisor, and Subadvisor, in connection with the
Fund.  In the opinion of the Advisor, it is not possible to separately measure
the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the
Fund) managed by the Advisor.  Because the volume and nature of the trading
activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of commissions in excess
of those charged by another broker paid by each account for brokerage and
research services will vary.  However, in the opinion of the Advisor, such
costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the
Fund on a continuing basis.
    

   
         The Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably
whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the
Fund and another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an
adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund.
In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the
main factors considered by the Advisor are the respective investment
objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable
securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of investment
commitments generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for
recommending the investment.
    

   
         Where consistent with a client's investment objectives, investment
restrictions, and risk tolerance, the Advisor may purchase securities sold in
underwritten public offerings for client accounts, commonly referred to as
"deal" securities.  The Advisor has adopted deal allocation procedures (the
"procedures"), summarized below, that reflect the Advisor's overriding policy
that deal securities must be allocated among participating client accounts in a
fair and equitable manner and that deal securities may not be allocated in a
manner that unfairly discriminates in favor of certain clients or types of
clients.
    

   
         The procedures provide that, in determining which client accounts a
portfolio manager team will seek to have purchase deal securities, the team
will consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the nature,
size, and expected allocation to the Advisor of deal securities; the size of
the account(s); the accounts' investment objectives and restrictions; the risk
tolerance of the client; the client's tolerance for possibly higher portfolio
turnover; the amount of commissions generated by the account during the past
year; and the number of other deals the client has participated in during the
past year.
    

   
         Where more than one of the Advisor portfolio manager team seeks to
have client accounts participate in a deal and the amount of deal securities
allocated to the Advisor by the underwriting syndicate is less than the
aggregate amount ordered by the Advisor (a "reduced allocation"), the deal
securities will be allocated among the portfolio manager teams based on all
relevant factors.  The primary factor shall be assets under management,
although other factors that may be considered in the allocation decision
include, but are not limited to, the nature, size, and expected Advisor
allocation of the deal; the amount of brokerage commissions or other amounts
generated by the respective participating portfolio manager teams; and which
portfolio manager team is primarily responsible for the Advisor receiving
securities in the deal.  Based on the relevant factors, the Advisor has
established general allocation percentages for its portfolio manager teams, and
these percentages are reviewed on a regular basis to
    





                                       28
<PAGE>   150

   
determine whether asset growth or other factors make it appropriate to use
different general allocation percentages for reduced allocations.
    

   
         When a portfolio manager team receives a reduced allocation of deal
securities, the portfolio manager team will allocate the reduced allocation
among client accounts in accordance with the allocation percentages set forth
in the team's initial allocation instructions for the deal securities, except
where this would result in a de minimis allocation to any client account.  On a
regular basis, the Advisor reviews the allocation of deal securities to ensure
that they have been allocated in a fair and equitable manner that does not
unfairly discriminate in favor of certain clients or types of clients.
    

                                   CUSTODIAN

   
         As custodian of the Fund's assets, Firstar Trust Company, P.O. Box
701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, has custody of all securities and cash of the
Fund, delivers and receives payment for securities sold, receives and pays for
securities purchased, collects income from investments and performs other
duties, all as directed by the officers of the Fund.  The custodian is in no
way responsible for any of the investment policies or decisions of the Fund.
    

                  TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT

   
         The Advisor acts as transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for
the Fund.  The Advisor is compensated based on an annual fee per open account
of $21.75 plus certain out-of-pocket expenses and a $4.20 charge per account
per annum on all closed accounts, payable monthly.  The Advisor also acts as
investment advisor for the Fund.  The fees received and the services provided
as transfer agent and dividend- disbursing agent are in addition to those
received and provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement.  In
addition, the Advisor provides certain printing and mailing services for the
Fund, such as printing and mailing of shareholder account statements, checks,
and tax forms.
    

   
    

   
         From time to time, the Fund, directly or indirectly through
arrangements with the Advisor, and/or the Advisor may pay amounts to third
parties that provide transfer agent and other administrative services relating
to the Fund to persons who beneficially own interests in the Fund, such as
participants in 401(k) plans.  These services may include, among other things,
sub-accounting services, answering inquiries relating to the Fund,
transmitting, on behalf of the Fund, proxy statements, annual reports, updated
Prospectuses, other communications regarding the Fund, and related services as
the Fund or beneficial owners may reasonably request.  In such cases, the Fund
will not pay fees at a rate that is greater than the rate the Fund is currently
paying the Advisor for providing these services to Fund shareholders.
    

                                     TAXES

GENERAL

   
         As indicated under "About the Fund - Distributions and Taxes" in the
Prospectus, the Fund intends to continue to qualify annually for treatment as a
regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, (the "Code").  This qualification does not involve government
supervision of the Fund's management practices or policies.
    

   
         In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code, the Fund
must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (consisting generally of net investment
income, net short-term capital gain, and net gains from certain foreign
currency transactions) ("Distribution Requirements") and must meet several
additional requirements.  Among these requirements are the following: (1) the
Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from
the sale or other disposition of
    





                                       29
<PAGE>   151
   
securities, foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options,
futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of
investing in securities or those currencies ("Income Requirement"); (2) the
Fund must derive less than 30% of its gross income each taxable year from the
sale or other disposition of securities, or any of the following that was held
for less than three months  --  options or futures (other than those on foreign
currencies), or foreign currencies (or options, futures, or forward contracts
thereon) that are not directly related to the Fund's principal business of
investing in securities (or options and futures with respect to securities), or
forward contracts ("30% Limitation"); (3) at the close of each quarter of the
Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be
represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of
other RICs, and other securities, with these other securities limited, in
respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the
issuer's outstanding voting securities; and (4) at the close of each quarter of
the Fund's taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may
be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the
securities of other RICs) of any one issuer.  From time to time the Advisor may
find it necessary to make certain types of investments for the purpose of
ensuring that the Fund continues to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the
Code.
    


         If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or
less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short- term, capital
loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares.

   
         The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise
Tax") to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year
substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net
income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain
other amounts.
    

FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS

   
         Interest and dividends received by the Fund may be subject to income,
withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S.  possessions
that would reduce the yield on its securities.  Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes,
however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in
respect of investments by foreign investors.
    

   
         The Fund maintains its accounts and calculates its income in U.S.
dollars.  In general, gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign
currencies and forward currency contracts, (2) from the disposition of
foreign-currency-denominated debt securities that are attributable to
fluctuations in exchange rates between the date the securities are acquired and
their disposition date, and (3) attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables or expenses or
other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund
actually collects those receivables or pays those liabilities, will be treated
as ordinary income or loss.  A foreign-currency-denominated debt security
acquired by the Fund may bear interest at a high normal rate that takes into
account expected decreases in the value of the principal amount of the security
due to anticipated currency devaluations; in that case, the Fund would be
required to include the interest in income as it accrues but generally would
realize a currency loss with respect to the principal only when the principal
was received (through disposition or upon maturity).
    


   
         The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment
companies" ("PFICs").  A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets
either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive
or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the
production of, passive income.  Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be
subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution"
received on the stock or of any gain on disposition of the stock (collectively,
"PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC
income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders.  The balance of the PFIC
income will be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and,
accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent that income is distributed
to its shareholders.  If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the
PFIC as a "qualified electing fund," then in lieu of the foregoing tax and
interest obligation, the Fund will be required to include in income each year
its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund's annual ordinary earnings
and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss) -- which probably would have to be distributed to its
shareholders to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of
the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings and gain were not received by the
Fund.  In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make
this election because of certain requirements thereof.
    






                                       30
<PAGE>   152

         The "Tax Simplification and Technical Corrections Bill of 1993,"
passed in May 1994 by the House of Representatives, would substantially modify
the taxation of U.S. shareholders of foreign corporations, including
eliminating the provisions described above dealing with PFICs and replacing
them (and other provisions) with a regulatory scheme involving entities called
"passive foreign corporations." Three similar bills were passed by Congress in
1991 and 1992 and were vetoed.  It is unclear at this time whether, and in what
form, the proposed modifications may be enacted into law.

   
         Pursuant to proposed regulations, open-end RICs such as the Fund would
be entitled to elect to "mark-to-market" its stock in certain PFICs.
"Marking-to-market," in this context, means recognizing as gain for each
taxable year the excess, as of the end of that year, of the fair market value
of each such PFIC's stock over the adjusted basis in that stock (including
mark-to-market gain for each prior year for which an election was in effect).
    

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

   
         The use of derivatives strategies, such as purchasing and selling
(writing) options and futures and entering into foreign currency contracts,
involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the
character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes
in connection therewith.  Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies
(except certain gains therefrom that may be excluded by future regulations),
and income from transactions in options, futures, and forward currency
contracts derived by the Fund with respect to its business of investing in
securities or foreign currencies, will qualify as permissible income under the
Income Requirement.  However, income from the disposition of options and
futures (other than those on foreign currencies) will be subject to the 30%
Limitation if they are held for less than three months.  Income from the
disposition of foreign currencies, and options, futures, and forward contracts
on foreign currencies, that are not directly related to the Fund's principal
business of investing in securities (or options and futures with respect to
securities) also will be subject to the 30% Limitation if they are held for
less than three months.
    

   
         If the Fund satisfies certain requirements, any increase in value of a
position that is part of a "designated hedge" will be offset by any decrease in
value (whether realized or not) of the offsetting hedging position during the
period of the hedge for purposes of determining whether the Fund satisfies the
30% Limitation.  Thus, only the net gain (if any) from the designated hedge
will be included in gross income for purposes of that limitation.  The Fund
intends that, when they engage in hedging strategies, the hedging transactions
will qualify for this treatment, but at the present time it is not clear
whether this treatment will be available for all of the Fund's hedging
transactions.  To the extent this treatment is not available or is not elected
by the Fund, it may be forced to defer the closing out of certain options,
futures, or forward currency contracts beyond the time when it otherwise would
be advantageous to do so, in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a
RIC.
    

   
         For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to recognize as
income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on options,
futures, and forward currency contracts that are subject to section 1256 of the
Code ("Section 1256 Contracts") and are held by the Fund as of the end of the
year, as well as gains and losses on Section 1256 Contracts actually realized
during the year.  Except for Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a "mixed
straddle" and with respect to which the Fund makes a certain election, any gain
or loss recognized with respect to Section 1256 Contracts is considered to be
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss,
without regard to the holding period of the Section 1256 Contract.  Unrealized
gains on Section 1256 Contracts that have been held by the Fund for less than
three months as of the end of its taxable year, and that are recognized for
federal income tax purposes as described above, will not be considered gains on
investments held for less than three months for purposes of the 30% Limitation.
    

ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES

   
         The Fund may acquire zero-coupon, step-coupon, or other securities
issued with original issue discount.  As a holder of those securities, the Fund
must include in its income the original issue discount that accrues on the
securities during the taxable year, even if the Fund receives no corresponding
payment on the securities during the year.  Similarly, the Fund must include in
its income securities it receives as "interest" on pay-in-kind securities.
Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment
company taxable income, including any original issue discount and other
non-cash income, to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition
of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular year to distribute as a
dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually
receives.  Those distributions may be made from the
    





                                       31
<PAGE>   153

   
proceeds on sales of portfolio securities, if necessary.  The Fund may realize
capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its
investment company taxable income or net capital gain, or both.  In addition,
any such gains may be realized on the disposition of securities held for less
than three months.  Because of the 30% Limitation, any such gains would reduce
the Fund's ability to sell other securities, or certain options, futures, or
forward currency contracts, held for less that three months that it might wish
to sell in the ordinary course of its portfolio management.
    

   
         The foregoing federal tax discussion as well as the tax discussion
contained within the Prospectus under "About the Fund - Distributions and
Taxes" is intended to provide you with an overview of the impact of federal
income tax provisions on the Fund or its shareholders.  These tax provisions
are subject to change by legislative or administrative action at the federal,
state, or local level, and any changes may be applied retroactively.  Any such
action that limits or restricts the Fund's current ability to pass-through
earnings without taxation at the Fund level, or otherwise materially changes
the Fund's tax treatment, could adversely affect the value of a shareholder's
investment in the Fund.  Because the Fund's taxes are a complex matter, you
should consult your tax adviser for more detailed information concerning the
taxation of the Fund and the federal, state, and local tax consequences to
shareholders of an investment in the Fund.
    

                        DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

   
         As set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Shareholder Manual -
Determining Your Share Price," the net asset value of the Fund will be
determined as of the close of trading on each day the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") is open for trading. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through
Friday except New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the
NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday, and when such
holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the
succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending
of a monthly or the yearly accounting period.
    

   
         Debt obligations are valued by a pricing service that utilizes
electronic data processing techniques to determine values for normal
institutional-sized trading units of debt obligations without regard to sale or
bid prices when such values are believed to more accurately reflect the fair
market value for such securities. Otherwise, sale or bid prices are used. Any
securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Fund. Debt obligations having remaining maturities of 60 days
or less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost method when the Fund's
Board of Directors determines that the fair value of such securities is their
amortized cost. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially valued
at its acquisition cost, and thereafter, amortization of any discount or
premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of the fluctuating rates
on the market value of the instrument.
    

                       ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES AND AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN

   
         Shares of the Fund and any other funds sponsored by the Advisor may be
exchanged for each other at relative net asset values.  Exchanges will be
effected by redemption of shares of the Fund held and purchase of shares of the
fund for which Fund shares are being exchanged (the "New Fund").  For federal
income tax purposes, any such exchange constitutes a sale upon which a capital
gain or loss will be realized, depending upon whether the value of the shares
being exchanged is more or less than the shareholder's adjusted cost basis.  If
you are interested in exercising any of these exchange privileges, you should
obtain Prospectuses of other funds sponsored by the Advisor from the Advisor.
Upon a telephone exchange, the transfer agent establishes a new account in the
New Fund with the same registration and dividend and capital gains options as
the redeemed account, unless otherwise specified, and confirms the purchase to
you.
    

   
         The Fund employs reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. The Fund may not be liable for losses
due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Such procedures include but are
not limited to
    





                                       32
<PAGE>   154

requiring a form of personal identification prior to acting on instructions
received by telephone, providing written confirmations of such transactions to
the address of record, and tape recording telephone instructions.

   
         The Telephone Exchange and Redemption Privileges and Automatic
Exchange Plan are available only in states where shares of the New Fund may be
sold, and may be modified or discontinued at any time.  Additional information
regarding the Telephone Exchange and Redemption Privileges and Automatic
Exchange Plan is contained in the Fund's Prospectus.
    





                                       33
<PAGE>   155


RETIREMENT PLANS

Individual Retirement Account (IRA): Everyone under age 70 1/2 with earned
income may contribute to a tax-deferred IRA. The Strong Funds offer a prototype
plan for you to establish your own IRA. You are allowed to contribute up to the
lesser of $2,000 or 100% of your earned income each year to your IRA. Under
certain circumstances, your contribution will be deductible.

Direct Rollover IRA: To avoid the mandatory 20% federal withholding tax on
distributions,  you must transfer the qualified retirement or Code section
403(b) plan distribution directly into an IRA. This tax cannot be avoided if
you receive a distribution and then roll it over into an IRA. The amount of
your Direct Rollover IRA contribution will not be included in your taxable
income for the year.

Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP-IRA): A SEP-IRA allows an employer to
make deductible contributions to separate IRA accounts established for each
eligible employee.

Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SAR SEP-IRA): A SAR SEP-IRA
is a type of SEP-IRA in which an employer may allow employees to defer part of
their salaries and contribute into an IRA account. These deferrals help lower
the employees' taxable income.

Defined Contribution Plan: A defined contribution plan allows self-employed
individuals, partners, or a corporation to provide retirement benefits for
themselves and their employees. There are three plan types: a profit-sharing
plan, a money purchase pension plan, and a paired plan (a combination of a
profit-sharing plan and a money purchase plan).

401(k) Plan: A 401(k) plan is a type of profit-sharing plan that allows
employees to have part of their salary contributed to a retirement plan which
will earn tax-deferred income. A 401(k) plan is funded by employee
contributions, employer contributions, or a combination of both.

403(b)(7) Plan: A tax-sheltered custodial account designed to qualify under
section 403(b)(7) of the Code is available for use by employees of certain
educational, non-profit, hospital, and charitable organizations.

                               FUND ORGANIZATION

   
         The Fund is a series of common stock of Strong Conservative Equity
Funds, Inc. (formerly known as Strong American Utilities Fund, Inc.), a
Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation").  The Corporation was incorporated on
December 28, 1990 and is authorized to issue 10,000,000,000 shares of common
stock and series and classes of series of shares of common stock, with a par
value of $ .00001 per share.  The Corporation is authorized to issue
300,000,000 shares of common stock of the Fund.  The shares in any one
portfolio may, in turn, be offered in separate classes, each with differing
preferences, limitations or relative rights.  However, the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation provides that if additional classes of shares are
issued by the Fund, such new classes of shares may not affect the preferences,
limitations or relative rights of the Fund's outstanding shares.  In addition,
the Corporation's Board is authorized to allocate assets, liabilities, income,
and expenses to each series and class.  Classes within a series may have
different expense arrangements than other classes of the same series and,
accordingly, the net asset value of shares within a series may differ.
Finally, all holders of shares of the Corporation may vote on each matter
presented to shareholders for action except with respect to any matter which
affects only one or more series or class, in which case only the shares of the
affected series or class are entitled to vote.  Fractional shares have the same
rights proportionately as do full shares.  Shares of the Fund have no
preemptive, conversion, or subscription rights.  The Corporation currently has
two series of common stock outstanding.  If the Corporation issues additional
series, the assets belonging to each series of shares will be held separately
by the custodian, and in effect each series will be a separate fund.
    

   
    

   
    



                                       34
<PAGE>   156

                              SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS

   
         The Wisconsin Business Corporation Law permits registered investment
companies, such as the Fund, to operate without an annual meeting of
shareholders under specified circumstances if an annual meeting is not required
by the 1940 Act.  The Fund has adopted the appropriate provisions in its Bylaws
and may, at their discretion, not hold an annual meeting in any year in which
the election of directors is not required to be acted on by shareholders under
the 1940 Act.
    

   
         The Corporation's Bylaws allow for a director to be removed by its
shareholders with or without cause, only at a meeting called for the purpose of
removing the director.  Upon the written request of the holders of shares
entitled to not less than ten percent (10%) of all the votes entitled to be
cast at such meeting, the Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly call a
special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of
removal of any director.  The Secretary of the Corporation shall inform such
shareholders of the reasonable estimated costs of preparing and mailing the
notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the Corporation of such costs, the
Corporation shall give not less than ten nor more than sixty days notice of the
special meeting.
    

                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

   
         As described in the "About the Fund - Performance Information" section
of the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund's historical performance or return may be
shown in the form of "average annual total return," "total return," and
"cumulative total return."  From time to time, the Advisor may agree to waive
or reduce its management fee and to absorb certain operating expenses for the
Fund.  Without these waivers and absorption of expenses, the performance
results for the Fund noted herein would have been lower.  All performance and
returns noted herein are historical and do not represent the future performance
of the Fund.
    

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
         The Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in
accordance with a standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC.  The
average annual total return for the Fund for a specific period is found by
first taking a hypothetical $10,000 investment ("initial investment") in the
Fund's shares on the first day of the period and computing the "redeemable
value" of that investment at the end of the period.  The redeemable value is
then divided by the initial investment, and this quotient is taken to the Nth
root (N representing the number of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted
from the result, which is then expressed as a percentage.  The calculation
assumes that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
Average annual total return figures for various periods are set forth in the
table below.
    

TOTAL RETURN

   
         Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a
standardized formula.  Total return performance for a specific period is
calculated by first taking an investment (assumed below to be $10,000)
("initial investment") in the Fund's shares on the first day of the period and
computing the "ending value" of that investment at the end of the period.  The
total return percentage is then determined by subtracting the initial
investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial
investment and expressing the result as a percentage.  The calculation assumes
that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been
reinvested at net asset value of the Fund on the reinvestment dates during the
period.  Total return may also be shown as the increased dollar value of the
hypothetical investment over the period.  Total return figures for various
periods are set forth in the table below.
    





                                       35
<PAGE>   157


CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

         Cumulative total return represents the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period and may be quoted as a percentage or as a
dollar amount.  Total returns and cumulative total returns may be broken down
into their components of income and capital (including capital gains and
changes in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship between these
factors and their contributions to total return.

   
         The Fund's performance figures are based upon historical results and
do not represent future performance.  The Fund's shares are sold at net asset
value per share.  The Fund's returns and net asset value will fluctuate and
shares are redeemable at the then current net asset value of the Fund, which
may be more or less than original cost.  Factors affecting the Fund's
performance include general market conditions, operating expenses, and
investment management.  Any additional fees charged by a dealer or other
financial services firm would reduce the returns described in this section.
    

   
    

YIELD

   
         The Fund's yield is computed in accordance with a standardized method
prescribed by rules of the SEC.  Under that method, the current yield quotation
for the Fund is based on a one month or 30-day period.  The yield is computed
by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the 30-day or one
month period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period, according to the following formula:
    

                                              6
                           YIELD = 2[(a-b + 1)  - 1]
                                      ---
                                      cd

       Where    a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
                b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
                c = the average daily number of shares outstanding
                    during the period that were entitled to receive dividends.
                d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day 
                    of the period.

   
         In computing its yield, the Fund follows certain standardized
accounting practices specified by rules of the SEC.  These practices are not
necessarily consistent with those that the Fund uses to prepare annual and
interim financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
    

DISTRIBUTION RATE

   
         The distribution rate for the Fund is computed, according to a
non-standardized formula, by dividing the total amount of actual distributions
per share paid by the Fund over a twelve month period by the Fund's net asset
value on the last day of the period.  The distribution rate differs from the
Fund's yield because the distribution rate includes distributions to
shareholders from sources other than dividends and interest, such as premium
income from option writing and short-term capital gains.  Therefore, the Fund's
distribution rate may be substantially different than its yield.  Both the
Fund's yield and distribution rate will fluctuate.
    

COMPARISONS

(1)      U.S. TREASURY BILLS, NOTES, OR BONDS
   
         Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of
U.S. Treasury bills, notes, or bonds, which are issued by the U.S.  Government.
Treasury obligations are issued in selected denominations.  Rates of Treasury
obligations are fixed at the time of issuance and payment of principal and
interest is backed by the full faith and credit of the Treasury.  The market
value of such instruments will generally fluctuate inversely with interest
rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at maturity.  Generally, the
values of obligations with shorter maturities will fluctuate less than those
with longer maturities.
    





                                       36
<PAGE>   158


(2)      CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
   
         Investors may want to compare the Fund's performance to that of
certificates of deposit offered by banks and other depositary institutions.
Certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and
principal is guaranteed and may be insured.  Withdrawal of the deposits prior
to maturity normally will be subject to a penalty.  Rates offered by banks and
other depositary institutions are subject to change at any time specified by
the issuing institution.
    

(3)      MONEY MARKET FUNDS
   
         Investors may also want to compare performance of the Fund to that of
money market funds.  Money market fund yields will fluctuate and shares are not
insured, but share values usually remain stable.
    

(4)      LIPPER ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. ("LIPPER") AND OTHER INDEPENDENT
         RANKING ORGANIZATIONS
   
         From time to time, in marketing and other fund literature, the Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of other mutual funds in general
or to the performance of particular types of mutual funds with similar
investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations.  Among these
organizations, Lipper, a widely used independent research firm which ranks
mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, may be
cited.  Lipper performance figures are based on changes in net asset value,
with all income and capital gains dividends reinvested.  Such calculations do
not include the effect of any sales charges imposed by other funds.  The Fund
will be compared to Lipper's appropriate fund category, that is, by fund
objective and portfolio holdings.  The Fund's performance may also be compared
to the average performance of its Lipper category.
    

(5)      MORNINGSTAR, INC.
   
         The Fund's performance may also be compared to the performance of
other mutual funds by Morningstar, Inc., which rates funds on the basis of
historical risk and total return.  Morningstar's ratings range from five stars
(highest) to one star (lowest) and represent Morningstar's assessment of the
historical risk level and total return of the Fund as a weighted average for 3,
5, and 10 year periods.  Ratings are not absolute and do not represent future
results.
    

(6)      INDEPENDENT SOURCES
   
         Evaluations of Fund performance made by independent sources may also
be used in advertisements concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or
selections from, editorials or articles about the Fund, especially those with
similar objectives.  Sources for Fund performance and articles about the Fund
may include publications such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's, Smart Money,
Financial World, Business Week, U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street
Journal, Barron's and a variety of investment newsletters.
    

 (7)     INDICES
   
         The Fund may compare its performance to a wide variety of indices
including the following:
    

                 (a)      The Consumer Price Index
                 (b)      Dow Jones Average of 30 Industrials
                 (c)      Dow Jones Utility Average
                 (d)      Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index
                 (e)      Standard & Poor's Utility Index
                 (f)      NASDAQ Over-the-Counter Composite Index
                 (g)      Russell 1000 Stock Index
                 (h)      Russell 1000 Growth Index
                 (i)      Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
                 (j)      Russell 2500 Stock Index
                 (k)      Russell 3000 Stock Index
                 (l)      Russell Midcap Index
                 (m)      Russell Midcap Growth Index
   
                 (n)      Salomon Brothers Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index
    
   
                 (o)      Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
    





                                       37
<PAGE>   159


   
          There are differences and similarities between the investments that
the Fund may purchase and the investments measured by the indices which are
noted herein.
    

(8)      HISTORICAL ASSET CLASS RETURNS
         From time to time, marketing materials may portray the historical
returns of various asset classes.  Such presentations will typically compare
the average annual rates of return of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, bonds,
common stocks, and small stocks. There are important differences between each
of these investments that should be considered in viewing any such comparison.
The market value of stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and
small-stock prices generally will fluctuate more than large-stock prices.
Stocks are generally more volatile than bonds.  In return for this volatility,
stocks have generally performed better than bonds or cash over time.  Bond
prices generally will fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market
conditions, and the prices of bonds with longer maturities generally will
fluctuate more than those of shorter-maturity bonds. Interest rates for bonds
may be fixed at the time of issuance, and payment of principal and interest may
be guaranteed by the issuer and, in the case of U.S. Treasury obligations,
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.

(9)      STRONG FAMILY OF FUNDS
         The Strong Family of Funds offers a comprehensive range of
conservative to aggressive investment options. All of the members of the Strong
Family and their investment objectives are listed below. The Funds are listed
in ascending order of risk and return, as determined by the Funds' Advisor.





                                       38
<PAGE>   160



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND NAME                           INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                <C>
 Strong U.S. Treasury Money Fund    Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
 Strong Money Market Fund           Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
 Strong Heritage Money Fund         Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
 Strong Municipal Money Market      Federally  tax-exempt current  income,  a stable  share-price, and  daily
 Fund                               liquidity.
 Strong Advantage Fund              Current income with a very low degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Municipal Advantage Fund    Federally  tax-exempt current  income with  a very  low degree  of share-
                                    price fluctuation.
 Strong Short-Term Bond Fund        Total return by investing for a  high level of current income with  a low
                                    degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond   Total  return by  investing  for  a high  level  of federally  tax-exempt
 Fund                               current income with a low degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Short-Term Global Bond      Total return by investing for  a high level of  income with a low  degree
 Fund                               of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Government Securities       Total  return by  investing for  a high  level of  current income  with a
 Fund                               moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Insured Municipal Bond      Total  return  by  investing for  a  high level  of  federally tax-exempt
 Fund                               current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Municipal Bond Fund         Total  return  by investing  for  a high  level  of  federally tax-exempt
                                    current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong Corporate Bond Fund         Total  return by  investing for  a high  level of  current income  with a
                                    moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
 Strong International Bond Fund     High total return by investing for both income and capital appreciation.
 Strong High-Yield Bond Fund        Total return by investing for a high level of current  income and capital
                                    growth.
 Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond   Total  return  by  investing for  a  high level  of  federally tax-exempt
 Fund                               current income.
 Strong Asset Allocation Fund       High total return consistent with reasonable risk over the long term.
 Strong Equity Income Fund*         Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
 Strong American Utilities Fund     Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
 Strong Total Return Fund           High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
 Strong Growth and Income Fund*     High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
 Strong Value Fund                  Capital growth.
 Strong Opportunity Fund            Capital growth.
 Strong Growth Fund                 Capital growth.
 Strong Common Stock Fund*          Capital growth.
 Strong Small Cap Fund*             Capital growth.
 Strong Discovery Fund              Capital growth.
 Strong International Stock Fund    Capital growth.
 Strong Asia Pacific Fund           Capital growth.
</TABLE>
    

   
* The Fund is currently closed to new investors.
    

         The Advisor also serves as Advisor or Subadvisor to several management
investment companies, some of which fund variable annuity separate accounts of
certain insurance companies.





                                       39
<PAGE>   161


   
         The Fund may from time to time be compared to the other funds in the
Strong Family of Funds based on a risk/reward spectrum.  In general, the amount
of risk associated with any investment product is commensurate with that
product's potential level of reward. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum or
any Fund's position on the continuum may be described or diagrammed in
marketing materials.  The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum positions the risk
and reward potential of each Strong Fund relative to the other Strong Funds,
but is not intended to position any Strong Fund relative to other mutual funds
or investment products. Marketing materials may also discuss the relationship
between risk and reward as it relates to an individual investor's portfolio.
    



   
(10)     TYING TIME FRAMES TO YOUR GOALS
    


   
         There are many issues to consider as you make your investment
decisions, including analyzing your risk tolerance, investing experience, and
asset allocations.  You should start to organize your investments by learning
to link your many financial goals to specific time frames.  Then you can begin
to identify the appropriate types of investments to help meet your goals.  As a
general rule of thumb, the longer your time horizon, the more price fluctuation
you will be able to tolerate in pursuit of higher returns.  For that reason,
many people with longer-term goals select stocks or long-term bonds, and many
people with nearer-term goals match those up with for instance, short-term
bonds.  The Advisor developed the following suggested holding periods to help
our investors set realistic expectations for both the risk and reward potential
of our funds.  (See table below.)  Of course, time is just one element to
consider when making your investment decision.
    



   
                 STRONG FUNDS SUGGESTED MINIMUM HOLDING PERIODS
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        UNDER 1 YEAR                      1 TO 2 YEARS                      4 TO 7 YEARS                    5 OR MORE YEARS
        ------------                      ------------                      ------------                    ---------------
 <S>                              <C>                                <C>                                 <C>
 U.S. Treasury Money Fund         Advantage Fund                     Government Securities Fund          Total Return Fund
 Money Market Fund                Municipal Advantage Fund           Insured Municipal Bond Fund         Opportunity Fund
 Heritage Money Fund                                                 Municipal Bond Fund                 Growth Fund
 Municipal Money Market Fund              2 TO 4 YEARS               Corporate Bond Fund                 Common Stock Fund*
                                          ------------               International Bond Fund             Discovery Fund          
                                  Short-Term Bond Fund               High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund      International Stock Fund
                                  Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund     Asset Allocation Fund               Asia Pacific Fund       
                                  Short-Term Global Bond Fund        American Utilities Fund             Value Fund             
                                                                     High-Yield Bond Fund                Small Cap Fund*        
                                                                                                         Equity Income Fund*    
                                                                                                         Growth and Income Fund*
                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                       
</TABLE>
    

   
*This fund is currently closed to new investors.
    

ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION

(1)      PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS


   
         In order to present a more complete picture of the Fund's portfolio,
marketing materials may include various actual or estimated portfolio
characteristics, including but not limited to median market capitalizations,
earnings per share, alphas, betas, price/earnings ratios, returns on equity,
dividend yields, capitalization ranges, growth rates, price/book ratios, top
holdings, sector breakdowns, asset allocations, quality breakdowns, and
breakdowns by geographic region.
    


(2)      MEASURES OF VOLATILITY AND RELATIVE PERFORMANCE


         Occasionally statistics may be used to specify Fund volatility or
risk. The general premise is that greater volatility connotes greater risk
undertaken in achieving performance.  Measures of volatility or risk are
generally used to compare the Fund's net asset value or performance relative to
a market index.  One measure of volatility is beta.  Beta is the volatility of
a fund relative to the total market as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500
Stock Index.  A beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility






                                       40
<PAGE>   162

   
greater than the market, and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less
than the market.  Another measure of volatility or risk is standard deviation.
Standard deviation is a statistical tool that measures the degree to which the
fund's performance has varied from its average performance during a particular
time period.
    

Standard deviation is calculated using the following formula:

                                                         2
      Standard deviation = the square root of  E(x  - x ) 
                                                  i    m
                                               -----------
                                               n-1
where    E = "the sum of",
         x  = each individual return during the time period,
          i
         x  = the average return over the time period, and
          m
         n = the number of individual returns during the time period.

   
         Statistics may also be used to discuss the Fund's relative
performance. One such measure is alpha. Alpha measures the actual return of a
fund compared to the expected return of a fund given its risk (as measured by
beta).  The expected return is based on how the market as a whole performed,
and how the particular fund has historically performed against the market.
Specifically, alpha is the actual return less the expected return. The expected
return is computed by multiplying the advance or decline in a market
representation by the fund's beta. A positive alpha quantifies the value that
the fund manager has added, and a negative alpha quantifies the value that the
fund manager has lost.
    

         Other measures of volatility and relative performance may be used as
appropriate. However, all such measures will fluctuate and do not represent
future results.

                              GENERAL INFORMATION

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY

         The Advisor is an independent, Midwestern-based investment advisor,
owned by professionals active in its management. Recognizing that investors are
the focus of its business, the Advisor strives for excellence both in
investment management and in the service provided to investors. This commitment
affects many aspects of the business, including professional staffing, product
development, investment management, and service delivery.  Through its
commitment to excellence, the Advisor intends to benefit investors and to
encourage them to think of Strong Funds as their mutual fund family.

         The increasing complexity of the capital markets requires specialized
skills and processes for each asset class and style. Therefore, the Advisor
believes that active management should produce greater returns than a passively
managed index.  The Advisor has brought together a group of top-flight
investment professionals with diverse product expertise, and each concentrates
on their investment specialty. The Advisor believes that people are the firm's
most important asset. For this reason, continuity of professionals is critical
to the firm's long-term success.

INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT

   
         Discussions of economic, social, and political conditions and their
impact on the Fund may be used in advertisements and sales materials.  Such
factors that may impact the Fund include, but are not limited to, changes in
interest rates, political developments, the competitive environment, consumer
behavior, industry trends, technological advances, macroeconomic trends, and
the supply and demand of various financial instruments.  In addition, marketing
materials may cite the portfolio management's views or interpretations of such
factors.
    





                                       41
<PAGE>   163


EIGHT BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING

         These common sense rules are followed by many successful investors.
They make sense for beginners, too. If you have a question on these principles,
or would like to discuss them with us, please contact us at 1-800-368-3863.

1.       Have a plan - even a simple plan can help you take control of your
         financial future. Review your plan once a year, or if your
         circumstances change.

2.       Start investing as soon as possible. Make time a valuable ally. Let it
         put the power of compounding to work for you, while helping to reduce
         your potential investment risk.

3.       Diversify your portfolio. By investing in different asset classes -
         stocks, bonds, and cash - you help protect against poor performance in
         one type of investment while including investments most likely to help
         you achieve your important goals.

4.       Invest regularly. Investing is a process, not a one-time event.  By
         investing regularly over the long term, you reduce the impact of
         short-term market gyrations, and you attend to your long-term plan
         before you're tempted to spend those assets on short-term needs.

5.       Maintain a long-term perspective. For most individuals, the best
         discipline is staying invested as market conditions change. Reactive,
         emotional investment decisions are all too often a source of regret -
         and principal loss.

6.       Consider stocks to help achieve major long-term goals. Over time,
         stocks have provided the more powerful returns needed to help the
         value of your investments stay well ahead of inflation.

7.       Keep a comfortable amount of cash in your portfolio. To meet current
         needs, including emergencies, use a money market fund or a bank
         account - not your long-term investment assets.

8.       Know what you're buying. Make sure you understand the potential risks
         and rewards associated with each of your investments. Ask questions...
         request information...make up your own mind. And choose a fund company
         that helps you make informed investment decisions.

STRONG RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES

         Strong Retirement Plan Services offers a full menu of high quality,
affordable retirement plan options, including traditional money purchase
pension and profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, simplified employee pension
plans, salary reduction plans, Keoghs, and 403(b) plans.  Retirement plan
specialists are available to help companies determine which type of retirement
plan may be appropriate for their particular situation.

Markets:

         The retirement plan services provided by the Advisor focus on four
distinct markets, based on the belief that a retirement plan should fit the
customer's needs, not the other way around.

1.       Small company plans.  Small company plans are designed for companies
         with 1-50 plan participants.  The objective is to incorporate the
         features and benefits typically reserved for large companies, such as
         sophisticated recordkeeping systems, outstanding service, and
         investment expertise, into a small company plan without administrative
         hassles or undue expense.  Small company plan sponsors receive a
         comprehensive plan administration manual as well as toll-free
         telephone support.





                                       42
<PAGE>   164


2.       Large company plans.  Large company plans are designed for companies
         with between 51 and 1,000 plan participants.  Each large company plan
         is assigned a team of professionals consisting of an account manager,
         who is typically an attorney, CPA, or holds a graduate degree in
         business, a conversion specialist (if applicable), an accounting
         manager, a legal/technical manager, and an education/communications
         educator.

3.       Women-owned businesses.

4.       Non-profit and educational organizations (the 403(b) market).

Turnkey approach:

         The retirement plans offered by the Advisor are designed to be
streamlined and simple to administer.  To this end, the Advisor has invested
heavily in the equipment, systems, and people necessary to adopt or convert a
plan, and to keep it running smoothly.  The Advisor provides all aspects of the
plan, including plan design, administration, recordkeeping, and investment
management.  To streamline plan design, the Advisor provides customizable
IRS-approved prototype documents.  The Advisor's services also include annual
government reporting and testing as well as daily valuation of each
participant's account.  This structure is intended to eliminate the confusion
and complication often associated with dealing with multiple vendors.  It is
also designed to save plan sponsors time and expense.

         The Advisor strives to provide one-stop retirement savings programs
that combine the advantages of proven investment management, flexible plan
design and a wide range of investment options.  The open architecture design of
the plans allow for the use of the family of mutual funds managed by the
Advisor as well as a stable asset value option.  Large company plans may
supplement these options with their company stock (if publicly traded) or funds
from other well-known mutual fund families.

Education:

         Participant education and communication is key to the success of any
retirement program, and therefore is one of the most important services that
the Advisor provides.  The Advisor's goal is twofold: to make sure that plan
participants fully understand their options and to educate them about the
lifelong investment process.  To this end, the Advisor provides attractive,
readable print materials that are supplemented with audio and video tapes and
retirement education programs.

Service:

         The Advisor's goal is to provide a world class level of service.  One
aspect of that service is an experienced, knowledgeable team that provides
ongoing support for plan sponsors, both at adoption or conversion and
throughout the life of a plan.  The Advisor is committed to delivering accurate
and timely information, evidenced by straightforward, complete, and
understandable reports, participant account statements and plan summaries.

         The Advisor has designed both "high-tech" and "high-touch" systems,
providing an automated telephone system as well as personal contact.
Participants can access daily account information, conduct transactions, or
have questions answered in the way that is most comfortable for them.

STRONG FINANCIAL ADVISORS GROUP

         The Strong Financial Advisors Group is dedicated to helping financial
advisors better serve their clients.  Financial advisors receive regular
updates on the mutual funds managed by the Advisor, access to portfolio
managers through special conference calls, consolidated mailings of duplicate
confirmation statements, access to the Advisor's network of regional
representatives, and other specialized services.  For more information on the
Strong Financial Advisors Group, call 1-800-368-1683.





                                       43
<PAGE>   165

                              PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

         Each portfolio manager works with a team of analysts, traders, and
administrative personnel. From time to time, marketing materials may discuss
various members of the team, including their education, investment experience,
and other credentials.

   
    

                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

   
         Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202, are the independent accountants for the Fund, providing audit
services and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of
filings with the SEC.
    

                                 LEGAL COUNSEL

   
         Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., 780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202, acts as outside legal counsel for the Fund.
    


   
    



                                       44
<PAGE>   166

                                    APPENDIX

                                  BOND RATINGS

                         Standard & Poor's Debt Ratings

         A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal debt rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific
obligation.  This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as
guarantors, insurers, or lessees.

         The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.

         The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer
or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable.  S&P does not
perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information.  The ratings may be changed, suspended, or
withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or
for other circumstances.

         The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:

        1.  Likelihood of default -- capacity and willingness of the obligor as
            to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in
            accordance with the terms of the obligation.

        2.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

        3.  Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
            the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under
            the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

INVESTMENT GRADE
         AAA Debt rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's.  Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

         AA Debt rated 'AA' has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.

         A Debt rated 'A' has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.

         BBB Debt rated 'BBB' is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

SPECULATIVE GRADE
         Debt rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC' and 'C' is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal.  'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation
and 'C' the highest.  While such debt will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

         BB Debt rated 'BB' has less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues.  However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
the 'BB' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied 'BBB-' rating.





                                     A-1
<PAGE>   167


         B Debt rated 'B' has a greater vulnerability to default but currently
has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.  Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal.  The 'B' rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied 'BB' or 'BB-' rating.

         CCC Debt rated 'CCC' has a currently identifiable vulnerability to
default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal.  In
the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not
likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.  The 'CCC'
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied 'B' or 'B-' rating.

         CC Debt rated 'CC' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating.

         C Debt rated 'C' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC-' debt rating.  The 'C' rating
may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed,
but debt service payments are continued.

         CI the rating 'CI' is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid.

         D  Debt rated 'D' is in payment default.  The 'D' rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grade period.  The 'D' rating also will
be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.

                         MOODY'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS

         Aaa  - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edged".  Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure.  While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

         Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards.  Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds.  They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.

         A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations.  Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the
future.

         Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured).
interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time.  Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.

         Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well-assured. often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.  Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.

         B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment.  Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.


                                     A-2
<PAGE>   168


         Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing.  Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.

         Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree.  Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

         C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
          
                   FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. BOND RATINGS


         Fitch Investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security.  The ratings
represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations of
a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.

         The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.

         Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be
provided by insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise
indicated.

         Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small
differences in the degrees of credit risk.

         Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any
security.  Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the
suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature
or taxability of payments made in respect of any security.

         Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other
obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources fitch believes to be
reliable.  Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information.  Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
          
        AAA     Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
                credit quality.  The obligor has an exceptionally strong 
                ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely 
                to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
         
        AA      Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
                quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay 
                principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds
                rated 'AAA'.  Because bonds rated in the 'AAA'  and 'AA' 
                categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable 
                future developments, short-term debt of the issuers is 
                generally rated 'F-1+'.
         
        A       Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
                quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay 
                principal is considered to be strong, but may be more 
                vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and 
                circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.





                                     A-3
<PAGE>   169

        BBB      Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
                 credit quality.  The obligor's ability to pay interest and 
                 repay principal is considered to be adequate.  Adverse changes
                 in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more 
                 likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore 
                 impair timely payment.  The likelihood that the ratings of 
                 these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than 
                 for bonds with higher ratings.

         Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security.  The ratings
('BB' to 'C') represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment
of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond
issues not in default.  For defaulted bonds, the rating ('DDD' to 'D') is an
assessment of the ultimate recovery value through reorganization or
liquidation.

         The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength.

         Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories cannot fully reflect the
differences in the degrees of credit risk.  Moreover, the character of the risk
factor varies from industry to industry and between corporate, health care and
municipal obligations.

          
        BB     Bonds are considered speculative.  The obligor's ability to pay
               interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
               economic changes.  However, business and financial alternatives
               can be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying 
               its debt service requirements.

        B      Bonds are considered highly speculative.  While bonds in this
               class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the 
               probability of continued timely payment of principal and 
               interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and 
               the need for reasonable business and economic activity 
               throughout the life of the issue.
        
        CCC    Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not
               remedied, may lead to default.  The ability to meet obligations
               requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
        
        CC     Bonds are minimally protected.  Default in payment of interest
               and/or principal seems probable over time.
         
        C      Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or 
               principal.

        DDD,  
        DD, 
        AND D  Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.  
               Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on
               the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or
               reorganization of the obligor.  'DDD' represents the highest
               potential for recovery of these bonds, and 'D' represents the 
               lowest potential for recovery.
                      

                   DUFF & PHELPS, INC. LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS

         These ratings represent a summary opinion of the issuer's long-term
fundamental quality.  Rating determination is based on qualitative and
quantitative factors which may vary according to the basic economic and
financial characteristics of each industry and each issuer.  Important
considerations are vulnerability to economic cycles as well as risks related to
such factors as competition, government action, regulation, technological
obsolescence, demand shifts, cost structure, and management depth and
expertise.  The projected viability of the obligor at the trough of the cycle
is a critical determination.





                                     A-4
<PAGE>   170

         Each rating also takes into account the legal form of the security,
(e.g., first mortgage bonds, subordinated debt, preferred stock, etc.).  The
extent of rating dispersion among the various classes of securities is
determined by several factors including relative weightings of the different
security classes in the capital structure, the overall credit strength of the
issuer, and the nature of covenant protection.  Review of indenture
restrictions is important to the analysis of a company's operating and
financial constraints.

         The Credit Rating Committee formally reviews all ratings once per
quarter (more frequently, if necessary).   Ratings of 'BBB-' and higher fall
within the definition of investment grade securities, as defined by bank and
insurance supervisory authorities.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Scale              Definition
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
AAA                       Highest credit quality.  The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more
                          than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+                       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong.  Risk is modest, but may
AA                        vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
AA-  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
A+                        Protection factors are average but adequate.  However, risk factors are more
A                         variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
A-   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
BBB+                      Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for prudent
BBB                       investment.  Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
BBB- 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
BB+                       Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
BB                        Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
BB-                       industry conditions or company fortunes.  Overall quality may move up or
                          down frequently within this category.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B+                        Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be met
B                         when due.  Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to
B-                        economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes.  Potential
                          exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher
                          or lower rating grade.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
CCC                       Well below investment grade securities.  Considerable uncertainty exists as to
                          timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends.
                          Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
                          economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                     A-5
<PAGE>   171


DD                        Defaulted debt obligations.  Issuer failed to meet
                          scheduled principal and/or interest payments.
DP                        Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               SHORT-TERM RATINGS

                   STANDARD & POOR'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant
market.

         Ratings graded into several categories, ranging from 'A-1' for the
highest quality obligations to 'D' for the lowest.  These categories are as
follows:

         A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is strong.  Those issues determined to possess
extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+)
designation.

         A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory.  However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated 'A-1'.

         A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment.  They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.

         B Issues rated 'B' are regarded as having only speculative capacity
for timely payment.

         C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with doubtful
capacity for payment.

         D Debt rated 'D' is in payment default.  The 'D' rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due,
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period.


                         STANDARD & POOR'S NOTE RATINGS

         A S&P note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market-access
risks unique to notes.  Notes maturing in three years or less  will likely
receive a note rating.  Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating.

         The following criteria will be used in making the assessment:

              Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to
              other maturities, the more likely the issue is to be treated as a 
              note.

              Source of payment - the more the issue depends on the market for  
              its refinancing, the more likely it is to be considered a note.

         The note rating symbols and definitions are as follows:

         SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest.  Issues determined
to possess very strong characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.





                                     A-6
<PAGE>   172


         SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay interest and principal, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.

         SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.


                        MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         The term "commercial paper" as used by Moody's means promissory
obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months.  Moody's
makes no representation as to whether such commercial paper is by any other
definition "commercial paper" or is exempt from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of
issuers to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original
maturity in excess of nine months.  Moody's makes no representation that such
obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, nor
does it represent that any specific note is a valid obligation of a rated
issuer or issued in conformity with any applicable law.  Moody's employs the
following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate
the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:

         Issuers rated PRIME-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a
superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.  Prime-1
repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:
(i) leading market positions in well established industries, (ii) high rates of
return on funds employed, (iii) conservative capitalization structures with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection, (iv) broad margins in
earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation,
and (v) well established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.

         Issuers rated PRIME-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a
strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.  This will
normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a
lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more
subject to variation.  Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate,
may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample alternate liquidity is
maintained.

         Issuers rated PRIME-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an
acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.  The
effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more
pronounced.  Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in
the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively
high financial leverage.  Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

         Issuers rated NOT PRIME do not fall within any of the prime rating
categories.

                              MOODY'S NOTE RATINGS

         MIG 1/VMIG 1  This designation denotes best quality.  There is present
strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
demonstrated broad based access to the market for refinancing.

         MIG 2/VMIG 2  This designation denotes high quality.  Margins of
protection are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

         MIG 3/VMIG 3  This designation denotes favorable quality.  All
security elements are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable
strength of the preceding grades.  Liquidity and cash flow protection may be
narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

         MIG 4/VMIG 4  This designation denotes adequate quality.  Protection
commonly regarded as required of an investment security is present and although
not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.





                                     A-7
<PAGE>   173


         SG  This designation denotes speculative quality.  Debt instruments in
this category lack margins of protection.
              

                FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. SHORT-TERM RATINGS

         Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable
on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and
investment notes.

         The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating
on the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a
timely manner.
          
F-1+     (Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating are
         regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely
         payment.

F-1      (Very Strong Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating reflect an
         assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues
         rated 'F-1+'.
     
F-2      (Good Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
         degree of assurance for timely payment but the margin of safety is not
         as great as for issues assigned 'F-1+' and 'F-1' ratings.
     
F-3      (Fair Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
         suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is
         adequate, however, near-term adverse changes could cause these
         securities to be rated below investment grade.
     
F-S      (Weak Credit Quality) Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
         suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for timely payment and are
         vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
         conditions.
     
D        (Default) Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent
         payment default.
     
LOC      The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
         credit issued by a commercial bank.





                                     A-8
<PAGE>   174
                                                                              
                  DUFF & PHELPS, INC. SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS                 
                                                                              
        Duff & Phelps' short-term ratings are consistent with the rating      
criteria utilized by money market participants.  The ratings apply to all     
obligations with maturities of under one year, including commercial paper, the
uninsured portion of certificates of deposit, unsecured bank loans, master    
notes, bankers acceptances, irrevocable letters of credit, and current        
maturities of long-term debt.  Asset-backed commercial paper is also rated    
according to this scale.                                                      
                                                                              
         Emphasis is placed on liquidity which is defined as not only cash from
operations, but also access to alternative sources of funds including trade    
credit, bank lines, and the capital markets.  An important consideration is the
level of an obligor's reliance on short-term funds on an ongoing basis.       
                                                                              
<TABLE>                                                                       
<CAPTION>                                                                     
          RATING SCALE:   DEFINITION:                                         
          ------------    ----------                                          
          <S>             <C>                                                 
          Duff 1+          Highest certainty of timely payment.  Short-term liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or 
                           access to alternative sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S. Treasury
                           short-term  obligations.
               
          Duff 1           Very high certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by good 
                           fundamental protection factors.  Risk factors are minor.
                       
          Duff 1-          High certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors are strong and supported by good fundamental 
                           protection factors.  Risk factors are very small.
                       
                           Good Grade
                           ----------
                       
          Duff 2           Good certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors and company fundamentals are sound.  Although 
                           ongoing funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good.  
                           Risk factors are small.
                       
                           Satisfactory Grade
                           ------------------
             
          DUFF 3           Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issue as to investment grade.  Risk factors
                           are larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.

                           Non-investment Grade
                           --------------------
                       
          DUFF 4           Speculative investment characteristics.  Liquidity is not sufficient to insure against disruption in 
                           debt service.  Operating factors and market access may be subject to a high degree of variation.
                       
                           Default
                           -------

          DUFF 5           Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest payments.
</TABLE>
          
          
          
          
          
                                                               A-9
<PAGE>   175

                     STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC.

                                     PART C
                               OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

         (a)     Financial Statements

                 (1)      Strong American Utilities Fund (all included or
                          incorporated by reference in Parts A & B).

                          Schedules of Investments in Securities
                          Statements of Operations
                          Statements of Assets and Liabilities
                          Statements of Changes in Net Assets
                          Notes to Financial Statements
                          Financial Highlights
                          Report of Independent Accountants

                 (2)      Strong Equity Income Fund and Strong Growth and
                          Income Fund.

                          Inapplicable

         (b)     Exhibits
                 (1)      Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
                 (1.1)    Amendment to Articles of Incorporation
                 (2)      Restated Bylaws
                 (3)      Inapplicable
                 (4)      Specimen Stock Certificate
                 (5)      Investment Advisory Agreement
                 (5.1)    Subadvisory Agreement
                 (6)      Distribution Agreement
                 (7)      Inapplicable
                 (8.1)    Custody Agreement
                 (8.2)    Global Custody Agreement
                 (9)      Shareholder Servicing Agent Agreement
                 (10)     Opinion of Counsel (Equity Income and Growth and 
                          Income)
                 (11)     Consent of Auditor
                 (12)     Inapplicable
                 (13)     Subscription Agreement (Equity Income and Growth and
                          Income)
                 (14.1)   Amended Prototype Defined Contribution Retirement
                          Plan with Standardized Adoption Agreements
                 (14.2)   Amended Individual Retirement Custodial Account
                 (14.3)   Amended Section 403(b)(7) Retirement Plan
                 (15)     Inapplicable
                 (16)     Computation of Performance Figures
                 (17)     Power of Attorney
                 (18)     Letter of Representation
                 (27)     Financial Data Schedule (American Utilities)


Item 25.  Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

         Registrant neither controls any person nor is under common control
with any other person.



                                     C-1

<PAGE>   176


Item 26.  Number of Holders of Securities

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Number of Record Holders
               Title of Class                      as of November 30, 1995    
               --------------                      ------------------------
        <S>                                                 <C>
        Common Stock, $.00001 par value

        Strong American Utilities Fund                       7,052
        Strong Equity Income Fund                            None
        Strong Growth and Income Fund                        None
</TABLE>


Item 27.  Indemnification 

         Officers and directors are insured under a joint errors and omissions
insurance policy underwritten by American International Surplus Lines Insurance
Company and First State Insurance Company in the aggregate amount of
$10,000,000, subject to certain deductions.  Pursuant to the authority of the
Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, Article VII of Registrant's Bylaws provides
as follows:

         ARTICLE VII.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

                SECTION 7.01 Mandatory Indemnification.  The Corporation shall
         indemnify, to the full extent permitted by the WBCL, as in effect 
         from time to time, the persons described in Sections 180.0850
         through 180.0859 (or any successor provisions) of the WBCL or other
         provisions of the law of the State of Wisconsin relating to
         indemnification of directors and officers, as in effect from time to
         time. The indemnification afforded such persons by this section shall
         not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be entitled as a
         matter of law.

                SECTION 7.02.  Permissive Supplementary Benefits.  The
         Corporation may, but shall not be required to, supplement the right of
         indemnification under Section 7.01 by (a) the purchase of insurance on
         behalf of any one or more of such persons, whether or not the
         Corporation would be obligated to indemnify such person under Section
         7.01; (b) individual or group indemnification agreements with any one
         or more of such persons; and (c) advances for related expenses of such
         a person.

                SECTION 7.03.  Amendment.  This Article VII may be amended or
         repealed only by a vote of the shareholders and not by a vote of the
         Board of Directors.

                SECTION 7.04.  Investment Company Act.  In no event shall the
         Corporation indemnify any person hereunder in contravention of any
         provision of the Investment Company Act.

Item 28.  Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor

         The information contained under "About the Funds - Management" in the
Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers of the Funds" and "Investment
Advisor, Subadvisor, and Distributor" with respect to Strong American Utilities
Fund and "Investment Advisor and Distributor" with respect to Strong Equity
Income and Strong Growth and Income Funds, in the Statement of Additional
Information is hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the
Securities Act of 1933.



                                     C-2

<PAGE>   177

Item 29.  Principal Underwriters

         (a) Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., principal underwriter for
Registrant, also serves as principal underwriter for Strong Advantage Fund,
Inc.; Strong Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.; Strong Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.;
Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Corporate Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong
Discovery Fund, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong Government Securities
Fund, Inc.; Strong Heritage Reserve Series, Inc.; Strong High-Yield Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Income Funds, Inc.; Strong Institutional Funds, Inc.;
Strong Insured Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong International Bond Fund, Inc.;
Strong International Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Money Market Fund, Inc.; Strong
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Municipal Funds, Inc.; Strong Opportunity
Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Global Bond
Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Special Fund
II, Inc.; Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.; and Strong Variable Insurance Funds,
Inc.

         (b)  The information contained under "About the Funds - Management" in
the Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers of the Funds" and "Investment
Advisor, Subadvisor, and Distributor" with respect to Strong American Utilities
Fund and "Investment Advisor and Distributor" with respect to Strong Equity
Income and Strong Growth and Income Funds, in the Statement of Additional
Information is hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the
Securities Act of 1933.

         (c)  None

Item 30.  Location of Accounts and Records

         All accounts, books, or other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated
thereunder are in the physical possession of Registrant's Treasurer, Ronald A.
Neville, at Registrant's corporate offices, 100 Heritage Reserve, Menomonee
Falls, Wisconsin 53051.

Item 31.  Management Services

         All management-related service contracts entered into by Registrant
are discussed in Parts A and B of this Registration Statement.

Item 32.  Undertakings

         (a)  Inapplicable.

         (b)  The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment,
using financial statements which need not be certified, within four to six
months from the effective date of this Registration Statement with respect to
Strong Equity Income Fund and Strong Growth and Income Fund.

         (c)  The Registrant undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered, upon request and without charge, a copy of Strong
American Utilities Fund's latest annual report to shareholders.



                                     C-3
<PAGE>   178

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant hereby certifies that it has
duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 meets all the requirements for
effectiveness pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and that it has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No.
6 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Menomonee Falls, and
State of Wisconsin on the 12th day of December, 1995.

                                        STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC.
                                        (Registrant)


                                        BY:     /s/ John Dragisic
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                John Dragisic, President


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has
been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date
indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    NAME                                     TITLE                               DATE
                    ----                                     -----                               ----
 <S>                                         <C>                                           <C>
                                             President (Principal Executive Officer)
 /s/ John Dragisic                           and a Director                                December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 John Dragisic

                                             Treasurer (Principal Financial and
 /s/ Ronald A. Neville                       Accounting Officer)                           December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 Ronald A. Neville


 /s/ Richard S. Strong                       Chairman of the Board and a Director          December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 Richard S. Strong

                                             Director                                      December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 Marvin E. Nevins*

                                             Director                                      December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 Willie D. Davis*

                                             Director                                      December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 William F. Vogt*

                                             Director                                      December 12, 1995
- --------------------------------------------
 Stanley Kritzik*
</TABLE>

*        Thomas P. Lemke signs this document pursuant to powers of attorney
filed with Post-Effective Amendment  No. 4 to the Registration Statement of
Registrant filed with the SEC on or about April 24, 1995.


                                        By:     /s/ Thomas P. Lemke
                                           --------------------------------
                                                Thomas P. Lemke





<PAGE>   179

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             EDGAR
  Exhibit No.    Exhibit                                                                     Exhibit No.
  -----------    -------                                                                     -----------
 <S>             <C>                                                                         <C>
 (1)             Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation                              EX-99.B1(4)

 (1.1)           Amendment to Articles of Incorporation                                      EX-99.B1.1

 (2)             Restated Bylaws                                                             EX-99.B2

 (3)             Inapplicable

 (4)             Specimen Stock Certificate                                                  EX-99.B4

 (5)             Investment Advisory Agreement                                               EX-99.B5

   
 (5.1)           Subadvisory Agreement(1)                                                    
    

 (6)             Distribution Agreement                                                      EX-99.B6

 (7)             Inapplicable

 (8.1)           Custody Agreement                                                           EX-99.B8.1

 (8.2)           Global Custody Agreement                                                    EX-99.B8.2

 (9)             Shareholder Servicing Agent Agreement                                       EX-99.B9

 (10)            Opinion of Counsel (Equity Income and Growth and Income)                    EX-99.B10

 (11)            Consent of Auditor                                                          EX-99.B11

 (12)            Inapplicable

 (13)            Subscription Agreement (Equity Income and Growth and Income)                EX-99.B13

 (14.1)          Amended Prototype Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with 
                 Standardized Adoption Agreements(2)

 (14.2)          Amended Individual Retirement Custodial Account(2)

 (14.3)          Amended Section 403(b)(7) Retirement Plan(2)

 (15)            Inapplicable

 (16)            Computation of Performance Figures                                          EX-99.B16(3)

 (17)            Power of Attorney(4)

 (18)            Letter of Representation                                                    EX-99.B18

 (27)            Financial Data Schedule (American Utilities)                                EX-27.1
- ---------------------------------                                                            American Utilities
</TABLE>

(1)   Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
      Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about June
      28, 1993.  The Subadvisory Agreement is incorporated by reference to
      Exhibit 5(b) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.  The Custody Agreement is
      incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a) to Pre-Effective Amendment No.
      2.

(2)   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
      Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about April
      28, 1994.

(3)   Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
      Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about
      February 24, 1995.

(4)   Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the
      Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about April
      24, 1995.






<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.B1.1



                    AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                                      OF

                     STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND, INC.


        The undersigned Secretary of Strong American Utilities Fund, Inc. (the
"Corporation"), hereby certifies that in accordance with Section 180.1002 of
the Wisconsin Statutes and Article IV, Paragraph A of the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation, as heretofore amended, the following Amendment was
duly adopted to create the following additional classes (and to redesignate
Three Hundred Million (300,000,000) shares of Common Stock as Strong American
Utilities Fund) and to change the Corporation's name to Strong Conservative
Equity Funds, Inc,:

        1.    "Article I is hereby amended by deleting Article I in its
entirety and inserting the following as a new paragraph:

                                  'ARTICLE I

        The name of the corporation (hereinafter, the "Corporation") is:

                Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.'"


        2.    "Paragraph A of Article IV is hereby amended by deleting
Paragraph A thereof and inserting the following as a new paragraph:

        'A.     The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation shall have
the authority to issue is Ten Billion (10,000,000,000) shares of Common Stock
with a par value of $.00001 per share.  Subject to the following paragraph the
authorized shares are classified as follows:

                     Class                     Authorized Number of Shares
                     -----                     ---------------------------

        Strong American Utilities Fund                 300,000,000
        Strong Equity Income Fund                      300,000,000
        Strong Growth and Income Fund                  300,000,000


The remaining Nine Billion, One Hundred Million (9,100,000,000) shares of
Common Stock shall remain unclassified until action is taken by the Board of
Directors pursuant to the following paragraph.'"

        This Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation was
adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with Sections 180.1002 and
180.0602(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes without shareholder approval.  No shares
of any class created hereby has been issued.  The redesignation of Three
Hundred Million (300,000,000) authorized shares of Common Stock as "Strong
American Utilities Fund," the redesignation of Nine Billion, One Hundred Million
(9,100,000,000) unissued shares of Common Stock as unclassified and the change
in corporate name contained herein, is expressly permitted by the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation, as heretofore amended, which was approved by
shareholders of the Corporation on April 13, 1995.
<PAGE>   2
Executed in duplicate this 20th day of October, 1995.

                                          STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND, INC.

                                         
                                          By:  Ann E. Oglanian
                                              ----------------------------
                                               Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary

This instrument was drafted by:

Scott A. Moehrke
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
780 North Water Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202



<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.B2

                                     BYLAWS

                              ARTICLE I.  OFFICES

                 SECTION 1.01.  Principal and Other Offices.  The principal
office of the Corporation shall be located at any place either within or
outside the State of Wisconsin as designated in the Corporation's most current
Annual Report filed with the Wisconsin Secretary of State.  The Corporation may
have such other offices, either within or outside the State of Wisconsin, as
the Board of Directors may designate or as the business of the Corporation may
require from time to time.

                 SECTION 1.02.  Registered Office.  The registered office of
the Corporation required by the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law (the "WBCL")
to be maintained in the State of Wisconsin may, but need not, be the same as
any of its places of business.  The registered office may be changed from time
to time.

                 SECTION 1.03.  Registered Agent.  The registered agent of the
Corporation required by the WBCL to maintain a business office in the State of
Wisconsin may, but need not, be an officer or employee of the Corporation as
long as such agent's business office is identical with the registered office.
The registered agent may be changed from time to time.


                           ARTICLE II.  SHAREHOLDERS

                 SECTION 2.01.  Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting of the
shareholders, if the annual meeting shall be held, shall be held in April of
each year, or at such other time and date as may be fixed by or under the
authority of the Board of Directors, for the purpose of electing directors and
for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the
meeting.  The Corporation shall not be required to hold an annual meeting in
any year in which none of the following is required to be acted on by
shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Investment Company Act"):

                 (i)   Election of directors;

                 (ii)  Approval of the Corporation's investment advisory
     contract;

                 (iii) Ratification of the selection of the Corporation's
     independent public accountants; or

                 (iv)  Approval of the Corporation's distribution agreement.
<PAGE>   2

                 SECTION 2.02.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the
shareholders for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by the
WBCL, may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, Vice
Chairman or President.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-Laws,
the Corporation shall call a special meeting of shareholders in the event that
the holders of at least 10% of all of the votes entitled to be cast on any
issue proposed to be considered at the proposed special meeting sign, date and
deliver to the Corporation one or more written demands for the meeting
describing one or more purposes for which it is to be held.  The Secretary
shall inform such shareholders of the reasonable estimated costs of preparing
and mailing the notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the Corporation of
such costs, the Corporation shall give not less than ten nor more than sixty
days notice of the special meeting.

                 SECTION 2.03.  Place of Meeting.  The Board of Directors may
designate any place, either within or without the State of Wisconsin, as the
place of meeting for any annual or special meeting of shareholders.  If no
designation is made, the place of meeting shall be the principal office of the
Corporation.  Any meeting may be adjourned to reconvene at any place designated
by vote of a majority of the shares represented thereat.

                 SECTION 2.04.  Notice of Meeting.  Written notice stating the
date, time and place of any meeting of shareholders and, in case of a special
meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be
delivered not less than ten days nor more than sixty days before the date of
the meeting (unless a different time is provided by applicable law or
regulation or the Articles of Incorporation), either personally or by mail, by
or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, President or
Secretary, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting and
to such other persons as required by the WBCL.  If mailed, such notice shall be
deemed to be effective when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to
the shareholder at his or her address as it appears on the stock record books
of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.  If an annual or special
meeting of shareholders is adjourned to a different date, time or place, the
Corporation shall not be required to give notice of the new date, time or place
if the new date, time or place is announced at the meeting before adjournment;
provided, however, that if a new record date for an adjourned meeting is or
must be fixed, the Corporation shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to
persons who are shareholders as of the new record date.

                 SECTION 2.05.  Waiver of Notice.  A shareholder may waive any
notice required by the WBCL, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws
before or after the date and time stated in the notice.  The waiver shall be in
writing and signed by the shareholder entitled to the notice, contain the same
information that would have been required in the notice
<PAGE>   3

under applicable provisions of the WBCL (except that the time and place of
meeting need not be stated) and be delivered to the Corporation for inclusion
in the corporate records.  A shareholder's attendance at a meeting, in person
or by proxy, waives objection to all of the following: (a) lack of notice or
defective notice of the meeting, unless the shareholder at the beginning of the
meeting or promptly upon arrival objects to holding the meeting or transacting
business at the meeting; and (b) consideration of a particular matter at the
meeting that is not within the purpose described in the meeting notice, unless
the shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented.

                 SECTION 2.06.  Fixing of Record Date.  For the purpose of
determining shareholders of any voting group entitled to notice of or to vote
at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or shareholders
entitled to receive payment of any distribution or dividend, or in order to
make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the Board of
Directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such
determination of shareholders.  Such record date shall not be more than 70 days
prior to the date on which the particular action, requiring such determination
of shareholders, is to be taken.  If no record date is so fixed for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at a meeting of
shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive a share dividend or
distribution, the record date for determination of such shareholders shall be
at the close of business on:

                 (a)  With respect to an annual shareholders meeting or any
         special shareholders meeting called by the Board of Directors or any
         person specifically authorized by the Board of Directors or these
         By-Laws to call a meeting, the day before the first notice is mailed
         to shareholders;

                 (b)  With respect to a special shareholders meeting demanded
         by the shareholders, the date the first shareholder signs the demand;

                 (c)  With respect to the payment of a share dividend, the date
         the Board of Directors authorizes the share dividend; and

                 (d)  With respect to a distribution to shareholders (other
         than one involving a repurchase or reacquisition of shares), the date
         the Board of Directors authorizes the distribution.

                 SECTION 2.07.  Voting Lists.  After fixing a record date for a
meeting, the Corporation shall prepare a list of the name of all its
shareholders who are entitled to notice of a shareholders meeting.  The list
shall be arranged by class or series of shares and show the address of and the
number of shares held by each shareholder.  The shareholders list must be





                                      3
<PAGE>   4

available for inspection by any shareholder, beginning two business days after
notice of the meeting is given for which the list was prepared and continuing
to the date of the meeting.  The list shall be available at the Corporation's
principal office or at a place identified in the meeting notice in the city
where the meeting is to be held.  Subject to the provisions of the WBCL, a
shareholder or his or her agent or attorney may, on written demand, inspect and
copy the list during regular business hours and at his expense, during the
period it is available for inspection.  The Corporation shall make the
shareholders list available at the meeting, and any shareholder or his or her
agent or attorney may inspect the list at any time during the meeting or any
adjournment thereof.  Refusal or failure to prepare or make available the
shareholders list shall not affect the validity of any action taken at such
meeting.

                 SECTION 2.08.  Shareholder Quorum and Voting Requirements.
Shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group may take action on a matter
at a meeting only if a quorum of those shares exists with respect to that
matter.  Unless the Articles of Incorporation or the WBCL provide otherwise, a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by the voting group
constitutes a quorum of that voting group for action on that matter.

                 If the Articles of Incorporation or the WBCL provide for
voting by two or more voting groups on a matter, action on that matter is taken
only when voted upon by each of those voting groups counted separately as
provided in the WBCL.  Action may be taken by one voting group on a matter even
though no action is taken by another voting group entitled to vote on the
matter.  A voting group described in the WBCL constitutes a single voting group
for purpose of voting on the matter on which the shares are entitled to vote,
unless otherwise required under applicable laws and regulations, including the
Investment Company Act.

                 Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting,
other than for the purpose of objecting to holding the meeting or transacting
business at the meeting, it is deemed present for purposes of determining
whether a quorum exists, for the remainder of the meeting and for any
adjournment of that meeting to the extent provided in Section 2.13.

                 If a quorum exists, action on a matter, other than the
election of directors, by a voting group is approved if the votes cast within
the voting group favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action,
unless the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws, the WBCL or other applicable
laws and regulations, including the Investment Company Act, require a greater
number of affirmative votes.  With respect to the election of directors, unless
otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, directors are elected by a
plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote.  For purposes of
this Section 2.08, "plurality" means that the individuals with the largest
number of votes are elected as directors up to the maximum number of directors
to be chosen at the election.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                 SECTION 2.09.  Proxies.  For all meetings of shareholders, a
shareholder may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise act for the shareholder by
signing an appointment form, either personally or by a duly authorized
attorney-in-fact.  Such proxy shall be effective when filed with the Secretary
of the Corporation or other officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes
before or at the time of the meeting.  No proxy shall be valid after eleven
months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

                 SECTION 2.10.  Voting of Shares.  Unless otherwise provided in
the Articles of Incorporation, each outstanding share, regardless of class, is
entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of
shareholders.

                 No shares in the Corporation held by another corporation may
be voted if the Corporation owns, directly or indirectly, a sufficient number
of shares entitled to elect a majority of the directors of such other
corporation; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not be limited in
its power to vote any shares, including its own shares, held by it in a
fiduciary capacity.

                 Redeemable shares are not entitled to vote after written
notice of redemption that complies with the WBCL is mailed to the holders
thereof and a sum sufficient to redeem the shares has been deposited with a
bank, trust company or other financial institution under an irrevocable
obligation to pay the holders the redemption price on surrender of the shares.

                 SECTION 2.11.  Voting Shares Owned by the Corporation.  Shares
of the Corporation belonging to it shall not be voted directly or indirectly at
any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of
outstanding shares at any given time, but shares held by the Corporation in a
fiduciary capacity may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total
number of outstanding shares at any given time.

                 SECTION 2.12.  Acceptance of Instruments Showing Shareholder
Action.

                 (a)  If the name signed on a vote, consent, waiver or proxy
         appointment corresponds to the name of a shareholder, the Corporation,
         if acting in good faith, may accept the vote, consent, waiver or proxy
         appointment and give it effect as the act of the shareholder.

                 (b)    If the name signed on a vote, consent, waiver or proxy
         appointment does not correspond to the name of a shareholder, the
         Corporation, if acting in good faith,





                                       5
<PAGE>   6

may accept the vote, consent, waiver or proxy appointment and give it effect as
the act of the shareholder if any of the following apply:

                          (1)  the shareholder is an entity, within the meaning
                 of the WBCL, and the name signed purports to be that of an
                 officer or agent of the entity;

                          (2)  the name signed purports to be that of a
                 personal representative, administrator, executor, guardian or
                 conservator representing the shareholder and, if the
                 Corporation or its agent request, evidence of fiduciary status
                 acceptable to the Corporation is presented with respect to the
                 vote, consent, waiver or proxy appointment;

                          (3)  the name signed purports to be that of a
                 receiver or trustee in bankruptcy of the shareholder and, if
                 the Corporation or its agent request, evidence of this status
                 acceptable to the Corporation is presented with respect to the
                 vote, consent, waiver or proxy appointment;

                          (4)  the name signed purports to be that of a
                 pledgee, beneficial owner, or attorney-in-fact of the
                 shareholder and, if the Corporation or its agent request,
                 evidence acceptable to the Corporation of the signatory's
                 authority to sign for the shareholder is presented with
                 respect to the vote, consent, waiver or proxy appointment; or

                          (5)  two or more persons are the shareholders as
                 cotenants or fiduciaries and the name signed purports to be
                 the name of at least one of the coowners and the persons
                 signing appears to be acting on behalf of all coowners.

                 (c)  The Corporation may reject a vote, consent, waiver or
         proxy appointment if the Secretary or other officer or agent of the
         Corporation who is authorized to tabulate votes, acting in good faith,
         has reasonable basis for doubt about the validity of the signature on
         it or about the signatory's authority to sign for the shareholder.

                 SECTION 2.13.  Adjournments.  An annual or special meeting of
shareholders may be adjourned at any time, including after action on one or
more matters, by a majority of shares represented, even if less than a quorum.
The meeting may be adjourned for any purpose, including, but not limited to,
allowing additional time to solicit votes on one or more matters, to
disseminate additional information to shareholders or to count votes.  Upon
being reconvened, the adjourned meeting shall be deemed to be a continuation of
the initial meeting.





                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                 (a)  Quorum.  Once a share is represented for any purpose at
         the original meeting, other than for the purpose of objecting to
         holding the meeting or transacting business at a meeting, it is
         considered present for purposes of determining if a quorum exists, for
         the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting
         unless a new record date is or must be set for that adjourned meeting.

                 (b)  Record Date.  When a determination of shareholders
         entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders has
         been made as provided in Section 2.06, such determination shall be
         applied to any adjournment thereof unless the Board of Directors fixes
         a new record date, which it shall do if the meeting is adjourned to a
         date more than 120 days after the date fixed for the original meeting.

                 (c)  Notice.  Unless a new record date for an adjourned
         meeting is or must be fixed pursuant to Section 2.13(b), the
         Corporation is not required to give notice of the new date, time or
         place if the new date, time or place is announced at the meeting
         before adjournment.

                 SECTION 2.14.  Waiver of Notice by Shareholders.  A
shareholder may waive any notice required by the WBCL, the Articles of
Incorporation or the By-Laws before or after the date and time stated in the
notice.  The waiver shall be in writing and signed by the shareholder entitled
to the notice, contain the same information that would have been required in
the notice under any applicable provisions of the WBCL, except that the time
and place of the meeting need not be stated, and be delivered to the
Corporation for inclusion in the Corporation's records.  A shareholder's
attendance at a meeting, in person or by proxy, waives objection to (i) lack of
notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless the shareholder at the
beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival objects to the holding of the
meeting or transacting business at the meeting, and (ii) consideration of a
particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose described in
the meeting notice, unless the shareholder objects to considering the matter
when it is presented.

                 SECTION 2.15.  Conduct of Meeting.  The Chairman of the Board,
Vice Chairman, President or any person chosen by the Chairman of the Board,
shall call the meeting of the shareholders to order and shall act as chairman
of the meeting, and the Secretary of the Corporation or any other person
appointed by the chairman of the meeting, shall act as secretary of all
meetings of the shareholders.

                 SECTION 2.16.  Unanimous Consent without Meeting.  Any action
required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken
without a meeting only by





                                       7
<PAGE>   8

unanimous written consent or consents signed by all of the shareholders of the
Corporation and delivered to the Corporation for inclusion in the Corporation's
records.


                        ARTICLE III.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                 SECTION 3.01.  General Powers and Number.  All corporate
powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and
affairs of the Corporation managed under the direction of, the Board of
Directors.  The number of directors of the Corporation shall be six.

                 SECTION 3.02.  Tenure and Qualifications.  Each director shall
hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her
successor shall have been elected and, if necessary, qualified, or until there
is a decrease in the number of directors which takes effect after the
expiration of his or her term, or until his or her prior death, resignation or
removal.  A director may be removed by the shareholders, with or without cause,
only at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the director, and the
meeting notice shall state that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the
meeting is removal of the director.  A director may resign at any time by
delivering written notice which complies with the WBCL to the Board of
Directors, to the Chairman of the Board or to the Corporation.  A director's
resignation is effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice
specifies a later effective date.  Directors need not be residents of the State
of Wisconsin or shareholders of the Corporation.

                 SECTION 3.03.  Regular Meetings.  A regular meeting of the
Board of Directors shall be held without other notice than this Section 3.03
immediately before or after the annual meeting of shareholders and each
adjourned session thereof.  The place of such regular meeting shall be the same
as the place of the meeting of shareholders which precedes or follows it, as
the case may be, or such other suitable place as may be announced at such
meeting of shareholders.  The Board of Directors shall provide, by resolution,
the date, time and place, either within or without the State of Wisconsin, for
the holding of additional regular meetings of the Board of Directors without
other notice than such resolution.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors
may also be called by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, President or
Secretary.

                 SECTION 3.04.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the
Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the Chairman of the
Board, Vice Chairman, President, Secretary or any two directors.  The Chairman
of the Board, Vice Chairman, President or Secretary may fix any place, either
within or without the State of Wisconsin, as the place for holding any special
meeting of the Board of Directors, and if no other place is fixed the place of
the meeting shall be the principal business office of the Corporation in the
State of Wisconsin.





                                       8
<PAGE>   9

                 SECTION 3.05.  Notice; Waiver.  Notice of special meetings
shall be given at least twenty-four hours previously thereto and shall state
the date, time and place of the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee.
Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or
special meeting of the Board of Directors or committee need be specified in the
notice of such meeting.  Notice may be communicated in person, by telephone,
telegraph, teletype, facsimile or other form of wire or wireless communication,
or by mail or private carrier.  Written notice is effective at the earliest of
the following: (1) when received; (2) when mailed postpaid and correctly
addressed; (3) when given to a telegram carrier; or (4) the date it is
deposited with a private carrier.  Oral notice is deemed effective when
communicated.  Facsimile or teletype notice is deemed effective when sent.

                 A director may waive any notice required by the WBCL, the
Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws before or after the date and time
stated in the notice.  The waiver shall be in writing, signed by the director
entitled to the notice and retained by the Corporation.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a director's attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any
required notice to such director of the meeting unless the director at the
beginning of the meeting or promptly upon such director's arrival objects to
holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not
thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

                 SECTION 3.06.  Quorum.  Except as otherwise provided by the
WBCL, the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws, a majority of the number of
directors specified in Section 3.01 shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.  A majority
of the directors present (though less than such quorum) may adjourn any meeting
of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, as the case may be, from
time to time without further notice.

                 SECTION 3.07.  Manner of Acting.  The affirmative vote of a
majority of the directors present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at
which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless
the WBCL, the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws or other applicable law or
regulation, including the Investment Company Act, require the vote of a greater
number of directors.

                 SECTION 3.08.  Conduct of Meetings.  The Chairman of the
Board, and in his absence, the Vice Chairman or any director chosen by the
directors present, shall call meetings of the Board of Directors to order and
shall act as chairman of the meeting.  The Secretary of the Corporation shall
act as secretary of all meetings of the Board of Directors unless the presiding
officer appoints another person present to act as secretary of the meeting.
Minutes of any





                                       9
<PAGE>   10

regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be prepared and
distributed to each director.

                 SECTION 3.09.  Vacancies.  Except as provided below, any
vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, including a vacancy resulting from
an increase in the number of directors, may be filled, subject to the
requirements of the Investment Company Act, by any of the following: (a) the
shareholders; (b) the Board of Directors; or (c) if the directors remaining in
office constitute fewer than a quorum of the Board of Directors, the directors,
by the affirmative vote of a majority of all directors remaining in office.  If
the vacant office was held by a director elected by a voting group of
shareholders, only the holders of shares of that voting group may vote to fill
the vacancy if it is filled by the shareholders, and only the remaining
directors elected by that voting group may vote to fill the vacancy if it is
filled by the directors.  A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date,
because of a resignation effective at a later date or otherwise, may be filled
before the vacancy occurs, but the new director may not take office until the
vacancy occurs.

                 SECTION 3.10.  Compensation.  No director shall receive any
stated salary or fees from the Corporation for his services as such director if
such director is, otherwise than by reason of being such director, an
interested person (as such term is defined by the Investment Company Act) of
the Corporation or its investment adviser.  Except as provided in the preceding
sentence, directors shall be entitled to receive such compensation from the
Corporation for their services as may from time to time be voted by the Board
of Directors.

                 SECTION 3.11.  Presumption of Assent.  A director who is
present and is announced as present at a meeting of the Board of Directors,
when corporate action is taken, assents to the action taken unless any of the
following occurs: (a) the director objects at the beginning of the meeting or
promptly upon his or her arrival to holding the meeting or transacting business
at the meeting; (b) the director dissents or abstains from an action taken and
minutes of the meeting are prepared that show the director's dissent or
abstention; (c) the director delivers written notice that complies with the
WBCL of his or her dissent or abstention to the presiding officer of the
meeting before its adjournment or to the Corporation immediately after
adjournment of the meeting; or (d) the director dissents or abstains from an
action taken, minutes of the meeting are prepared that fail to show the
director's dissent or abstention from the action taken and the director
delivers to the Corporation a written notice of that failure that complies with
the WBCL promptly after receiving the minutes.  Such right of dissent or
abstention shall not apply to a director who votes in favor of the action
taken.

                 SECTION 3.12.  Telephonic Meetings.  Except as herein provided
and notwithstanding any place set forth in the notice of the meeting or these
By-Laws, members of





                                       10
<PAGE>   11

the Board of Directors may participate in regular or special meetings by, or
through the use of, any means of communication by which all participants may
simultaneously hear each other, such as by conference telephone.  If a meeting
is conducted by such means, then at the commencement of such meeting the
presiding officer shall inform the participating directors that a meeting is
taking place at which official business may be transacted.  Any participant in
a meeting by such means shall be deemed present in person at such meeting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no action may be taken at any meeting held by
such means (i) on any particular matter which the presiding officer determines,
in his or her sole discretion, to be inappropriate under the circumstances for
action at a meeting held by such means (such determination shall be made and
announced in advance of such meeting), or (ii) if the action must be approved
in person pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act.

                 SECTION 3.13.  Action Without Meeting.  Any action required or
permitted by the WBCL to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be
taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the Board.
The action shall be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the
action taken, signed by each director and retained by the Corporation. Such
action shall be effective when the last director signs the consent, unless the
consent specifies a different effective date.  Notwithstanding this Section
3.13, no action may be taken by the Board of Directors pursuant to a written
consent with respect to which the action must be approved in person pursuant to
the requirements of the Investment Company Act.


                             ARTICLE IV.  OFFICERS

                 SECTION 4.01.  Number.  The principal officers of the
Corporation shall be a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, a
President, the number of Vice Presidents as authorized from time to time by the
Board of Directors, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, each of whom shall be elected
by the Board of Directors.  Such other officers and assistant officers as may
be deemed necessary may be elected or appointed by the Board of Directors.  The
Board of Directors may also authorize any duly authorized officer to appoint
one or more officers or assistant officers.  Any two or more offices may be
held by the same person.

                 SECTION 4.02.  Election and Term of Office.  The officers of
the Corporation to be elected by the Board of Directors shall be elected
annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the Board of
Directors held after each annual meeting of the shareholders, if any, or on or
after the anniversary of the last annual meeting if no annual meeting is held.
If the election of officers shall not be held at such first meeting of the
Board of Directors, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as is
practicable.  Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor shall
have been duly elected or until his or her prior death, resignation or removal.





                                       11
<PAGE>   12

                 SECTION 4.03.  Removal.  The Board of Directors may remove any
officer and, unless restricted by the Board of Directors or these By-Laws, an
officer may remove any officer or assistant officer appointed by that officer.
An officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause and
notwithstanding the contract rights, if any, of the officer removed.  The
appointment of an officer does not of itself create contract rights.

                 SECTION 4.04.  Resignation.  An officer may resign at any time
by delivering notice to the Corporation that complies with the WBCL.  The
resignation shall be effective when the notice is delivered, unless the notice
specifies a later effective date and the Corporation accepts the later
effective date.

                 SECTION 4.05.  Vacancies.  A vacancy in any principal office
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, shall be
filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.  If a
resignation of an officer is effective at a later date as contemplated by
Section 4.04 hereof, the Board of Directors may fill the pending vacancy before
the effective date if the Board provides that the successor may not take office
until the effective date of the registration.

                 SECTION 4.06.  Chairman of the Board.  The Chairman of the
Board shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation.  The Chairman of
the Board shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and directors,
shall have general and active management of the business of the Corporation,
and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are
carried into effect.

                 SECTION 4.07.  The Vice Chairman.  During the absence or
disability of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman shall exercise all
the functions of the Chairman of the Board.  The Vice Chairman shall perform
all duties incident to the office of the Vice Chairman and such other duties as
shall from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of
the Board or as prescribed by these By-Laws.

                 SECTION 4.08.  President.  The President shall be the chief
operating officer of the Corporation and, subject to the direction of the Board
of Directors, shall in general supervise and control all of the business and
affairs of the Corporation.  The President shall, when present, preside at all
meetings of the shareholders in the absence of the Chairman of the Board and
the Vice Chairman.  The President shall have authority, subject to such rules
as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, to appoint such agents and
employees of the Corporation as he or she shall deem necessary, to prescribe
their powers, duties and compensation, and to delegate authority to them.  Such
agents and employees shall hold office at the discretion of the President.





                                       12
<PAGE>   13

The President shall have authority to sign, execute and acknowledge, on behalf
of the Corporation, all deeds, mortgages, bonds, stock certificates, contracts,
leases, reports and all other documents or instruments necessary or proper to
be executed in the course of the Corporation's regular business, or which shall
be authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors; and, except as otherwise
provided by law or the Board of Directors, he or she may authorize any Vice
President or other officer or agent of the Corporation to sign, execute and
acknowledge such documents or instruments in his or her place and stead.  In
general he or she shall perform all duties incident to the office of President
and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time
to time.

                 SECTION 4.09.  The Vice Presidents.  In the absence of the
President or in the event of the President's death, inability or refusal to
act, or in the event for any reason it shall be impracticable for the President
to act personally, the Vice President (or in the event there be more than one
Vice President, the Vice Presidents in the order designated by the Board of
Directors, or in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their
election) shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall
have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
President.  Any Vice President may sign, with the Secretary or Assistant
Secretary, certificates for shares of the Corporation; and shall perform such
other duties and have such authority as from time to time may be delegated or
assigned to him or her by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman or President
or by the Board of Directors.  The execution of any instrument of the
Corporation by any Vice President shall be conclusive evidence, as to third
parties, of his or her authority to act for the Corporation.

                 SECTION 4.10.  The Secretary.  The Secretary shall: (a) keep
minutes of the meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors (and
of committees thereof) in one or more books provided for that purpose
(including records of actions taken by the shareholders or the Board of
Directors (or committees thereof) without a meeting); (b) see that all notices
are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws or as
required by the WBCL; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal
of the Corporation and see that the seal of the Corporation is affixed to all
documents the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is
duly authorized; (d) maintain a record of the shareholders of the Corporation,
in a form that permits preparation of a list of the names and addresses of all
shareholders, by class or series of shares and showing the number and class or
series of shares held by each shareholder; (e) sign with the President, a Vice
President, or any other officer authorized by the Board of Directors,
certificates for shares of the Corporation, the issuance of which shall have
been authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors; (f) have general
charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (g) in general
perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and have such other
duties and exercise such authority as from time to time may be





                                       13
<PAGE>   14

delegated or assigned by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, President or
the Board of Directors.

                 SECTION 4.11.  The Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall be the
principal financial and accounting officer of the Corporation and shall have
general charge of the finances and books of account of the Corporation.  Except
as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, he or she shall have general
supervision of the funds and property of the Corporation and of the performance
by the Custodian of its duties with respect thereto.  The Treasurer shall
render to the Board of Directors, whenever directed by the Board, an account of
the financial condition of the Corporation and of all his or her transactions
as Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall perform all acts incidental to the office of
Treasurer, subject to the control of the Board of Directors.

                 SECTION 4.12.  Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers.
There shall be such number of Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers as
the Board of Directors may from time to time authorize.  The Assistant
Secretaries may sign with the President, a Vice President or any other officer
authorized by the Board of Directors, certificates for shares of the
Corporation the issuance of which shall have been authorized by a resolution of
the Board of Directors.  The Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, in
general, shall perform such duties and have such authority as shall from time
to time be delegated or assigned to them by the Secretary or the Treasurer,
respectively, or by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, President or the
Board of Directors.

                 SECTION 4.13.  Other Assistants and Acting Officers.  The
Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint, or to authorize any duly
appointed officer of the Corporation to appoint, any person to act as assistant
to any officer, or as agent for the Corporation in his or her stead, or to
perform the duties of such officer whenever for any reason it is impracticable
for such officer to act personally, and such assistant or acting officer or
other agent so appointed by the Board of Directors or an authorized officer
shall have the power to perform all the duties of the office to which he or she
is so appointed to be an assistant, or as to which he or she is so appointed to
act, except as such power may be otherwise defined or restricted by the Board
of Directors or the appointing officer.

                 SECTION 4.14.  Surety Bonds.  The Board of Directors may
require any officer or agent of the Corporation to execute a bond (including,
without limitation, any bond required by the Investment Company Act of 1940) to
the Corporation in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board of
Directors may determine, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or
her duties to the Corporation, including responsibility for negligence and for
the accounting of any of the Corporation's property, funds or securities that
may come into his or her hands.





                                       14
<PAGE>   15

            ARTICLE V.  CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES; TRANSFER OF SHARES

                 SECTION 5.01.  Certificates for Shares.  Each shareholder
shall be entitled upon request to have a certificate or certificates which
shall represent and certify the number and kind of shares owned by him or her
in the Corporation.  Certificates representing shares of the Corporation shall
be in such form, consistent with the WBCL, as shall be determined by the Board
of Directors.  Such certificates shall be signed, either manually or in
facsimile, by the President, a Vice President or any other officer authorized
by the Board of Directors and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary.  All
certificates for shares shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise
identified.  The name and address of the person to whom the shares represented
thereby are issued, with the number of shares and class of shares and series,
if any, and date of issue, shall be entered on the stock transfer books of the
Corporation.  All certificates surrendered to the Corporation for transfer
shall be cancelled and no new certificate shall be issued until the former
certificate for a like number of shares shall have been surrendered and
cancelled, except as provided in Section 5.04.

                 Shares may also be issued without certificates.  Within a
reasonable time after issuance or transfer of shares without certificates, the
Corporation shall send the shareholder a written statement of the information
required on share certificates under the WBCL, including the following:

                 (a)  the name of the Corporation;

                 (b)  the name of the person to whom shares were issued;

                 (c)  the number and class of shares and the designation of the
         series, if any, of the shares issued; and

                 (d)  either (i) a summary of the designations, relative
         rights, preferences and limitations, applicable to each class, and the
         variations in rights, preferences and limitations determined for each
         series and the authority of the Board of Directors to determine
         variations for future series, or (ii) a conspicuous statement that the
         Corporation will furnish the information specified in clause (i),
         above, on request, in writing and without charge.





                                       15
<PAGE>   16

                 SECTION 5.02.  Signature by Former Officers.  The validity of
a share certificate is not affected if a person who signed the certificate
(either manually or in facsimile) no longer holds office when the certificate
is issued.

                 SECTION 5.03.  Transfer of Shares.  Prior to due presentment
of a certificate for shares for redemption or registration of transfer, the
Corporation may treat the registered owner of such shares as the person
exclusively entitled to vote, to receive notifications and otherwise to have
and exercise all the rights and power of an owner.  Where a certificate for
shares is presented to the Corporation with a request for redemption or to
register for transfer, the Corporation shall not be liable to the owner or any
other person suffering loss as a result of such registration of transfer or
redemption if (a) there were on or with the certificate the necessary
endorsements, and (b) the Corporation had no duty to inquire into adverse
claims or has discharged any such duty.  The Corporation may require reasonable
assurance that such endorsements are genuine and effective and compliance with
such other regulations as may be prescribed by or under the authority of the
Board of Directors.  All certificates and uncertificated shares surrendered to
the Corporation for redemption shall be cancelled, returned to the status of
authorized and unissued shares and the transaction recorded in the stock
transfer books.  Transfer or redemption of shares of the Corporation shall be
made only on the stock transfer books of the Corporation by the holder of
record thereof or by his legal representative, who shall furnish proper
evidence of authority to transfer, or by his attorney thereunto duly authorized
by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the transfer agent or the
Secretary of the Corporation, and on surrender for cancellation of the
certificate for such shares, if any.

                 SECTION 5.04.  Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates. Where
the owner claims that certificates for shares have been lost, destroyed or
wrongfully taken, a new certificate shall be issued in place thereof if the
owner (a) so requests before the Corporation has notice that such shares have
been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, (b) files with the Corporation a
sufficient indemnity bond if required by the Board of Directors or any
principal officer, and (c) satisfies such other reasonable requirements as may
be prescribed by or under the authority of the Board of Directors.

                 SECTION 5.05.  Stock Regulations.  The Board of Directors
shall have the power and authority to make all such further rules and
regulations not inconsistent with law as it may deem expedient concerning the
issue, transfer and registration of shares of the Corporation and to appoint or
designate one or more stock transfer agents and one or more stock registrars.


                               ARTICLE VI.  SEAL





                                       16
<PAGE>   17

                 SECTION 6.01.  The seal of the Corporation shall be circular
in form and shall bear, at a minimum, the name of the Corporation, Wisconsin as
its state of incorporation and the words "Corporate Seal."


            ARTICLE VII.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

                 SECTION 7.01.  Mandatory Indemnification.  The Corporation
shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted by the WBCL, as in effect from
time to time, the persons described in Sections 180.0850 through 180.0859 (or
any successor provisions) of the WBCL or other provisions of the law of the
State of Wisconsin relating to indemnification of directors and officers, as in
effect from time to time.  The indemnification afforded such persons by this
section shall not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be entitled as
a matter of law.

                 SECTION 7.02.  Permissive Supplementary Benefits.  The
Corporation may, but shall not be required to, supplement the right of
indemnification under Section 7.01 by (a) the purchase of insurance on behalf
of any one or more of such persons, whether or not the Corporation would be
obligated to indemnify such person under Section 7.01; (b) individual or group
indemnification agreements with any one or more of such persons; and (c)
advances for related expenses of such a person.

                 SECTION 7.03.  Amendment.  This Article VII may be amended or
repealed only by a vote of the shareholders and not by a vote of the Board of
Directors.

                 SECTION 7.04.  Investment Company Act.  In no event shall the
Corporation indemnify any person hereunder in contravention of any provision of
the Investment Company Act.


                           ARTICLE VIII.  AMENDMENTS

                 SECTION 8.01.  By Shareholders.  These By-Laws may be amended
or repealed and new By-Laws may be adopted by the shareholders at any annual or
special meeting of the shareholders at which a quorum is in attendance.

                 SECTION 8.02.  By Board of Directors.  Except as otherwise
provided by the WBCL, the Articles of Incorporation or a particular By-Law
herein, these By-Laws may also be amended or repealed and new By-Laws may be
adopted by the Board of Directors by affirmative vote of a majority of the
number of directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is in





                                       17
<PAGE>   18

attendance; provided, however, that the shareholders in adopting, amending or
repealing a particular By-Law may provide therein that the Board of Directors
may not amend, repeal or readopt that By-Law.

                 SECTION 8.03.  Implied Amendments.  Any action taken or
authorized by the shareholders or by the Board of Directors which would be
inconsistent with the By-Laws then in effect but which is taken or authorized
by affirmative vote of not less than the number of shares or the number of
directors required to amend the By-Laws so that the By-Laws would be consistent
with such action shall be given the same effect as though the By-Laws had been
temporarily amended or suspended so far, but only so far, as is necessary to
permit the specific action so taken or authorized.


              ARTICLE IX.  DEPOSITARIES, CUSTODIANS, ENDORSEMENTS

                 SECTION 9.01.  Depositories.  The funds of the Corporation
shall be deposited with such banks or other depositories as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation may from time to time determine in accordance with
the requirements of the Investment Company Act.

                 SECTION 9.02.  Custodians.  All securities and other similar
investments of the Corporation shall be deposited in the safekeeping of such
banks or other companies as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act.
Every arrangement entered into with any bank or other company for the
safekeeping of the securities and other similar investments of the Corporation
shall contain provisions complying with the requirements of the Investment
Company Act.

                 SECTION 9.03.  Checks, Notes, Drafts, etc.  Checks, notes,
drafts, acceptances, bills of exchange and other orders or obligations for the
payment of money shall be signed by such officer or officers or such person or
persons as designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.

                 SECTION 9.04.  Endorsements, Assignments and Transfer of
Securities.  All endorsements, assignments, stock powers or other instruments
of transfer of securities standing in the name of the Corporation or its
nominee or directions for the transfer of securities belonging to the
Corporation shall be made by such officer or officers or other person or
persons as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.


                   ARTICLE X.  INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS





                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                 SECTION 10.01.  Independent Public Accountants.  The
Corporation shall employ an independent public accountant or a firm of
independent public accountants as its accountants to examine the accounts of
the Corporation and to sign and certify financial statements filed by the
Corporation.


             ARTICLE XI.  SALES AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES; DIVIDENDS

                 SECTION 11.01.  Sale of Shares.  Shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation shall be sold by it for the net asset value per share of such
Common Stock calculated in accordance with the requirements of the Investment
Company Act, and the Corporation's then current prospectus.

                 SECTION 11.02.  Periodic Investment, Dividend Reinvestment and
Other Plans.  The Corporation shall offer such periodic investment, dividend
reinvestment, periodic redemption or other plans as are specified in the
Corporation's then current prospectus, provided such plans are offered in
accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act.  Any such plans
may be discontinued at any time if determined advisable by or under the
authority of the Board of Directors.

                 SECTION 11.03.  Redemption of Shares.  Subject to the
suspension of the right of redemption or postponement of the date of payment or
satisfaction upon redemption in accordance with the Investment Company Act,
each shareholder, upon request and after complying with the redemption
procedures established by or under the supervision of the Board of Directors,
shall be entitled to require the Corporation to redeem out of legally available
funds all or any part of the Common Stock standing in the name of such holder
at the net asset value per share calculated in accordance with the requirements
of the Investment Company Act, and the Corporation's then current prospectus.

                 SECTION 11.04.  Dividends and Other Distributions.  The
Corporation shall pay such dividends and make other distributions to
shareholders, at such times and in such amounts as are determined by or under
the authority of the Board of Directors, from time to time and in accordance
with the requirements of the WBCL, the Investment Company Act, and other
applicable laws and regulations.





                                       19

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.B4




                           SPECIMEN STOCK CERTIFICATE



NUMBER                          STRONG LOGO                               SHARES

________                                                                 _______

                                                               CUSIP ___________

                            STRONG <<FUND>>, INC.
             INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN



This Certifies that                                              is the owner of

Shares of the Common Stock, Par Value $._____ per share, of Strong <<Fund>>,
Inc. transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof
in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate
properly endorsed.

         This certificate is not valid until countersigned by the Transfer
Agent.
         Witness the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile
signatures of its duly authorized officers.  

Dated:

                                 CORPORATE SEAL

        /s/ Ann E. Oglanian                          /s/ John Dragisic

        Secretary                                    Vice Chairman


Countersigned:

Strong Capital Management, Inc.
Transfer Agent



Authorized Signature
<PAGE>   2


    The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
    this certificate shall be construed as though they were written out in full
    according to applicable laws or regulations:

                                        UNIF GIFT MIN ACT _____Custodian_______
                                                         (Cust)         (Minor)
                                               Under Uniform Gift to Minors 
                                        
                                        Act - _________________________________
                                               State
                                     

TEN COM -   as tenants in common
TEN ENT -   as tenants by the 
            entireties                  UNIF TRANS MIN ACT ____Custodian _______
JT TEN  -   as joint tenants with                          (Cust)        (Minor)
            right of survivorship 
            and not as tenants                 Under Uniform Transfers to Minors
            in common                   Act - _________________________________
                                               State

   Additional abbreviations also may be used though not in the above list.
  For Value Received, __________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE




________________________________________________________________________________
 (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Shares of capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby 
irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Attorney, to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named 
Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.

Date ________________________________       ___________________________________
                                            Signature

                                            ___________________________________
                                            Signature

                                   NOTICE:  THE SIGNATURE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT 
                                            MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS 
                                            WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE 
                                            CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, 
                                            WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT 
                                            OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

                                            ___________________________________
                                            Signature(s) Guarantee

Strong <<Fund>>, Inc. is authorized to issue common stock for multiple series. 
Upon request, a Shareholder will be given a summary of the designations, 
relative rights, preferences and limitations determined by the Board of 
Directors for each series in writing and without charge.  The Board of 
Directors is authorized to determine variations for different series.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.B5
                         INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on this ____ day of _________,
____, between STRONG [           ] FUNDS, INC., a Wisconsin corporation
(the "Corporation"), and STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC., a Wisconsin
corporation (the "Adviser");

                                   WITNESSETH

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is an open-end management investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act");

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is authorized to create separate series, each
with its own separate investment portfolio; and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to retain the Adviser, which is a
registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, to act
as investment adviser for each series of the Corporation listed in Schedule A
attached hereto, and to manage each of their assets;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Corporation and the Adviser do mutually agree and
promise as follows:

         1.      Employment. The Corporation hereby appoints Adviser as
investment adviser for each series of the Corporation listed on Schedule A
attached hereto (a "Portfolio" or collectively, the "Portfolios"), and Adviser
accepts such appointment. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation and the terms of this Agreement, the Adviser shall act as
investment adviser for and manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets
of any Portfolio. The Adviser is hereby authorized to delegate some or all of
its services subject to necessary approval, which includes without limitation,
the delegation of its investment adviser duties hereunder to a subadvisor
pursuant to a written agreement (a "Subadvisory Agreement") under which the
subadvisor shall furnish the services specified therein to the Adviser. The
Adviser will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory
services furnished pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement. The Adviser shall (i)
provide for use by the Corporation, at the Adviser's expense, office space and
all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the
investments of each Portfolio and maintaining the Corporation's organization,
(ii) pay the salaries and fees of all officers and directors of the Corporation
who are "interested persons" of the Adviser as such term is defined under the
1940 Act, and (iii) pay for all clerical services relating to research,
statistical and investment work.

         2.      Allocation of Portfolio Brokerage. The Adviser is authorized,
subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, to
place orders for the purchase and sale of securities and to negotiate
commissions to be paid on such transactions. The Adviser may, on behalf of each
Portfolio, pay brokerage commissions to a broker which provides brokerage and
research services to the Adviser in excess of the
<PAGE>   2

amount another broker would have charged for effecting the transaction,
provided (i) the Adviser determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable
in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the
executing broker in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the
Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to a Portfolio and the accounts
as to which the Adviser exercises investment discretion, (ii) such payment is
made in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and other applicable state and federal laws, and (iii) in the opinion of the
Adviser, the total commissions paid by a Portfolio will be reasonable in
relation to the benefits to such Portfolio over the long term.

         3.      Expenses. Each Portfolio will pay all its expenses and the
Portfolio's allocable share of the Corporation's expenses, other than those
expressly stated to be payable by the Adviser hereunder, which expenses payable
by a Portfolio shall include, without limitation, interest charges, taxes,
brokerage commissions and similar expenses, expenses of issue, sale, repurchase
or redemption of shares, expenses of registering or qualifying shares for sale,
expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses to existing shareholders,
charges of custodians (including sums as custodian and for keeping books and
similar services of the Portfolios), transfer agents (including the printing
and mailing of reports and notices to shareholders), registrars, auditing and
legal services, clerical services related to recordkeeping and shareholder
relations, printing of share certificates, fees for directors who are not
"interested persons" of the Adviser, and other expenses not expressly assumed
by the Adviser under Paragraph 1 above. If expenses payable by a Portfolio,
except interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions and similar fees, and to
the extent permitted, extraordinary expenses, in any given fiscal year exceed
that percentage of the average net asset value of the Portfolio for such year,
as determined by valuations made as of the close of each business day of such
year, which is the most restrictive percentage expense limitation provided by
the laws of the various states in which the Portfolio's shares are qualified
for sale, or if the states in which the shares qualified for sale impose no
restrictions, then 2%, the Adviser shall reimburse the Portfolio for such
excess. Reimbursement of expenses by the Adviser shall be made on a monthly
basis and will be paid to a Portfolio by a reduction in the Adviser's fee,
subject to later adjustment month by month for the remainder of the Portfolio's
fiscal year.

         4.      Authority of Adviser. The Adviser shall for all purposes
herein be considered an independent contractor and shall not, unless expressly
authorized and empowered by the Corporation or any Portfolio, have authority to
act for or represent the Corporation or any Portfolio in any way, form or
manner. Any authority granted by the Corporation on behalf of itself or any
Portfolio to the Adviser shall be in the form of a resolution or resolutions
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

         5.      Compensation of Adviser. For the services to be furnished
during any month by the Adviser hereunder, each Portfolio listed in Schedule A
shall pay the Adviser, and the Adviser agrees to accept as full compensation
for all services rendered hereunder, an Advisory Fee as soon as practical after
the last day of such month. The Advisory Fee shall be an amount equal to 1/12th
of the annual fee as set forth in Schedule B of the average of the net asset
value of the Portfolio determined as of the close of business on each business
day throughout the month (the "Average Asset Value"). In case of termination of
this Agreement with respect to any Portfolio during any month, the fee for that
month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of calendar
days during which it is in effect and the fee computed upon the Average Asset
Value of the business days during which it is so in effect.


                                      2
<PAGE>   3

         6.      Rights and Powers of Adviser. The Adviser's rights and powers
with respect to acting for and on behalf of the Corporation or any Portfolio,
including the rights and powers of the Adviser's officers and directors, shall
be as follows:

         (a)     Directors, officers, agents and shareholders of the
Corporation are or may at any time or times be interested in the Adviser as
officers, directors, agents, shareholders or otherwise. Correspondingly,
directors, officers, agents and shareholders of the Adviser are or may at any
time or times be interested in the Corporation as directors, officers, agents
and as shareholders or otherwise, but nothing herein shall be deemed to require
the Corporation to take any action contrary to its Articles of Incorporation or
any applicable statute or regulation. The Adviser shall, if it so elects, also
have the right to be a shareholder in any Portfolio.

         (b)     Except for initial investments in a Portfolio, not in excess
of $100,000 in the aggregate for the Corporation, the Adviser shall not take
any long or short positions in the shares of the Portfolios and that insofar as
it can control the situation it shall prevent any and all of its officers,
directors, agents or shareholders from taking any long or short position in the
shares of the Portfolios. This prohibition shall not in any way be considered
to prevent the Adviser or an officer, director, agent or shareholder of the
Adviser from purchasing and owning shares of any of the Portfolios for
investment purposes. The Adviser shall notify the Corporation of any sales of
shares of any Portfolio made by the Adviser within two months after purchase by
the Adviser of shares of any Portfolio.

         (c)     The services of the Adviser to each Portfolio and the
Corporation are not to be deemed exclusive and Adviser shall be free to render
similar services to others as long as its services for others does not in any
way hinder, preclude or prevent the Adviser from performing its duties and
obligations under this Agreement. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties
hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to
liability to the Corporation or to any of the Portfolios or to any shareholder
for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services
hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or
sale of any security.

         7.      Duration and Termination. The following shall apply with
respect to the duration and termination of this Agreement:

         (a)     This Agreement shall begin for each Portfolio as of the date
of this Agreement and shall continue in effect for two years.  With respect to
each Portfolio added by execution of an Addendum to Schedule A, the term of
this Agreement shall begin on the date of such execution and, unless sooner
terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect to
the date two years after such execution. Thereafter, in each case, this
Agreement shall remain in effect, for successive periods of one year, subject
to the provisions for termination and all of the other terms and conditions
hereof if: (a) such continuation shall be specifically approved at least
annually by either (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, including a majority of the Directors who are not
parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party (other than
as Directors of the Corporation), cast in person at a meeting called for that
purpose or (ii) by the affirmative vote of a majority of a Portfolio's
outstanding voting securities; and (b) Adviser shall not have notified a
Portfolio in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to the anniversary date of
this Agreement in any year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation
with respect to that Portfolio. Prior to





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
voting on the renewal of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the
Corporation may request and evaluate, and the Adviser shall furnish, such
information as may reasonably be necessary to enable the Corporation's Board of
Directors to evaluate the terms of this Agreement.

         (b)     Notwithstanding whatever may be provided herein to the
contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to any
Portfolio, without payment of any penalty, by affirmative vote of a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of that Portfolio, as defined in Section 2(a)(42)
of the 1940 Act, or by the Adviser, in each case, upon sixty (60) days' written
notice to the other party and shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment.

         8.      Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent of
the parties, provided that the terms of each such amendment shall be approved
by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Corporation,
including a majority of the Directors who are not parties to this Agreement or
interested persons of any such party to this Agreement (other than as Directors
of the Corporation) cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, and,
where required by Section 15(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, on behalf of a Portfolio by
a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in Section 2(a)(42)
of the 1940 Act) of such Portfolio. If such amendment is proposed in order to
comply with the recommendations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission or state regulatory bodies or other governmental authority, or to
obtain any advantage under state or federal laws, the Corporation shall notify
the Adviser of the form of amendment which it deems necessary or advisable and
the reasons therefor, and if the Adviser declines to assent to such amendment,
the Corporation may terminate this Agreement forthwith.

         9.      Notice. Any notice that is required to be given by the parties
to each other under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed
and delivered, or mailed postpaid to the other party at the principal place of
business of such party.

         10.     Assignment. This Agreement shall neither be assignable nor
subject to pledge or hypothecation and in the event of assignment, pledge or
hypothecation shall automatically terminate. For purposes of determining
whether an "assignment" has occurred, the definition of "assignment" in Section
2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act shall control.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be signed as of the day and year first stated above.

Attest:                                     Strong Capital Management, Inc.


______________________________________     ____________________________________
Thomas P. Lemke, Senior Vice President     John Dragisic, Vice Chairman

Attest:                                    Strong [          ] Funds, Inc.


______________________________________     ____________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                 Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President


                                       4
<PAGE>   5




                                   SCHEDULE A


The Portfolio(s) of the Corporation currently subject to this Agreement are 
as follows:

                                                       Date of Addition
     Portfolio(s)                                      to this Agreement
     ------------                                      -----------------

Strong [              ] Fund                           -----------------  



Attest:                                     Strong Capital Management, Inc.


______________________________________      ___________________________________
Thomas P. Lemke, Senior Vice President      John Dragisic, Vice Chairman

Attest:                                     Strong [           ] Funds, Inc.


______________________________________      ___________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                  Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President






<PAGE>   6
                                   SCHEDULE B

Compensation pursuant to Paragraph 5 of this Agreement shall be calculated in
accordance with the following schedules:


           Portfolio(s)                               Annual Fee
           ------------                               ----------

Strong [            ] Fund                               ____%





Attest:                                     Strong Capital Management, Inc.


______________________________________      ___________________________________
Thomas P. Lemke, Senior Vice President      John Dragisic, Vice Chairman

Attest:                                     Strong [             ] Funds, Inc.


_____________________________________       ___________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                  Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President








<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.B6
                                        
                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on this ______day of   
___________,____, between STRONG [         ] FUNDS, INC., a Wisconsin   
corporation (the "Corporation"), and STRONG FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a
Wisconsin corporation (the "Distributor"):

                                  WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company
Act");

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is authorized to create separate series, each
with its own separate investment portfolio, and the beneficial interest in each
such series will be represented by a separate series of shares;

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is authorized to issue shares of its $.______
par value common stock (the "Shares") in separate series;

         WHEREAS, the Distributor is a registered broker-dealer under state and
federal laws and regulations and is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers (the "NASD"); and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to retain Distributor as the
distributor of the Shares of each series on whose behalf this Agreement has
been executed.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Corporation and Distributor mutually agree and
promise as follows:

         1.      Appointment of Distributor

         The Company hereby appoints the Distributor as its agent for the
distribution of the Shares of each series of the Corporation listed on Schedule
A attached hereto (each series is hereinafter referred to as a "Fund"), as such
Schedule may be amended from time to time, in jurisdictions wherein the Shares  
may legally be offered for sale; provided, however, that the Corporation may
(a) issue or sell Shares directly to holders of such Shares upon such terms and
conditions and for such consideration, if any, as it may determine, whether in
connection with the distribution of subscription or purchase rights, the
payment or reinvestment of dividends or distributions, or otherwise; or (b)
issue or sell Shares at net asset value to the shareholders of any other
investment corporation, as defined in the Investment Company Act, for which the
Distributor shall act as exclusive distributor, who wish to exchange all or a
portion of their investment in shares of such other investment company for
Shares of the Corporation.

         2.      Acceptance; Services of Distributor

         The Distributor hereby accepts appointment as agent for the
distribution of the Shares and agrees that it will use its best efforts with
reasonable promptness to sell such part of the authorized Shares remaining
unissued as from time to time shall be effectively registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), at prices determined as
hereinafter provided and on terms hereinafter set forth, all





<PAGE>   2

subject to applicable federal and state laws and regulations and the Articles
of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Corporation.

         3.      Manner of Sale; Compliance with Securities Laws and Regulations

         a.      The Distributor shall sell Shares to or through qualified
dealers or others in such manner, not inconsistent with the provisions hereof
and the Corporation's then effective Registration Statement under the
Securities Act, as the Distributor may determine from time to time, provided
that no dealer or other person shall be appointed or authorized to act as agent
of the Corporation without the prior consent of the Corporation.  The
Distributor shall cause subscriptions for Shares to be transmitted in
accordance with any subscription agreement then in force for the purchase of
Shares.  Distributor and Corporation shall cooperate in implementing procedures
to ensure that the sales commission, if any, payable on the purchase of Shares
is paid to the Distributor in a timely manner.

         b.      The Distributor, as agent of and for the account of the
Corporation, may repurchase Shares at such prices and upon such terms and
conditions as shall be specified in the Corporation's current prospectus 
relating to each Fund.

         c.      The Corporation will furnish to the Distributor from time to
time such information with respect to the Corporation, each Fund, and the
Shares as the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the
sale of the Shares.  The Distributor agrees that it will not use or distribute
or authorize the use, distribution or dissemination by its dealers or others,
in connection with the sale of such Shares, of any statements, other than those
contained in the Corporation's current prospectus relating to each Fund, except
such supplemental literature or advertising as shall be lawful under federal
and state securities laws and regulations, and that it will furnish the
Corporation with copies of all such material.

         d.      In selling or reacquiring Shares for the account of the
Corporation, the Distributor will in all respects conform to the requirements
of all state and federal laws and the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD,
relating to such sale or reacquisition, as the case may be, and will indemnify
and save harmless the Corporation, each Fund, each person who has been, is or
may hereafter be a director or officer of the Corporation or any Fund from any
damage or expense on account of any wrongful act by the Distributor or any
employee, representative or agent of the Distributor.  The Distributor will
observe and be bound by all the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of
the Corporation (and of any fundamental policies adopted by the Corporation
and/or each Fund pursuant to the Investment Company Act, notice of which shall
have been given to the Distributor) which at the time in any way require,
limit, restrict or prohibit or otherwise regulate any action on the part of the
Distributor.

         e.      The Distributor will require each dealer to conform to the
provisions hereof and the Registration Statement (and related prospectus or
prospectuses) at the time in effect under the Securities Act with respect to
the public offering price of the Shares.

                                      2



<PAGE>   3

         4.      Price of Shares

         a.      Shares offered for sale or sold by the Distributor for the
account of the Corporation shall be so offered or sold at a price per Share
determined in accordance with the then current prospectus relating to the sale
of such Shares except as departure from such prices shall be permitted by the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

         b.      The price the Corporation shall receive for all Shares 
purchased from the Corporation shall be the net asset value used in determining
the public offering price applicable to the sale of each Fund's Shares.  The
excess, if any, of the sales price over the net asset value of the Shares sold
by the Distributor as agent for the account of the Corporation shall be
retained by the Distributor as a commission for its services hereunder.

         5.      Registration of Shares and Distributor

         a.      The Corporation agrees that it will use its best efforts to
keep effectively registered under the Securities Act for sale as herein
contemplated such Shares as the Distributor shall reasonably request and as the
SEC shall permit to be so registered.

         b.      The Corporation on behalf of each Fund will execute any and all
documents and furnish any and all information which may be reasonably necessary
in connection with the qualification of its Shares for sale (including the
qualification of the Corporation or a Fund as a dealer where necessary or
advisable) in such states as the Distributor may reasonably request (it being
understood that the Corporation shall not be required without its consent to
comply with any requirement which in its opinion is unduly burdensome).  The
Distributor, at its own expense, will effect all required qualifications of the
Distributor as a dealer or broker or otherwise under all applicable state or
federal laws in order that the Shares may be sold in as broad a territory as is
reasonably practicable.

         c.      Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Corporation on
behalf of a Fund may terminate, suspend or withdraw the offering of its Shares
whenever, in its sole discretion, the Corporation deems such action to be
desirable.

         6.      Expenses

         The Corporation or respective Fund will pay or cause to be paid the
expenses (including the fees and disbursements of its own counsel) of any
registration of the Shares under the Securities Act, expenses of qualifying or
continuing the qualification of the Shares for sale, and in connection
therewith, of qualifying or continuing the qualification of the Corporation or
respective Fund as a dealer or broker under the laws of such states as may be
designated by the Distributor under the conditions herein specified, and
expenses incident to the issuance of Shares, such as the cost of share
certificates, issue taxes and fees of the transfer agent.  The Distributor will
pay all other expenses (other than expenses which one or more dealers may bear
pursuant to any agreement with the Distributor) incident to the sale and
distribution of the Shares issued or sold hereunder, including, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, all (a) expenses of printing and
distributing or disseminating any other literature, advertising


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

and selling aids in connection with such offering of the Shares for
sale (except that such expenses shall not include expenses incurred by the
Corporation or any Fund in connection with the preparation, printing and
distribution of any report or other communication to holders of Shares in their
capacity as such); and (b) expenses of advertising in connection with such
offering.  No transfer taxes, if any, which may be payable in connection with
the issue or delivery of Shares sold as herein contemplated or of the
certificates for such Shares shall be borne by the Corporation or any Fund, and
the Distributor will indemnify and hold harmless the Corporation and each Fund
against liability for all such transfer taxes.

         7.      Duration and Termination

         a.      This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof 
and shall continue in effect until ________, 1996, and from year to year
thereafter, but only so long as such continuance is specifically approved each
year by either (i) the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or (ii) the
affirmative vote of a majority of the relevant Fund's respective outstanding
voting securities.  In addition to the foregoing, each renewal of this
Agreement must be approved by the vote of a majority of the Corporation's
directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any
such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval. Prior to voting on the renewal of this Agreement, the Board of
Directors of the Corporation shall request and evaluate, and the Distributor
shall furnish, such information as may reasonably be necessary to enable the
Corporation's Board of Directors to evaluate the terms of this Agreement.

         b.      Notwithstanding whatever may be provided herein to the
contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any
penalty, by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or
by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant
Fund, or by the Distributor, in each case, on not more than sixty (60) days'
written notice to the other party and shall terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment as set forth in paragraph 9 of this Agreement.

         8.      Notice

         Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and
delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party at such address as
such other party may from time to time designate for the receipt of such
notice.

         9.      Assignment

         This Agreement shall neither be assignable nor subject to pledge or
hypothecation and in the event of assignment, pledge or hypothecation shall
automatically terminate.  For purposes of determining whether an "assignment"
has occurred, the definition of "assignment" in Section 2(a)(4) of the
Investment Company Act shall control.

         10.     Miscellaneous


                                      4


<PAGE>   5


         a.      This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of Wisconsin, provided that nothing herein shall be construed in a
manner inconsistent with the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any rule or order of the SEC under such Acts
or any rule of the NASD.

         b.      The captions of this Agreement are included for convenience
only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise
affect their construction or effect.

         c.      If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made
invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this
Agreement shall not be affected thereby and, to this extent, the provisions of
this Agreement shall be deemed to be severable.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be signed as of the day and year first stated above.

Attest:                                      Strong Funds Distributors, Inc.

__________________________________________  ___________________________________
Thomas M. Zoeller, Treasurer and Secretary  Stephen J. Shenkenberg, President

Attest:                                     Strong ________________ Funds, Inc.
                                                   
__________________________________________  ___________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                  Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President




                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                                   SCHEDULE A

The Fund(s) of the Corporation currently subject to this Agreement are as 
follows:

                                                          Date of Addition
              Fund(s)                                     to this Agreement
              -------                                     -----------------
      Strong [          ] Fund                               ____________


Attest:                                        Strong Funds Distributors, Inc.


__________________________________________    __________________________________
Thomas M. Zoeller, Treasurer and Secretary    Stephen J. Shenkenberg, President

Attest:                                       Strong ______________ Funds, Inc.
                                              

__________________________________________    __________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                    Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President



                                       6


<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 99.B8.1



                              CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on this ___ day of ____, ____,
between STRONG <<FUND>>, INC., a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), on
behalf of the Funds (as defined below) of the Corporation, and FIRSTAR TRUST
COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Custodian").

                                  WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an open-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act");

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is authorized to create separate series, each
with its own separate investment portfolio, and the beneficial interest in each
such series will be represented by a separate series of shares (each series
indicated on Schedule A is hereinafter individually referred to as a "Fund" and
collectively as the "Funds"); and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to retain the Custodian to hold and
administer the securities and cash of each Fund listed in Schedule A hereto,
and any additional Funds the Corporation and the Custodian may agree upon and
include in Schedule A as such Schedule may be amended from time to time,
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Corporation and the Custodian do mutually agree and
promise as follows:

1.       Definitions

         The word "securities" as used herein includes stocks, shares, bonds,
debentures, notes, mortgages or other obligations, and any certificates,
receipts, warrants or other instruments representing rights to receive,
purchase or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other
rights or interests therein, or in any property or assets.

         The words "officers' certificate" shall mean a request or direction or
certification in writing signed in the name of the Corporation by any two of
the President, a Vice President, the Secretary and the Treasurer of the
Corporation, or any other persons duly authorized to sign by the Board of
Directors.

         The word "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors the Corporation.

2.       Names, Titles and Signatures of the Corporation's Officers

         An officer of the Corporation will certify to the Custodian the names
and signatures of those persons authorized to sign the officers' certificates
described in Section 1, hereof, and the names of the members of the Board of
Directors, together with any changes which may occur from time to time.
<PAGE>   2

3.       Receipt and Disbursement of Money

         A.      The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate account or
accounts in the name of each Fund, subject only to draft or order by the
Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.  The Custodian shall
hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash
received by it from or for the account of a Fund.  The Custodian shall make
payments of cash to, or for the account of, a Fund from such cash only:

                 (a)      for the purchase of securities for the portfolio of a
         Fund upon the delivery of such securities to the Custodian, registered
         in the name of the Fund or of the nominee of the Custodian referred to
         in Section 7 or in proper form for transfer;

                 (b)      for the purchase or redemption of shares of common
         stock of a Fund upon delivery thereof to Custodian, or upon proper
         instructions from the Fund;

                 (c)      for the payment of interest, dividends, taxes,
         investment adviser's fees or operating expenses (including, without
         limitation thereto, fees for legal, accounting, auditing and custodian
         services and expenses for printing and postage);

                 (d)      for payments in connection with the conversion,
         exchange or surrender of securities owned or subscribed to by a Fund
         held by or to be delivered to Custodian; or

                 (e)      for other proper corporate purposes certified by
         resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, on behalf of a
         Fund.

                 Before making any such payment, the Custodian shall receive
         (and may rely upon) an officers' certificate requesting such payment
         and stating that it is for a purpose permitted under the terms of
         items (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Subsection A, and also, in respect
         of item (e), upon receipt of an officers' certificate specifying the
         amount of such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such
         payment is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
         purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to
         be made, provided, however, that an officers' certificate need not
         precede the disbursement of cash for the purpose of purchasing a money
         market instrument, or any other security with same or next-day
         settlement, if the President, a Vice President, the Secretary or the
         Treasurer of the Corporation, on behalf of a particular Fund, issues
         appropriate oral or facsimile instructions to the Custodian and an
         appropriate officers' certificate is received by the Custodian within
         two business days thereafter.

                 Regardless of the foregoing, if the Corporation's investment
         advisor (the "Advisor") is a member of the Institutional Delivery
         ("ID") system and desires to affirm trades on behalf of a Fund with
         the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") for those transactions affirmed
         through the ID system; or (ii) has established an automated interface
         to transmit trade authorization detail to the Custodian, then no
         officers' certificate is required; provided that the appropriate
         ID/DTC letter agreement or automated trade authorization agreement has
         been executed by both the Advisor and the Custodian.

                                      2
<PAGE>   3


         B.      The Custodian is hereby authorized to endorse and collect all
checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money received by the
Custodian for each Fund's account.

         C.      The Custodian shall, upon receipt of proper instructions, make
federal funds available to the Funds as of specified times agreed upon from
time to time by the Corporation, on behalf of the Funds, and the Custodian in
the amount of checks received in payment for shares of the Funds which are
deposited into the respective Fund's account.

4.       Segregated Accounts

         Upon receipt of proper instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each Fund, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including
securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to paragraph 14
hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Corporation, on behalf of a Fund or Funds, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.  (or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of the
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange
(or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract
market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or
other arrangements in connection with transactions for a Fund, (ii) for the
purpose of segregating cash or securities in connection with options purchased,
sold or written for a Fund or commodity futures contracts or options thereon
purchased or sold for a Fund, (iii) for the purpose of compliance by the
Corporation or a Fund with the procedures required by any release or
interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies, and (iv)
as mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Corporation, on behalf of
a Fund or Funds, and the Custodian.

5.       Transfer, Exchange, Redelivery, etc. of Securities

         The Custodian shall have sole power to release or deliver any
securities of the Funds held by it pursuant to this Agreement.  The Custodian
agrees to transfer, exchange or deliver securities held by it hereunder only:

         (a)     for sales of such securities for the account of a Fund upon
receipt by Custodian of payment therefore;

         (b)     when such securities are called, redeemed or retired or
otherwise become payable;

         (c)     for examination by any broker selling any such securities in
accordance with "street delivery" custom;

         (d)     in exchange for, or upon conversion into, other securities
alone or other securities and cash whether pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or readjustment, or otherwise;





                                       3
<PAGE>   4


         (e)     upon conversion of such securities pursuant to their terms
into other securities;

         (f)     upon exercise of subscription, purchase or other similar
rights represented by such securities;

         (g)     for the purpose of exchanging interim receipts or temporary
securities for definitive securities;

         (h)     for the purpose of redeeming in kind shares of common stock of
a Fund upon delivery thereof to the Custodian; or

         (i)     for other proper corporate purposes.

         As to any deliveries made by the Custodian pursuant to items (a), (b),
(d), (e), (f), and (g), securities or cash receivable in exchange therefore
shall be deliverable to the Custodian.

         Before making any such transfer, exchange or delivery, the Custodian
shall receive (and may rely upon) an officers' certificate requesting such
transfer, exchange or delivery, and stating that it is for a purpose permitted
under the terms of items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) of this
Section 5 and also, in respect of item (i),  upon receipt of an officers'
certificate specifying the securities to be delivered, setting forth the
purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of
such securities shall be made, provided, however, that an officers' certificate
need not precede any such transfer, exchange or delivery of a money market
instrument, or any other security with same or next-day settlement, if the
President, a Vice President, the Secretary or the Treasurer of the Corporation,
on behalf of a particular Fund, issues appropriate oral or facsimile 
instructions to the Custodian and an appropriate officers' certificate is 
received by the Custodian within two business days thereafter.

         Regardless of the foregoing, if the Advisor is a member of the ID
system and desires to affirm trades on behalf of a Fund with the DTC for those
transactions affirmed through the ID system; or (ii) has established an
automated interface to transmit trade authorization detail to the Custodian,
then no officers' certificate is required; provided that the appropriate ID/DTC
letter agreement or automated trade authorization agreement has been executed
by both the Advisor and the Custodian.

6.       Custodian's Acts Without Instructions

         Unless and until the Custodian receives an officers' certificate to
the contrary, the Custodian shall:  (a) present for payment all coupons and
other income items held by it for the account of each Fund which call for
payment upon presentation, and hold the cash received by it upon such payment
for the account of the respective Fund; (b) collect interest and cash dividends
received, with notice to each Fund, for the account of the respective Fund; (c)
hold for the account of each Fund hereunder all stock dividends, rights and
similar securities issued with respect to any securities held by it hereunder;
and (d) execute, as agent on behalf of each Fund, all necessary ownership
certificates required by the Internal





                                       4
<PAGE>   5

Revenue Code or the Income Tax Regulations of the United States Treasury
Department or under the laws of any state now or hereafter in effect, inserting
the Fund's name on such certificates as the owner of the securities covered
thereby, to the extent it may lawfully do so.

7.       Registration of Securities

         Except as otherwise directed by an officers' certificate, the
Custodian shall register all securities, except such as are in bearer form, in
the name of a registered nominee of the Custodian as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code and any Regulations of the Treasury Department issued hereunder or
in any provision of any subsequent federal tax law exempting such transaction
from liability for stock transfer taxes, and shall execute and deliver all such
certificates in connection therewith as may be required by such laws or
regulations or under the laws of any state.  The Custodian shall use its best
efforts to the end that the specific securities held by it hereunder shall be
at all times identifiable in its records.

         The Corporation shall from time to time furnish to the Custodian
appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper
form for transfer, or to register in the name of its registered nominee, any
securities which it may hold for the account of the Funds and which may from
time to time be registered in the name of a particular Fund.

8.       Voting and Other Action

         Neither the Custodian nor any nominee of the Custodian shall vote any
of the securities held hereunder by or for the account of any Fund, except in
accordance with the instructions contained in an officers' certificate.  The
Custodian shall deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the
Corporation all notices, proxies and proxy soliciting materials with relation
to such securities, such proxies to be executed by the registered holder of
such securities (if registered otherwise than in the name of a Fund), but
without indicating the manner in which such proxies are to be voted.

9.       Transfer Tax and Other Disbursements

         The Corporation, on behalf of the Funds, shall pay or reimburse the
Custodian from time to time for any transfer taxes payable upon transfers of
securities made hereunder, and for all other necessary and proper disbursements
and expenses made or incurred by the Custodian in the performance of this
Agreement.

         The Custodian shall execute and deliver such certificates in
connection with securities delivered to it or by it under this Agreement as may
be required under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and any
Regulations of the Treasury Department issued thereunder, or under the laws of
any state, to exempt from taxation any exemptable transfers and/or deliveries
of any such securities.

10.      Concerning Custodian

         The Custodian shall be paid as compensation for its services pursuant
to this Agreement such compensation as may from time to time be agreed upon in
writing between the Corporation, on behalf of





                                       5
<PAGE>   6

the Funds, and the Custodian.  Until modified in writing, such compensation
shall be as set forth in Schedule B attached hereto.

         The Custodian shall not be liable for any action taken in good faith
upon any certificate herein described or certified copy of any resolution of
the Board, and may rely on the genuineness of any such document which it may in
good faith believe to have been validly executed.

         The Corporation, on behalf of the Funds, agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless the Custodian and its nominee from all taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims and liabilities (including counsel fees) incurred or
assessed against it or by its nominee in connection with the performance of
this Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct.  The
Custodian is authorized to charge the applicable account of a Fund for such
items.  In the event of any advance of cash by the Custodian which results in
any overdraft of a Fund, which is a money market fund subject to Rule 2a-7
under the Investment Company Act, the Custodian is granted a security interest
in such Fund's assets limited to the extent of the overdraft.

11.      Subcustodians

         The Custodian is hereby authorized to engage another bank or trust
company as a Subcustodian for all or any part of the Corporation's assets, so
long as any such bank or trust company meets the requirements of the Investment
Company Act, as amended and the rules and regulations thereunder and provided
further that, if the Custodian utilizes the services of a Subcustodian, the
Custodian shall remain fully liable and responsible for any losses caused to
any of the Funds by the Subcustodian as fully as if the Custodian was directly
responsible for any such losses under the terms of the Custodian Agreement.

         Notwithstanding anything contained herein, if the Corporation requires
the Custodian to engage specific Subcustodians for the safekeeping and/or
clearing of assets, the Corporation agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian from all claims, expenses and liabilities incurred or assessed
against it in connection with the use of such Subcustodian in regard to the
Corporation's assets, except as may arise from its own negligent action,
negligent failure to act or willful misconduct.

12.      Reports by Custodian

         The Custodian shall furnish the Corporation periodically as agreed upon
with a statement summarizing all transactions and entries for the account of
each Fund.  The Custodian shall furnish to the Corporation, at the end of every
month, a list of the securities held by each Fund, showing the aggregate cost
of each issue.  The books and records of the Custodian pertaining to its
actions under this Agreement shall be open to inspection and audit at
reasonable times by officers of, and of auditors employed by, the Corporation.

13.      Termination or Assignment

         This Agreement may be terminated by the Corporation, on behalf of the
Funds, or by the Custodian, on ninety (90) days notice, given in writing and
sent by registered mail to the Custodian at P. O. Box 2054, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53201, or to the Corporation at 100 Heritage Reserve, Menomonee Falls,
Wisconsin 53051, as the case may be.  Upon any termination of this Agreement,
pending appointment of a successor to the Custodian or a vote of the
shareholders of the Corporation to dissolve or





                                       6
<PAGE>   7

to function without a custodian of its cash, securities and other property, 
the Custodian shall not deliver cash, securities or other property of
the Corporation to the Corporation, but may deliver them to a bank or trust
company of its own selection, that meets the requirements of the Investment
Company Act as a Custodian for the Corporation to be held under terms similar
to those of this Agreement, provided, however, that the Custodian shall not be
required to make any such delivery or payment until full payment shall have
been made by the Corporation of all liabilities constituting a charge on or
against the properties then held by the Custodian or on or against the
Custodian, and until full payment shall have been made to the Custodian of all
its fees, compensation, costs and expenses, subject to the provisions of
Section 10 of this Agreement.

         This Agreement may not be assigned by the Custodian without the consent
of the Corporation, authorized or approved by a resolution of its Board of
Directors.

14.      Deposits of Securities in Securities Depositories

         No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to prevent the use by
the Custodian of a central securities clearing agency or securities depository,
provided, however, that the Custodian and the central securities clearing
agency or securities depository meet all applicable federal and state laws and
regulations, including the requirements of the Investment Company Act, and the
Board of Directors of the Corporation approves by resolution the use of such
central securities clearing agency or securities depository.

15.      Records

         To the extent that the Custodian in any capacity prepares or maintains
any records required to be maintained and preserved by the Corporation pursuant
to the provisions of the Investment Company Act, the Custodian agrees to make
any such records available to the Corporation upon request and to preserve such
records for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the Investment Company
Act.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on
the day and year first written above.

   Attest:                                 Firstar Trust Company


   ____________________________________    ___________________________________
   By:                                     By:
   Its:                                    Its:

   Attest:                                 Strong <<Name>>, Inc.



   ____________________________________    ___________________________________
   By:  Ann E. Oglanian                    By:  Lawrence A. Totsky
   Its:  Secretary                         Its:  Vice President





                                       7
<PAGE>   8

                                   SCHEDULE A


The Fund(s) of the Corporation currently subject to this Agreement are as 
follows:

         Fund(s)                                       Date of Addition 
         -------                                       to this Agreement
                                                       -----------------
       <<SERIES>>                                         <<AGT DATE>>

   Attest:                                   Firstar Trust Company


   ______________________                    ______________________________
   By:                                       By:
   Its:                                      Its:

   Attest:                                   Strong <<NAME>>, Inc.



  _______________________                    ______________________________
  By:  Ann E. Oglanian                       By:  Lawrence A. Totsky
  Its:  Secretary                            Its:  Vice President
<PAGE>   9

                                   SCHEDULE B



                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
                              MUTUAL FUND SERVICES

                      MUTUAL FUND CUSTODIAL AGENT SERVICE
                          ANNUAL FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE
                              STRONG MUTUAL FUNDS


                             EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1993


         Annual fee on the aggregate market value of all Strong Mutual Funds

         $0.10 per $1,000 (one basis point) on the first $2 billion

         $0.08 per $1,000 (.8 basis point) on the balance

         Aggregate fee shall be apportioned among the funds(1) based upon 
         market value.

         Investment transactions; (purchase, sale, exchange, tender,
         redemption, maturity, receipt, delivery)

         $ 9.00 per Depository Trust Company or Federal Reserve System 
                    trade, automated and non-automated

         $25.00 per definitive security (physical)

         $ 8.50 per commercial paper trade

         $50.00 per Euroclear

         $ 6.00 per principal reduction on pass-through certificates

         $35.00 per option/futures contract

         $ 7.50 per variation margin transaction

         $ 7.50 per Fed wire deposit or withdrawal





__________________________________
1   The term "fund" includes each series of a series company.

<PAGE>   1

                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.B8.2





                               AGREEMENT BETWEEN


                         BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.


                                      AND


                             FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY


                                      AND


                                THE STRONG FUNDS
<PAGE>   2

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
1.  Employment of Subcustodian                                                    1

2.  Powers and Duties of the Subcustodian
    with  respect to Property of the Funds
    held  by the Subcustodian                                                     2

    2.1    Safekeeping                                                            2
    2.2    Manner of Holding Securities                                           2
    2.3    Registration                                                           2
    2.4    Purchases                                                              3
    2.5    Exchanges                                                              4
    2.6    Sales of Securities                                                    5
    2.7    Depositary Receipts                                                    6
    2.8    Exercise of Rights;  Tender Offers                                     7
    2.9    Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.                                          7
    2.10   Options                                                                7
    2.11   Borrowings                                                             8
    2.12   Demand Deposit Bank Accounts                                           9
    2.13   Interest Bearing Call or Time Deposits                                10
    2.14   Futures Contracts                                                     12
    2.15   Foreign Exchange Transactions                                         13
    2.16   Stock Loans                                                           14
    2.17   Collections                                                           14
    2.18   Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions                              16
    2.19   Proxies, Notices, Etc.                                                16
    2.20   Nondiscretionary Details                                              17
    2.21   Bills                                                                 17
    2.22   Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems                          18
    2.23   Other Transfers                                                       20
    2.24   Investment Limitations                                                21
    2.25   Subcustodian Advances                                                 21
    2.26   Restricted Securities                                                 22
    2.27   Proper Instructions                                                   24
    2.28   Segregated Account                                                    26
    2.29   Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified
           Public Accountants                                                    27
    2.30   Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants                   27
    2.31   Proceeds from Shares Sold                                             27

3.  Powers and Duties of the Subcustodian with
    Respect to the Appointment of Secondary Subcustodians                        28

4.  Assistance by the Subcustodian as to Certain Matters                         33
                                                                                   
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
5.  Powers and Duties of the Subcustodian with
    Respect to its Role as Recordkeeping Agent                                   34

    5.1    Records                                                               34
    5.2    Accounts                                                              34
    5.3    Access to Records                                                     34

6.  Standard of Care and Related Matters                                         35

    6.1    Liability of the Subcustodian with
           Respect to Proper Instructions;
           Evidence of Authority; Etc.                                           35
    6.2    Liability of the Subcustodian with
           Respect to Use of Securities Systems
           and Foreign Depositories                                              36
    6.3    Liability of the Subcustodian with
           respect to Secondary Subcustodians                                    37
    6.4    Standard of Care; Liability;
           Indemnification                                                       38
    6.5    Mitigation by Subcustodian                                            40
    6.6    Expenses of the Custodian and the Funds                               40
    6.7    Liability for Past Records                                            41
    6.8    Reimbursement of Disbursements, Etc.                                  41
    6.9    Notice of Litigation; Right to Prosecute, Etc.                        41
    6.10   Security for Obligations to Subcustodian                              42
    6.11   Appointment of Agents                                                 45
    6.12   Powers of Attorney                                                    45

7.  Compensation of the Subcustodian                                             46

8.  Termination; Successor Custodian/Subcustodian;
    Additional Funds                                                             46

9.  Amendment; Waiver                                                            48

10. Governing Law                                                                48

11. Notices                                                                      48

12. Binding Effect                                                               49

13. Severability                                                                 49

14. Counterparts                                                                 49
                                                                                   
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4


                              CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT made this 22nd day of  December, 1993, between FIRSTAR TRUST
COMPANY (the "Custodian") and  each  of the Funds listed in Appendix B attached
hereto as said Exhibit may from time to time be revised (collectively, the
"Funds" individually, a "Fund") and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, (the
"Subcustodian");
         WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
         1.   Employment of Subcustodian: The Custodian and the Funds hereby
employ and appoint the Subcustodian as a subcustodian for the term and subject
to the provisions of this Agreement.  The Subcustodian shall not be under any
duty or obligation to require a Fund to deliver to it any securities, funds or
other property owned by the Fund and shall have no responsibility or liability
for or on account of securities, funds or other property not so delivered.  Each
Fund will deposit with the Subcustodian copies of its Declaration of Trust or
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws (or comparable documents) and all
amendments thereto, and copies of such votes and other proceedings of the
shareholders or Trustees or Directors of the Fund as may be necessary for or
convenient to the Subcustodian in the performance of its duties. The
Subcustodian shall maintain separate accounts and records for each of the Funds.





                                     - 1 -
<PAGE>   5


       2.      Powers and Duties of the Subcustodian with respect to Property
of the Funds held by the Subcustodian: Except for securities, funds and other
property held by any Secondary Subcustodian appointed pursuant to the
provisions of Section 3 hereof or held by any Foreign Depository (as said term
is defined in Section 3) utilized by a Secondary Subcustodian, the Subcustodian
shall have and perform the following powers and duties with respect to
securities, funds and other property of the Funds:
       2.1     Safekeeping - To keep safely the securities, funds and other
property of each Fund that have been delivered to the Subcustodian and, on
behalf of the Custodian and each Fund, from time to time to receive delivery of
securities and other property for safekeeping.
       2.2     Manner of Holding Securities - To hold securities of each Fund
(1) by physical possession of the share certificates or other instruments
representing such securities in registered or bearer form, or (2) in book-entry
form by a Securities System (as said term is defined in Section 2.22) or a
Foreign Depository,
       2.3     Registration - To hold registered securities of each Fund, with
or without any indication of fiduciary capacity, provided that securities are
held in an account of the Subcustodian containing only property of such Fund or
only property held as fiduciary or custodian for customers; provided that the
records of the Subcustodian shall indicate at all times the Funds or other
customers for which such securities and other





                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   6


property are held in such account and the respective interests therein.
       2.4     Purchases - Upon receipt of proper instructions, as defined in
Section 2.27, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, to pay for and
receive securities purchased for the account of a Fund, payment being made only
upon receipt of the securities (1) by the Subcustodian, or (2) by a clearing
corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Subcustodian is a
member, or (3) by a Securities System or a Foreign Depository.  However, (i) in
the case of repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund, the Subcustodian (as
well as an Agent) may release funds to a Securities System, a Foreign
Depository or a Secondary Subcustodian prior to the receipt of advice from the
Securities System, Foreign Depository or Secondary Subcustodian that the
securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by
book-entry into the Account (as defined in Section 2.22) of the Subcustodian
(or such Agent) maintained with such Securities System or to the Foreign
Depository or Secondary Subcustodian, so long as such payment instructions to
the Securities System, Foreign Depository or Secondary Subcustodian include a
requirement that delivery is only against payment for securities, (ii) in the
case of foreign exchange contracts, options, time deposits, call account
deposits, currency deposits, and other deposits, contracts or options pursuant
to Sections 2.10, 2.72, 2.13, 2.14 and 2.15, the Subcustodian may make payment
therefor without receiving an





                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   7


instrument evidencing said deposits, contracts or options so long as such
payment instructions detail specific deposits, contracts or options to be
acquired, and (iii) in the case of securities as to which payment for the
securities and receipt of the instrument evidencing the securities ordinarily
take place in different locations or through separate parties, the Subcustodian
may make payment for such securities prior to delivery thereof only if such
payment is in accordance with the terms of the instrument representing the
security or the generally accepted practice of Institutional Clients (as
hereinafter defined) in the country or countries in which the settlement occurs
or the terms of the instrument representing the security, but in all events
subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 6 hereof. "Institutional
Clients" shall mean major commercial banks, corporations, insurance companies,
or substantially similar institutions, which, as a substantial part of their
business operations, purchase or sell securities and make use of custodial
services.
       2.5     Exchanges - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to exchange
securities held by it for the account of a Fund for other securities in
connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, split-up of shares,
change of par value, conversion or other event relating to the securities or
the issuer of such securities and to deposit any such securities in accordance
with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.  Without proper
instructions, the Subcustodian may





                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   8


surrender securities in temporary form for definitive securities, may surrender
securities for transfer into an account as permitted in Section 2.3, and may
surrender securities for a different number of certificates or instruments
representing the same number of shares or same principal amount of
indebtedness, provided the securities to be issued are to be delivered to the
Subcustodian.
       2.6     Sales of Securities - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to
make delivery of securities which have been sold for the account of a Fund, but
only against payment therefor (1) in cash, by a certified check, bank cashier's
check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer, or (2) by credit to the account of
the Subcustodian with a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange
of which the Subcustodian is a member, or (3) by credit to the account of the
Subcustodian or an Agent of the Subcustodian with a Securities System or a
Foreign Depository.  Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the case of delivery
of physical certificates or instruments representing securities, the
Subcustodian may make delivery to the broker buying the securities, against
receipt therefor, for examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom,
provided that the payment therefor is to be made to the Subcustodian (which
payment may be made by a broker's check) or that such securities are to be
returned to the Subcustodian, and (ii) in the case of securities referred to in
clause (iii) of Section 2.4, the Subcustodian may make settlement, including
with respect to the





                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   9

form of payment, in accordance with the terms of the instrument representing
the security or the generally accepted trade practice of Institutional Clients
in the country or countries in which the settlement occurs, but in all events
subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 6 hereof, provided that
the Subcustodian shall have taken all reasonable steps to ensure prompt
collection of the payment for, or return of, such securities by the broker or
its clearing agent and provided further that the Subcustodian shall not be
responsible for the selection of a broker or clearing agent that fails or is
unable to perform.
       2.7     Depositary Receipts - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to
instruct a Secondary Subcustodian or an Agent to surrender securities to the
depositary used by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International
Depositary Receipts (hereinafter collectively referred to as "ADRs") for such
securities against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such
securities and written evidence satisfactory to the Secondary Subcustodians or
Agent that the depositary has acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue
with respect to such securities ADRs in the name of the Subcustodian, or a
nominee of the Subcustodian, for delivery to the Subcustodian in Boston,
Massachusetts, or at such other place as the Subcustodian may from time to time
designate.
       Upon receipt of proper instructions, to surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof against a written receipt therefor adequately





                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   10


describing the ADRs surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the
Subcustodian that the issuer of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of
instructions to cause its depositary to deliver the securities underlying such
ADRs to a Secondary Subcustodian or an Agent.
       2.8     Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers - Upon timely receipt of
proper instructions, to promptly deliver to the issuer or trustee thereof, or
to the agent of either, warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities for
the purpose of being exercised or sold, provided that the new securities and
cash, if any, acquired by such action are to be delivered to the Subcustodian,
and, upon receipt of proper instructions, to promptly deposit securities upon
invitations for tenders of securities, provided that the consideration is to be
paid or delivered or the tendered securities are to be returned to the
Subcustodian.
       2.9     Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. - To receive and collect all 
stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature; and to deal
with the same pursuant to proper instructions relative thereto.
       2.10    Options - Upon receipt of proper instructions or upon
receipt of instructions given pursuant to any agreement relating to an option
or as otherwise provided in any such agreement to (i) receive and retain, to
the extent provided to the Subcustodian, confirmations or other documents
evidencing the purchase, sale or writing of an option of any type on or in





                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   11
respect of a security, securities index or similar form of property by a Fund;
(ii) deposit and maintain in a segregated account, either physically or by
book-entry in a Securities System or Foreign Depository or with a broker,
dealer or other entity, securities, funds or other property in connection with
options transactions entered into by a Fund; (iii) transfer securities, funds
or other property to a Securities System, Foreign Depository, broker, dealer or
other entity, as margin (including variation margin) or other security for a
Fund's obligations in respect of any option; and (iv) pay, release and/or
transfer such securities, funds or other property in accordance with a notice
or other communication evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise of or
default under any such option furnished by The Options Clearing Corporation, by
the securities or options exchange on which such option is traded or by such
broker, dealer or other entity as may be responsible for handling such options
transaction or have authority to give such notice or communication.  The
Subcustodian shall not be responsible for the sufficiency of property held in
any segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin
maintenance requirements or the performance of the other terms of any agreement
relating to an option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, options on futures
contracts and options to purchase and sell foreign currencies shall be governed
by Sections 2.14 and 2.15.
       2.11    Borrowings - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to





                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   12


deliver securities of a Fund to lenders or their agents as collateral for
borrowings effected by the Fund, provided that such borrowed money is payable
by the lender to or upon the Subcustodian's order as Subcustodian for the Fund.
       2.12    Demand Deposit Bank Accounts - To open and operate an account or
accounts in the name of each Fund, subject only to draft or order by the
Custodian or a Fund, and to hold in such account or accounts as a deposit
accepted on the Subcustodian's books cash, including foreign currency, received
for the account of such Fund other than cash held as deposits with Banking
Institutions in accordance with the following paragraph.  The responsibilities
of the Subcustodian for cash, including foreign currency, of a Fund accepted on
the Subcustodian's books as a deposit shall be that of a U. S. bank for a
similar deposit.
       If and when authorized by proper instructions, the Subcustodian may open
and operate an additional account(s) in such other banks or trust companies as
may be designated by the Custodian or a Fund in such instructions (any such
bank or trust company so designated by the Custodian and a Fund being referred
to hereafter as a "Banking Institution"), and may deposit cash, including
foreign currency, of such Fund in such account or accounts, provided that such
account(s) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "demand deposit bank
accounts") shall be in the name of the Subcustodian or a nominee of the
Subcustodian for the account of such Fund or for the account of the
Subcustodian's customers generally and shall be subject only to the





                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>   13
Subcustodian's draft or order; provided that any such demand deposit bank
account shall contain only property held by the Subcustodian as a fiduciary or
custodian for the Fund and/or other customers and that the records of the
Subcustodian shall indicate at all times such Fund and/or other customers for
which such funds are held in such account and the respective interests therein.
Such demand deposit accounts may be opened with Banking Institutions in the
United States and in other countries and may be denominated in either U. S.
Dollars or other currencies as the Custodian or a Fund may determine.  The
records for each such account will be maintained by the Subcustodian but the
deposits in any such account shall not constitute a deposit liability of the
Subcustodian.  All such deposits, including with Secondary Subcustodians, shall
be deemed to be portfolio securities of a Fund and accordingly the
responsibility of the Subcustodian therefor shall be the same as and no greater
than the Subcustodian's responsibility in respect of other portfolio securities
of the Fund.  The authorization by Custodian or a Fund to appoint a Secondary
Subcustodian as such shall also constitute a proper instruction to open a
demand deposit bank account subject to the provisions of this paragraph with
such Secondary Subcustodian.
       2.13    Interest Bearing Call or Time Deposits - To place interest
bearing fixed term and call deposits with such banks and in such amounts as the
Custodian or a Fund may authorize pursuant to proper instructions.  Such
deposits may be placed with the





                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   14
Subcustodian or with Secondary Subcustodians or other Banking Institutions as
the Custodian or a Fund may determine, in the name of the Subcustodian or a
nominee of the Subcustodian for the account of the Fund or the account of the
Subcustodian's customers generally and subject only to the Subcustodian's draft
or order; provided that any such deposit shall be held in an account containing
only property held by the Subcustodian as a fiduciary or custodian for the Fund
and/or other customers and that the records of the Subcustodian shall indicate
at all times such Fund and/or other customers for which such funds are held in
such account and the respective interests therein. Deposits may be denominated
in U. S. Dollars or other currencies and need not be evidenced by the issuance
or delivery of a certificate to the Subcustodian, provided that the
Subcustodian shall include in its records with respect to the assets of a Fund
appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of each such deposit, the
accepting Banking Institution and other appropriate details, and shall retain
such forms of advice or receipt evidencing the deposit, if any, as may be
forwarded to the Subcustodian by the Banking Institution. Funds, other than
those accepted on the Subcustodian's books as a deposit, but including those
placed with Secondary Subcustodians, shall be deemed portfolio securities of a
Fund and the responsibilities of the Subcustodian therefor shall be the same as
those for demand deposit bank accounts placed with other banks, as described in
the second paragraph of Section 2.12 of this Agreement.  The responsibility





                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>   15
of the Subcustodian for funds accepted on the Subcustodian's books as a deposit
shall be that of a U. S. bank for a similar deposit.
       2.14    Futures Contracts - Upon receipt of proper instructions or upon
receipt of instructions given pursuant to any agreement relating to a futures
contract or an option thereon or as otherwise provided in any such agreement,
to (i) receive and retain, to the extent provided to the Subcustodian,
confirmations or other documents evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures
contract or an option on a futures contract by a Fund; (ii) deposit and
maintain in a segregated account, either physically or by book-entry in a
Securities System or Foreign Depository, for the benefit of any futures
commission merchant, or pay to such futures commission merchant, securities,
cash or other property designated by the Custodian or a Fund as initial,
maintenance or variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's
performance of its obligations under any futures contract purchased or sold or
any option on a futures contract written, purchased or sold by the Fund, in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement relating thereto or the rules
of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market or any
similar organization on which such contract or option is traded; and (iii) pay,
release and/or transfer securities, cash or other property into or out of such
margin accounts only in accordance with any such agreement or rules. The
Subcustodian shall not be responsible for the sufficiency of property held in
any





                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>   16

segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin maintenance
requirements or the performance of the other terms of any agreement relating to
a futures contract or an option thereon.
       2.15    Foreign Exchange Transactions - Pursuant to proper instructions,
to settle foreign exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign
currencies for spot and future delivery on behalf and for the account of a Fund
with such currency brokers or Banking Institutions, including Secondary
Subcustodians, as the Custodian or the Fund may direct pursuant to proper
instructions.  The Subcustodian shall be responsible for the transmission of
cash and instructions to and from the currency broker or Banking Institution
with which the contract or option is made, the safekeeping of all certificates
and other documents and agreements evidencing or relating to such foreign
exchange transactions as the Subcustodian may receive and the maintenance of
proper records as set forth in Section 5.1. In connection with such
transactions, the Subcustodian is authorized to make free outgoing payments of
cash in the form of U. S. Dollars or foreign currency without receiving
confirmation of a foreign exchange contract or option or confirmation that the
countervalue currency completing the foreign exchange contract has been
delivered or received or that the option has been delivered or received.  Each
Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third-party foreign exchange
dealers and for execution of said foreign exchange contracts and options and
understands





                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   17
that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all costs and interest charges 
which may be incurred by the Fund or the Subcustodian as a result of the 
failure or delay of third parties to deliver foreign exchange.
       Alternatively, such transactions may be undertaken by the Subcustodian
as principal, if instructed by a Fund.
          Foreign exchange contracts and options, other than those executed with
the Subcustodian as principal, but including those executed with Secondary
Subcustodians, shall be deemed to be portfolio securities of a Fund and the
responsibility of the Subcustodian therefor shall be the same as and no greater
than the Subcustodian's responsibility in respect of other portfolio securities
of the Fund.  The responsibility of the Subcustodian with respect to foreign
exchange contracts and options executed with the Subcustodian as principal
shall be that of a U. S. bank with respect to a similar contract or option.
       2.16    Stock Loans - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities of a Fund, in connection with loans of securities by the Fund, to
the borrower thereof prior to receipt of the collateral, if any, for such
borrowing, provided that for stock loans secured by cash collateral the
Subcustodian's instructions to any Securities System holding such securities
require that the Securities System may deliver the securities to the borrower
thereof only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing.
       2.17    Collections - (i) To collect and receive all income,





                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   18

payments of principal and other payments with respect to the securities held
hereunder, and in connection therewith to deliver the certificates or other
instruments representing the securities to the issuer thereof or its agent when
securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided,
that the payment is to be made in such form and manner and at such time, which
may be after delivery by the Subcustodian of the instrument representing the
security, as is in accordance with the terms of the instrument representing the
security, or such proper instructions as the Subcustodian may receive, or
governmental regulations, the rules of Securities Systems, Foreign Depositories
or other U.S. or foreign securities depositories and clearing agencies or, with
respect to securities referred to in clause (iii) of Section 2.4, in accordance
with the terms of the instrument representing the security or the generally
accepted practice of Institutional Clients in the country or countries in which
the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the standard of care set
forth in Section 6 hereof, provided that the Subcustodian shall have taken all
reasonable steps to ensure prompt collection of the payment for, or return of,
such securities by the broker or its clearing agent and provided further that
the Subcustodian shall not be responsible for the selection of a broker or
clearing agent that fails or is unable to perform; (ii) to execute ownership
and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in
connection with receipt of income, principal or other payments with respect





                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   19
to securities of a Fund or in connection with transfer of securities; and (iii)
pursuant to proper instructions to take such other actions with respect to
collection or receipt of funds or transfer of securities which involve an
investment decision.
       2.18    Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions - Upon receipt of
proper instructions from the Custodian or a Fund, or upon receipt of
instructions from the Fund's shareholder servicing agent or agent with
comparable duties (the "Shareholder Servicing Agent") (given by such person or
persons and in such manner on behalf of the Shareholder Servicing Agent as the
Custodian or the Fund shall have authorized), the Subcustodian shall release 
securities, funds or other property to the Shareholder Servicing Agent or other
wise apply securities, funds or other property, insofar as available, for the 
payment of dividends or other distributions to Fund shareholders.  Upon receipt
of proper instructions from the Custodian or the Fund, or upon receipt of 
instructions from the Shareholder Servicing Agent (given by such person or 
persons and in such manner on behalf of the Shareholder Servicing Agent as the 
Custodian or the Fund shall have authorized), the Subcustodian shall release 
securities, funds or other property, insofar as available, to the Shareholder 
Servicing Agent or as such Agent shall otherwise instruct for payment to Fund
shareholders who have delivered to such Agent a request for repurchase or
redemption of their shares of the Fund.
       2.19     Proxies, Notices, Etc.  - Promptly to deliver or mail





                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   20


to the Custodian or a Fund all forms of proxies and all notices of meetings and
any other notices or announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by
the Fund that are received by the Subcustodian, and upon receipt of proper
instructions, to promptly execute and deliver or cause its nominee to promptly
execute and deliver such proxies or other authorizations as may be required.
Neither the Subcustodian nor its nominee shall vote upon any of such securities
or execute any proxy to vote thereon or give any consent or take any other
action with respect thereto (except as otherwise herein provided) unless
ordered to do so by proper instructions.
       2.20    Nondiscretionary Details - Without the necessity of express
authorization from the Custodian or a Fund, (1) to attend to all
nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution,
purchase, transfer or other dealings with securities, funds or other property
of the Fund held by the Subcustodian except as otherwise directed from time to
time by the Custodian or the Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and (2)  to
make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling securities or
other similar items relating to the Subcustodian's duties under this Agreement,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to a Fund.
       2.21    Bills - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to pay or cause to
be paid, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, bills, statements and
other obligations of a Fund  (including but not limited to interest charges,
taxes, management





                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>   21

fees, compensation to Fund officers and employees, and other operating expenses
of a Fund).
       2.22    Deposit of Fund Property in Securities Systems - The
Subcustodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Fund in (i) The
Depository Trust Company, (ii) the Participants Trust Company, (iii) any
book-entry system as provided in Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31 CFR
306, Subpart B of 31 CFR Part 350, or the book-entry regulations of federal
agencies substantially in the form of Subpart O, or (iv) any other domestic
clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which acts as a securities
depository and whose use the Custodian or the Fund has previously approved in
writing  (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a
"Securities System").  Utilization of a Securities System shall be in
accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:
       1) The Subcustodian may deposit and/or maintain Fund securities, either
directly or through one or more Agents appointed by the Subcustodian (provided
that any such agent shall be qualified to act as a custodian of a Fund pursuant
to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations
thereunder), in a Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Subcustodian or such Agent in the
Securities System which shall not include any





                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>   22


assets of the Subcustodian or Agent other than property held as a fiduciary,
custodian, or otherwise for customers;
       2) The records of the Subcustodian with respect to securities of a Fund
which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by book-entry those
securities belonging to the Fund;
       3) The Subcustodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of a Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an
entry on the records of the Subcustodian to reflect such payment and transfer
for the account of the Fund.  The Subcustodian shall transfer securities sold
for the account of a Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System
that payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii)
the making of an entry on the records of the Subcustodian to reflect such
transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.  Copies of all advices from
the Securities System of transfers of securities for the account of a Fund
shall identify the Fund, be maintained for a Fund by the Subcustodian or an
Agent as referred to above, and be provided to the Custodian or the Fund at its
request.  The Subcustodian shall furnish the Custodian or a Fund confirmation
of each transfer to or from the account of the Fund in the form of a written
advice or notice and shall furnish to the Custodian or the Fund copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the Securities System
for the account of the Custodian or the Fund on the next business day;





                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>   23


       4) The Subcustodian shall provide the Custodian or a Fund with any
report obtained by the Subcustodian or any Agent as referred to above on the
Securities System's accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities System; and
the Subcustodian and such Agents shall send to the Custodian or the Fund such
reports on their own systems of internal accounting control as the Custodian or
the Fund may reasonably request from time to time; and
       5) At the written request of the Custodian or the Fund, the Subcustodian
will terminate the use of any such Securities System on behalf of the Fund as
promptly as practicable.

       2.23   Other Transfers - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities, funds and other property of a Fund to a Secondary Subcustodian or
another custodian for the Fund as necessary to effect transactions authorized
by proper instructions and upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities, funds and other property of a Fund to a Secondary Subcustodian or
another custodian of the Fund; and, upon receipt of proper instructions, to
make such other disposition of securities, funds or other property of a Fund in
a manner other than or for purposes other than as enumerated elsewhere in this
Agreement, provided that the instructions relating to such disposition shall
state the amount of securities to be delivered and the name of the person or
persons to whom delivery is to be made.





                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>   24


       2.24    Investment Limitations - In performing its duties generally, and
more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale and exchange of
securities made by or for a Fund, the Subcustodian may assume unless and until
notified in writing to the contrary that proper instructions received by it are
not in conflict with or in any way contrary to any provisions of the Fund's
Declaration of Trust or Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws (or comparable
documents) or votes or proceedings of the shareholders or Trustees or Directors
of the Fund.  The Subcustodian shall in no event be liable to the Custodian or
any Fund and shall be indemnified by the Custodian and the Fund for any
violation which occurs in the course of carrying out instructions given by the
Custodian or the Fund of any investment limitations to which the Fund is
subject or other limitations with respect to the Fund's powers to make
expenditures, encumber securities, borrow or take similar actions affecting the
Fund.
       2.25    Subcustodian Advances - In the event that the Subcustodian is
directed by proper instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on
behalf of a Fund for which there would be, at the close of business on the date
of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the Subcustodian on
behalf of the Fund, the Subcustodian may, in its discretion without further
proper instructions, provide an advance ("Advance") to the Fund in an amount
sufficient to allow the completion of the transaction by reason of which such
payment or transfer of funds is to be made.  In addition, in the event the
Subcustodian is





                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>   25


directed by proper instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on
behalf of a Fund as to which it is subsequently determined that the Fund has
overdrawn its cash account with the Subcustodian as of the close of business on
the date of such payment or transfer, said overdraft shall constitute an
Advance. Any Advance shall be payable by the Fund or the Custodian on demand by
Subcustodian, unless otherwise agreed by the Custodian or the Fund and the
Subcustodian, and shall accrue interest from the date of the Advance to the
date of payment by the Fund or the Custodian at a rate agreed upon in writing
from time to time by the Subcustodian and the Custodian or the Fund.  It is
understood that any transaction in respect of which the Subcustodian shall have
made an Advance, including but not limited to a foreign exchange contract or
transaction in respect of which the Subcustodian is not acting as a principal,
is for the account of and at the risk of a Fund, and not, by reason of such
Advance, deemed to be a transaction undertaken by the Subcustodian for its own
account and risk.  The Subcustodian and each Fund acknowledge that the purpose
of Advances is to finance temporarily the purchase or sale of securities for
prompt delivery in accordance with the settlement terms of such transactions or
to meet emergency expenses not reasonably foreseeable by the Fund.  The
Subcustodian shall promptly notify a Fund of any Advance.  Such notification
shall be sent by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund
and the Subcustodian may agree.
       2.26    Restricted Securities - In the case of a "restricted





                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>   26
security", the Custodian or the Fund shall have the responsibility to provide
to or obtain for the Subcustodian, the issuer of the security or other
appropriate third party any necessary documentation, including without
limitation, legal opinions or consents, and to take any necessary actions
required in connection with the registration of restricted securities in the
manner provided in Section 2.3 upon acquisition thereof by the Fund or required
in connection with any sale or other disposition thereof by the Fund.  Upon
acquisition and until so registered, the Subcustodian shall use its best
efforts to service such restricted securities (including, without limitation,
the receipt and collection of cash and stock dividends, rights and other items
of like nature); to exercise in a timely manner any right in respect of any
restricted security; and to take any action in a timely manner in respect of
any other type of corporate action relating to a restricted security.  The
Subcustodian shall not have responsibility for the inability of a Fund to sell
or otherwise transfer in a timely manner any restricted security in the absence
of any such documentation or action to be provided, obtained or taken by the
Custodian or the Fund or for the Subcustodian's inability to take in a timely
manner any of the actions referred to in the preceeding sentence provided that
such inability of the Custodian or the Fund to sell or otherwise transfer
restricted securities pursuant to this Section 2.26 or the Subcustodian's
inability to take the aforesaid actions is not caused by the negligence,
misfeasance or





                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>   27

misconduct of the Subcustodian or its nominees.  At such time as the
Subcustodian shall receive any restricted security, regardless of when it shall
be registered as aforesaid, the Custodian or the Fund shall also deliver to the
Subcustodian a term sheet summarizing those rights, restrictions or other
matters of which the Subcustodian should have knowledge, such as exercise
periods, expiration dates and payment dates, in order to assist the
Subcustodian in servicing such securities.  As used herein, the term
"restricted security" shall mean a security which is subject to restrictions on
transfer, whether by reason of contractual restrictions or federal, state or
foreign securities or similar laws, or a security which has special rights or
contractual features which do not apply to publicly-traded shares of, or
comparable interests representing, such security.
       2.27    Proper Instructions - Proper instructions shall mean a tested
telex or a swift message from the Custodian or a Fund or a written request,
direction, instruction or certification signed or initialled on behalf of the
Custodian or the Fund by two or more persons as the Custodian or the Board of
Trustees or Directors of the Fund shall have from time to time authorized,
provided, however, that no such instructions directing the delivery of
securities or the payment of funds to an authorized signatory of the Custodian
or the Fund shall be signed by such person.  Those persons authorized to give
proper instructions may be identified by the Custodian or the Fund's Board of
Trustees or





                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>   28
Directors by name, title or position and will include at least one officer
empowered by the Custodian or the Board to name other individuals who are
authorized to give proper instructions on behalf of the Custodian or the Fund.
Telephonic or other oral instructions or instructions given by facsimile
transmission may be given by any one of the above persons and will be
considered proper instructions if the Subcustodian reasonably believes them to
have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved.  Oral instructions will be confirmed by tested
telex or in writing in the manner set forth above but the lack of such
confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by the Subcustodian in
reasonable reliance upon such oral instructions. The Custodian and each Fund
authorizes the Subcustodian to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral
instructions given to the Subcustodian by or on behalf of the Custodian or the
Fund (including any of their respective officers, Directors, Trustees,
employees or agents or any investment manager or adviser of the Fund or person
or entity with similar reponsibilities which is authorized to give proper
instructions on behalf of the Custodian or the Fund to the Subcustodian).
Proper instructions may relate to specific transactions or to types or classes
of transactions, and may be in the form of standing instructions.
       Proper instructions may include communications effected directly between
electromechanical or electronic devices or systems, in addition to tested
telex, provided that the Custodian





                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>   29

or the Fund and the Subcustodian agree to the use of such device or system.
       2.28    Segregated Account - The Subcustodian shall upon receipt of
proper instructions establish and maintain on its books a segregated account or
accounts for and on behalf of each Fund, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities of the Fund, including securities maintained
by the Subcustodian pursuant to Section 2.22 hereof, (i) in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Subcustodian and/or Custodian
and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (or any futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act) relating to
compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any
registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission or any registered contract market), or any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or securities
in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Fund or commodity
futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for
the purposes of compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by
Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases
of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of
segregated accounts by registered investment





                                     - 26 -
<PAGE>   30

companies, or (iv) as mutually agreed from time to time between the Custodian
or the Fund and the Subcustodian.
       2.29    Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants - The
Subcustodian shall take all reasonable action as a Fund may request to obtain
from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent certified
public accountants with respect to the Subcustodian's activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Securities and Exchange
Commission registration statement and all amendments thereto and the Fund's
Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission
and with respect to any other requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
       2.30    Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants - At the
request of a Fund, the Subcustodian shall deliver to the Fund a written report
prepared by the Subcustodian's independent certified public accountants with
respect to the services provided by the Subcustodian under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the Subcustodian's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, securities and other
property, including cash, securities and other property deposited and/or
maintained in a Securities System or with a Secondary Subcustodian.  Such
report shall be sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be
required by a Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Subcustodian.
       2.31    Proceeds from Shares Sold - The Subcustodian shall





                                     - 27 -
<PAGE>   31


receive funds representing cash payments received for Fund shares issued or
sold from time to time by a Fund, and shall promptly credit such funds to the
account of the applicable Fund.  The Subcustodian shall promptly notify such
Fund of the Subcustodian's receipt of cash in payment for shares issued by the
Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and
Subcustodian may agree in writing.  Upon receipt of proper instructions, the
Subcustodian shall: (a) deliver all federal funds received by the Subcustodian
in payment for Fund shares in payment for such investments and at the time
agreed upon by the Subcustodian and the relevant Fund; and (b) make federal
funds available to such Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to
time by the Fund and the Subcustodian, in the amount of checks received in
payment for Fund shares that are deposited in the account of the Fund.
       3.      Powers and Duties of the Subcustodian with Respect to the
Appointment of Secondary Subcustodians: With regard to the selection of a
Secondary Subcustodian or Foreign Depository pursuant to this Section 3, the
Subcustodian may, at any time and from time to time; appoint, subject to
approval of the relevant Fund or Funds: (i) any bank, trust company or other
entity meeting the requirements of an "eligible foreign custodian" under
Section 17(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and
regulations thereunder or by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission
exempted therefrom, or (ii) any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940





                                     - 28 -
<PAGE>   32


meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.  The Custodian
and each Fund hereby authorize and instruct the Subcustodian to hold
securities, funds and other property of the Fund which are maintained outside
the United States at subcustodians appointed pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 3 (a "Secondary Subcustodian").  The Custodian and each Fund shall
approve in writing (1) the appointment of each Secondary Subcustodian and the
subcustodian agreement to be entered into between such Secondary Subcustodian
and the Subcustodian, and (2) if the Secondary Subcustodians is organized under
the laws of a country other than the United States, the country or countries in
which the Secondary Subcustodians is authorized to hold securities, funds and
other property of the Fund.  The Custodian and each Fund hereby further
authorize and instruct the Subcustodian and any Secondary Subcustodian to
utilize such securities depositories located outside the United States which
are approved in writing by the Custodian and the Fund to hold securities, funds
and other property of the Fund (a "Foreign Depository").  Upon such approval by
the Custodian and the Fund, the Subcustodian is authorized on behalf of the
Custodian and the Fund to notify each Secondary Subcustodian of its appointment
as such.
       Those Secondary Subcustodians, and the countries where and the Foreign
Depositories through which they or the Subcustodian may hold securities, funds
and other property of a Fund which the





                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>   33

Custodian and each Fund has approved to date are set forth on Appendix A
hereto. The Custodian shall monitor the performance and financial condition of
the Subcustodians, Secondary Subcustodians and Foreign Depositories to the
extent practicable and shall promptly report to each Fund any material adverse
facts of which it becomes aware.  Upon request of a Fund, the Custodian shall
deliver to the Fund a certificate stating: (i) the identity of each
Subcustodian or Secondary Subcustodian then acting on behalf of the Custodian,
as identified in Appendix A and as such Appendix may be amended from time to
time; (ii) the countries in which and the securities depositories and clearing
agents through which each such Subcustodian or Secondary Subcustodian is then
holding securities, funds and other property of the Fund; and (iii) such other
information as may be requested by the Fund and as the Custodian shall be
reasonably able to obtain to evidence compliance with Rule 17f-5 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.  Upon approval by a Fund in accordance with
this Section 3, Appendix A shall be amended from time to time as Secondary
Subcustodians, and/or countries and/or Foreign Depositories are changed, added
or deleted.  The Custodian or the Fund shall be responsible for informing the
Subcustodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment which is to be
held in a country not listed on Appendix A, in order that there shall be
sufficient time for the Custodian and the Fund to give the approval required by
the preceding paragraph and for the Subcustodian to put the appropriate
arrangements in





                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>   34

place with such Secondary Subcustodian, including negotiation of a subcustodian
agreement and submission of such subcustodian agreement to the Custodian and
the Fund for approval.
       If a Fund shall have invested in a security to be held in a country
before the foregoing procedures have been completed, such security shall be
held by such agent as the Subcustodian may appoint.  In any event, the
Subcustodian shall be liable to the Custodian and the Fund for the actions of
such agent if and only to the extent the Subcustodian shall have recovered from
such agent for any damages caused the Custodian and/or the Fund by such agent.
At the request of the Custodian or a Fund, the Subcustodian agrees to remove
any securities held on behalf of the Fund by such agent, if practical, to an
approved Secondary Subcustodian.  Under such circumstances the Subcustodian
will collect income and respond to corporate actions on a best efforts basis.
       With respect to securities and funds held by a Secondary Subcustodian,
either directly or indirectly (including by a Foreign Depository or foreign
clearing agency) or by a Foreign Depository or foreign clearing agency utilized
by the Subcustodian, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, payment for securities purchased and delivery of securities sold may
be made prior to receipt of the securities or payment, respectively, and
securities or payment may be received in a form, in accordance with
governmental regulations, rules of Foreign Depositories and foreign clearing
agencies, or generally accepted trade practice in the applicable local market.





                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>   35

In the event that any Secondary Subcustodian appointed pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 3 fails to perform any of its obligations under the
terms and conditions of the applicable subcustodian agreement, the Subcustodian
shall use its best efforts to cause such Secondary Subcustodian to perform such
obligations.  In the event that the Subcustodian is unable to cause such
Secondary Subcustodian to perform fully its obligations thereunder, the
Subcustodian shall forthwith upon the Custodian or a Fund's request terminate
such Secondary Subcustodian as a Secondary Subcustodian for such Fund in
accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian
agreement and, if necessary or desirable, appoint another subcustodian in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.  At the election of the
Custodian or a Fund, it shall have the right to enforce, to the extent
permitted by the subcustodian agreement and applicable law, the Subcustodian's
rights against any such Secondary Subcustodian for loss, damage or expense
caused the Custodian or the Fund by such Secondary Subcustodian.  The
Subcustodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund and or the Custodian, as the
case may be, and take all actions reasonably requested by the Fund or the
Custodian, at the Fund's expense, in connection with the enforcement of any
rights of the Subcustodian by the Fund or the Custodian.
       The Subcustodian will not amend any subcustodian agreement or agree to
change or permit any changes thereunder in respect of a Fund except upon the
prior written approval of the Custodian and the Fund.





                                     - 32 -
<PAGE>   36


       The Subcustodian may, at any time in its discretion upon notification to
the Custodian and a Fund, terminate any Secondary Subcustodian of the Fund in
accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable secondary
subcustodian agreement,  and at the written request of the Custodian or a Fund,
the Subcustodian will terminate any Secondary Subcustodian in respect of the
Fund in accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable
secondary subcustodian agreement.
       If necessary or desirable, the Subcustodian may appoint another
subcustodian in respect of a Fund to replace a Secondary Subcustodian
terminated pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3, such
appointment to be made upon approval of the successor subcustodian by the
Custodian and the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 3.
       In the event the Subcustodian receives a claim from a Secondary
Subcustodian under the indemnification provisions of any subcustodian agreement
in respect of a Fund, the Subcustodian shall promptly give written notice to
the Custodian and the Fund of such claim.  No more than thirty days after
written notice to the Custodian and the Fund of the Subcustodian's intention to
make such payment, the Custodian or the Fund will reimburse the Subcustodian
the amount of such payment except in respect of any negligence or misconduct of
the Subcustodian.
       4.      Assistance by the Subcustodian as to Certain Matters: The
Subcustodian may assist generally in the preparation of





                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>   37


reports to Fund shareholders and others, audits of accounts, and other
ministerial matters of like nature.
       5.      Powers and Duties of the Subcustodian with Respect to its Role
as Recordkeeping Agent: The Subcustodian shall have and perform the following
powers and duties with respect to recordkeeping:
       5.1     Records - To create, maintain and retain such records relating
to its activities and obligations under this Agreement as are required under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder
(including Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder) and under
applicable Federal and State tax laws.  All such records will be the property
of the relevant Fund and in the event of termination of this Agreement shall be
delivered to the Fund or successor custodian.
       5.2     Accounts - To keep books of account and render statements,
including interim monthly and complete quarterly financial statements, or
copies thereof, from time to time as reasonably requested by proper
instructions.
       5.3     Access to Records - The books and records maintained by the
Subcustodian pursuant to Sections 5.1 and 5.2 shall at all times during the
Subcustodian's regular business hours be open to inspection and audit by
officers of, attorneys for and auditors employed by the Custodian or a Fund and
by employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided
that all such individuals shall observe all security requirements of the





                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>   38


Subcustodian applicable to its own employees having access to similar records
within the Subcustodian and such regulations as may be reasonably imposed by
the Subcustodian.
       6.      Standard of Care and Related Matters:
       6.1     Liability of the Subcustodian with Respect to Proper
Instructions; Evidence of Authority, Etc. The Subcustodian shall not be liable
for any action taken or omitted in reliance upon proper instructions reasonably
believed by it to be genuine or upon any other written notice, request,
direction, instruction, certificate or other instrument believed by it to be
genuine and signed by the proper party or parties.
       The Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Custodian and of each Fund
shall certify to the Subcustodian the names, signatures and scope of authority
of all persons authorized to give proper instructions or any other such notice,
request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the
Custodian or the Fund, respectively, the names and signatures of the officers
of the Custodian or the Fund, respectively, the name and address of the
Shareholder Servicing Agent, and any resolutions, votes, instructions or
directions of the Custodian or the Fund's respective Board of Directors or
Trustees or shareholders. Such certificate may be accepted and relied upon by
the Subcustodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and may
be considered in full force and effect until receipt of a similar certificate
to the contrary.
       So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of





                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>   39


reasonable care, the Subcustodian shall not be responsible for the title,
validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received
by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
       The Subcustodian shall be entitled, at the expense of a Fund, to receive
and act upon advice of (i) counsel regularly retained by the Subcustodian in
respect of custodian matters, (ii) counsel for the Custodian or the Fund, or
(iii) such other counsel as the Custodian or the Fund and the Subcustodian may
agree upon, with respect to all matters, and the Subcustodian shall be without
liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
       6.2     Liability of the Subcustodian with Respect to Use of Securities
Systems and Foreign Depositories - With respect to the portfolio securities,
funds and other property of a Fund held by a Securities System or by a Foreign
Depository utilized by the Subcustodian or any Secondary Subcustodian, the
Subcustodian shall be liable to the Custodian or a Fund only for any loss,
damage or expense to the Custodian or the Fund resulting from use of the
Securities System or Foreign Depository if caused by any negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Subcustodian or any of its Agents (as said
term is defined in Section 6.6) or of any of its or its Agents' employees or
from any failure of the Subcustodian or any such Agent to enforce effectively
such rights as it may have against the Securities System or Foreign Depository.
At the election of the Custodian or a Fund, it shall





                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>   40

be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Subcustodian with respect to
any claim against the Securities System, Foreign Depository or any other person
which the Subcustodian may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or
expense to the Custodian or the Fund if and to the extent that the Custodian or
the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage or expense.  The
Subcustodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund or the Custodian, as the case
may be, and take all actions reasonably requested by the Fund or the Custodian,
at the Fund's expense, in connection with the enforcement of any rights of the
Subcustodian by the Fund or the Custodian.
       6.3     Liability of the Subcustodian with respect to Secondary
Subcustodians - The Subcustodian shall be liable to a Fund for the actions or
omissions of any Secondary Subcustodian to the same extent as if such actions
or omissions were performed by the Subcustodian itself in the country in which
the Secondary Subcustodian is operating under the terms of the secondary
subcustodian agreement; provided, however, that if there has been a final
adjudication of any term or provision thereof or of the governing law of such
agreement by a court of competent jurisdication, then such determination shall
govern the determination of the Subcustodian's liability under this Section
6.3.  In the event of any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by a
Fund caused by or resulting from the actions or omissions of any Secondary
Subcustodian for which the Subcustodian would be liable pursuant to this
Section 6.3, the





                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>   41

Subcustodian shall promptly reimburse the Fund in the amount of any such loss,
damage or expense.
       The Subcustodian shall also be liable to a Fund for the Subcustodian's
own negligence in transmitting any instructions received by it from a Fund and
for the Subcustodian's own negligence in connection with the delivery of any
securities, funds or other property held by it to any Secondary Subcustodian.
       6.4     Standard of Care; Liability; Indemnification - The Subcustodian
shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care and diligence in carrying out
the provisions of this Agreement, and shall be liable to the Custodian and the
relevant Fund for all loss, damage and expense suffered or incurred by the
Custodian or the Fund resulting from the failure of the Subcustodian to
exercise such reasonable care and diligence; provided that the Subcustodian
shall not thereby be required to take any action which is in contravention of
any applicable law, rule or regulation or any order or judgment of any court of
competent jurisdiction.
       The Custodian and each Fund agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
Subcustodian and its nominees from all claims and liabilities (including
counsel fees) incurred or assessed against it or its nominees in connection
with the performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from the
Subcustodian or its nominee's breach of the relevant standard of conduct set
forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the above, no Fund shall be liable to
indemnify the Subcustodian for any claims and liabilities other than those
arising from services provided to that particular Fund.  Without limiting the





                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>   42


foregoing indemnification obligation of the Custodian and each Fund, the
Custodian and each relevant Fund agree to indemnify the Subcustodian and any
nominee in whose name portfolio securities or other property of the Fund is
registered against any liability the Subcustodian or such nominee may incur by
reason of taxes assessed to the Subcustodian or such nominee or other costs,
liability or expense incurred by the Subcustodian or such nominee resulting
directly or indirectly from the fact that portfolio securities or other
property of the Fund is registered in the name of the Subcustodian or such
nominee.
       In no event shall the Subcustodian incur liability under this Agreement
if the Subcustodian or any Secondary Subcustodian, Securities System, Foreign
Depository, Banking Institution or any agent or entity utilized by any of them
(each individually, a "Person") is prevented, forbidden or delayed from
performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Ageement provides
shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of (i) any Sovereign
Risk or (ii) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order
of the United States of America or any state thereof, or of any foreign country
or political subdivision thereof, or of any securities depository or clearing
agency which operates a central system for handling of securities or equivalent
book-entries in a country or which operates a transnational system for the
central handling of securities or equivalent book-entries, or (iii) any
provision of any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction.  A
"Sovereign Risk" shall mean nationalization, expropriation, devaluation,
revaluation,





                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>   43

confiscation, seizure, cancellation, destruction or similar action by any
governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation,
imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency
restrictions, exchange controls, taxes, levies or other charges affecting a
Fund's property; or acts of war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or any
other act or event beyond the Subcustodian's control.
       6.5     Mitigation by Subcustodian - Upon the occurence of any event
that causes or may cause loss, damage or expense to the Custodian or a Fund,
(i) the Subcustodian or a Secondary Subcustodian shall and (ii) the
Subcustodian or a Secondary Subcustodian shall cause any applicable
Subcustodian or Secondary Subcustodian to use all commercially reasonable
efforts and take all reasonable steps under the circumstances to mitigate the
effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm to the Custodian or the
Fund.
       6.6     Expenses of the Custodian and the Funds - In addition to the
liability of the Subcustodian or a Secondary Subcustodian under this Section 6,
the Subcustodian or a Secondary Subcustodian shall be liable to the Custodian
or the relevant Fund for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the
Custodian or the Fund in connection with any claim by the Custodian or the Fund
against the Subcustodian or a Secondary Subcustodian arising from the
obligations of the Subcustodian or Secondary Subcustodian hereunder including,
without limitation,





                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>   44


all reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Custodian or the
Fund in asserting any such claim, and all expenses incurred by the Fund in
connection with any investigations, lawsuits or proceedings relating to such
claims; provided, that the Custodian or relevant Fund has recovered from the
Subcustodian or a Secondary Subcustodian for such claim.
       6.7     Liability for Past Records - The Subcustodian shall have no
liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by a Fund, insofar
as such loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the
Subcustodian's duties hereunder by reason of the Subcustodian's reasonable
reliance upon records that were maintained for the Fund by entities other than
the Subcustodian prior to the Subcustodian's employment hereunder.
       6.8     Reimbursement of Disbursements, Etc. - The Subcustodian shall be
entitled to receive reimbursement from the Custodian or the relevant Fund on
demand, in the manner provided in Section 7, for its cash disbursements,
expenses and charges (including the fees and expenses of any Secondary
Subcustodian or any Agent) in connection with this Agreement, but excluding
salaries and usual overhead expenses.
       6.9     Notice of Litigation; Right to Prosecute, Etc. - Neither the
Custodian nor the Fund shall be liable for indemnification under Section 6 of
this Agreement unless a Person shall have promptly notified the Custodian or
the relevant Fund in writing of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding





                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>   45

brought against such Person in respect of which indemnity may be sought under
Section 6.  With respect to claims in such litigation or proceedings for which
indemnity by the Custodian or a Fund may be sought and subject to applicable
law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction, the Custodian and
the Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding
and, after written notice from the Custodian or the Fund to any Person, the
Custodian or the relevant Fund may assume the defense of such litigation or
proceeding with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that
portion of the litigation for which the Custodian or the Fund may be subject to
an indemnification obligation; provided, however, a Person shall be entitled to
participate in (but not control), at its own expense, the defense of any such
litigation or proceeding if the Custodian or the Fund has not acknowledged in
writing its obligation to indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation
or proceeding.  If the Custodian or the Fund is not permitted to participate in
or control such litigation or proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of
a court of competent jurisdiction, such Person shall reasonably prosecute such
litigation or proceeding.
       6.10    Security for Obligations to Subcustodian - If the Subcustodian
or any nominee thereof shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this
Agreement (collectively a "Liability"), except such as may arise from its





                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>   46


or such nominee's breach of the relevant standard of conduct set forth in this
Agreement, or if the Subcustodian shall make any Advance to a Fund, then in
such event property equal in value to not more than 125% of such Advance and
accrued interest on the Advance or the anticipated amount of such Liability,
held at any time for the account of the Fund by the Subcustodian or a Secondary
Subcustodian may be held as security for such Liability or for such Advance and
accrued interest on the Advance.  The Subcustodian shall designate the security
or securities constituting security for an Advance or Liability (the
"Designated Securities") by notice in writing to the Fund (which may be sent by
telefax or telex).  In the event the value of the Designated Securities shall
decline to less than 110% of the amount of such Advance and accrued interest on
the Advance or the anticipated amount of such Liability, then the Subcustodian
may designate in the same manner an additional security for such obligation but
the aggregate value of the Designated Securities and Additional Securities
shall not be in excess of 125% of the amount of such Advance and the accrued
interest on the Advance or the anticipated amount of such Liability.  At the
request of the Fund, the Subcustodian shall agree to substitution of a security
or securities which have a value equal to the value of the Designated or
Additional Securities which the Fund desires be released from their status as
security, and such release from status as security shall be effective upon the
Subcustodian and the Fund agreeing in writing as to the identity of the





                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>   47


substituted security or securities, which shall thereupon become Designated
Securities.
       Notwithstanding the above, the Subcustodian shall, at the request of a
Fund, immediately release from their status as security any or all of the
Designated Securities or Additional Securities upon the Subcustodian's receipt
from such Fund cash or cash equivalents in an amount equal to 100% of the value
of the Designated Securities or Additional Securities that the Fund desires to
be released from their status as security pursuant to this Section.  The Fund
shall reimburse or indemnify the Subcustodian and shall pay any Advances upon
demand; provided, however, that the Subcustodian first notified the Custodian
or the Fund of such demand for repayment, reimbursement or indemnification.
If, upon notification, the Custodian or the Fund shall fail to pay such Advance
or interest when due or shall fail to reimburse or indemnify the Subcustodian
promptly in respect of a Liability, the Subcustodian shall be entitled to
dispose of the Designated Securities and Additional Securities to the extent
necessary to obtain repayment, reimbursement or indemnification.  Interest,
dividends and other distributions paid or received on the Designated Securities
and Additional Securities, other than payments of principal or payments upon
retirement, redemption or repurchase, shall remain the property of the Fund,
and shall not be subject to this Section 6.10. To the extent that the
disposition of a Fund's property, designated as security for such Advance or
Liability, results in an amount





                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>   48


less than necessary to obtain repayment, reimbursement or indemnification, the
Fund shall continue to be liable to the Subcustodian for the difference between
the proceeds of the disposition of the Fund's property, designated as security
for such Advance or Liability, and the amount of the repayment, reimbursement
or indemnification due to the Subcustodian.
       6.11    Appointment of Agents - The Subcustodian may at any time or
times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or
trust company as its agent (an "Agent") to carry out such of the provisions of
this Agreement as the Subcustodian may from time to time direct, provided,
however, that the appointment of such Agent (other than an Agent appointed
pursuant to the third paragraph of Section 3) shall not relieve the
Subcustodian of any of its responsibilities under this Agreement.
       In the event of any loss, damage, or expense suffered or incurred by the
Custodian or a Fund caused by or resulting from the actions or omissions of any
Agent for which the Subcustodian would otherwise be liable, the Subcustodian
shall promptly reimburse the Custodian or the Fund, as the case may be, in the
amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
       6.12    Powers of Attorney - Upon request, the Custodian or a Fund shall
deliver to the Subcustodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other
instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with
the performance by the Subcustodian or any Secondary Subcustodian of their
respective





                                     - 45 -
<PAGE>   49
obligations under this Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement.
       7.      Compensation of the Subcustodian: The Custodian or such Fund
shall pay the Subcustodian a custody fee based on such fee schedule as may from
time to time be agreed upon in writing by the Subcustodian, the Custodian and
each Fund.  Such fee,  together with all amounts for which the Subcustodian is
to be reimbursed in accordance with Section 6.4, shall be billed to the
Custodian or the Fund and be paid in cash to the Subcustodian.
       8.      Termination; Successor Custodian/Subcustodian; Additional Funds:
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as to
one or more of the Funds by the Custodian,  the Subcustodian or such Fund or
Funds by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the
other parties, such termination to take effect not sooner than sixty (60) days
after the date of such delivery or mailing. In the event of termination, the
Subcustodian shall be entitled to receive prior to delivery of the securities,
funds and other property held by it all accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses
the payment of which is contemplated by Sections 6.4 and 7, and all Advances
and Liabilities, upon receipt by the Custodian or the relevant Fund or Funds of
a statement setting forth such fees, expenses, Advances and Liabilities.
       In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, the
Subcustodian shall take all reasonable steps to execute an agreement with the
successor custodian and a Fund or Funds on





                                     - 46 -
<PAGE>   50

substantially the same terms as contained in this Agreement.  The Subcustodian
agrees to cooperate with the Custodian, the successor custodian, and such Fund
or Funds in execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary
or desirable in order to substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian.
       In the event of the appointment of a successor subcustodian, it is
agreed that the securities, funds and other property owned by a Fund or Funds
as to which this Agreement has been terminated and held by the Subcustodian or
any Secondary Subcustodian shall be delivered to the successor subcustodian,
unless the Subcustodian is otherwise instructed by the Custodian or the Fund or
Funds.  The Subcustodian agrees to cooperate with the Custodian, the successor
custodian, and such Fund or Funds in execution of documents and performance of
other actions necessary or desirable in order to substitute the successor
subcustodian for the Subcustodian under this Agreement.
       An additional Fund or Funds may become a party to this Agreement after
the date hereof by an instrument in writing to such effect signed by such Fund
or Funds, the Custodian and the Subcustodian.  If this Agreement is terminated
as to one or more of the Funds (but less than all of the Funds) of if an
additional Fund or Funds shall become a party to this Agreement, there shall be
delivered to the Subcustodian by the Custodian an amended Appendix B deleting
or adding such Fund or Funds, as the case may be.  The termination of this
Agreement as to less than all of the Funds shall not affect the obligations of
the Custodian, the





                                     - 47 -
<PAGE>   51

Subcustodian and the remaining Funds hereunder as set forth in Appendix B, as
revised from time to time.
       9.      Amendment; Waiver: This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof.  No provision of this Agreement may be waived, amended or
terminated except by a statement in writing signed by the party or parties
against which enforcement of the waiver, amendment or termination is sought.
       In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Subcustodian,
the Custodian and one or more of the Funds may agree in writing from time to
time on such provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of
this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general
tenor of this Agreement.  No interpretative or additional provisions made as
provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this
Agreement.
       The section headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of the
parties and in no way alter, amend, limit or restrict the contractual
obligations of the parties set forth in this Agreement.
       10.     Governing Law: This Agreement is executed and delivered in The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be governed by and construed according
to the laws of said Commonwealth.
       11.       Notices: Notices and other writings delivered or mailed
postage prepaid to a Fund addressed to the Fund at 100




                                     - 48 -
<PAGE>   52


Heritage Reserve, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 Attention: Helge Krist Lee,
or to such other address as the Fund may have designated to the Subcustodian
and the Custodian in writing, or to the Custodian at 615 East Michigan Street,
P. 0. Box 701,  Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, Attention: J. Redwine, or to such
other address as the Custodian may have designated to the Funds and the
Subcustodian in writing or to the Subcustodian at 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, Attention: Manager,  Securities Department, or to such
other address as the Subcustodian may have designated to the Custodian and the
Funds in writing, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given
hereunder to the respective addressee.
       12.     Binding Effect: This Agreement shall be binding on and shall
inure to the benefit of the Funds, the Custodian and the Subcustodian and their
respective successors and assigns, provided that no party hereto may assign
this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the other parties (except that assignment by a Fund shall
not require the consent of any other Funds).
       13.     Severability: If any provision of this Agreement shall be held
or made unenforceable by a court decision, statute, rule, regulation or
otherwise, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected
thereby.
       14.     Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.  This Agreement shall
become effective when one or more





                                     - 49 -
<PAGE>   53

counterparts have been signed and delivered by each of the parties.
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.

       FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY                    BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.

       By   _____________________               per pro  ______________________
       Title  ____________________

       FUNDS  LISTED IN APPENDIX B

       By   ______________________
       Title  _____________________





                                     - 50 -
<PAGE>   54


                       GLOBAL CUSTODY TRI-PARTY AGREEMENT

                           WITH FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY

                   AND THE INDIVIDUAL STRONG FUNDS LISTED IN

                           APPENDIX B ATTACHED HERETO

                      DATE ______________________________

                       SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS RIDER


1.     Multiple Accounts

Pursuant to Sections 1 and 8 of the Agreement, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
and Firstar Trust Company have established the Accounts set forth on Appendix B
to be separately accounted for under the terms of this Agreement.  Appendix B
shall be updated from time to time by the Custodian to reflect any changes in
the Funds a party to the Agreement.





                                     - 51 -
<PAGE>   55




                       STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

                              DOMESTIC MUTUAL FUND

                          GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
                                  July, 1995

Payable quarterly on the value of assets:

         Foreign (excluding Euroclear)
                                     
         .0015 per year on first $50 million
         .0012 per year on next $50 million
         .0010 per year on all over $100 million

         Euroclear
                 
         .0012 per year on first $50 million
         .0010 per year on next $50 million
         .0008 per year on all over $100 million

Minimum: $45,000 (all domestic portfolios combined)

Transaction Charge:  $35

Emerging markets will be negotiated at the time of investment

                             OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES

         Out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to telex, legal,
telephone, postage and direct expenses including but not limited to customized
systems programming, registration and certificate fees would be additional.
Brokerage, stamp duty and Euroclear deposit and withdrawl charges are for the
account of the Fund.

         This schedule includes all custody fees and transaction charges of
subcustodians.  Emerging markets may require the use of a local administrative
agent.  Administrative fees will be for the account of the Fund.  Charges
associated with income collection, governmental stamp or other taxes will also
be for the account of the Fund.
<PAGE>   56

                       STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

                              DOMESTIC MUTUAL FUND

                          DOMESTIC CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
                                   JULY, 1993

Payable quarterly on the value of assets:

Domestic Assets (Based on Entire Relationship)

         .0001 per year on first $1 billion
         .000075 per year on all over $1 billion

Transaction Charges:
         DTC Eligible:                                            $8
         Non-DTC Eligible:                                        $10
         Domestic Wires:                                          $10
         Options and Futures Variation Margin:                    $10
         Mortgage Backed Securities Paydowns:                     $8
         Transaction charges on trades where BBH&Co. acts as broker will be
         waived.

Brokerage Credit
         Brokerage commissions executed through BBH&Co. will be available to
reduce custody and transaction charges on the basis of the offset formula of
2:1.


                             OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
         Out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, telex, legal,
telephone and postage would be additional.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.B9


                     SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on this ___ day of _____, 1995,
between STRONG [           ], INC., a Wisconsin corporation (the
"Corporation"), on behalf of the Funds (as defined below) of the Corporation,
and STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC., a Wisconsin corporation ("Strong").

                                   WITNESSETH

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is authorized to create separate series, each
with its own separate investment portfolio, and the beneficial interest in each
such series will be represented by a separate series of shares (each series is
hereinafter individually referred to as a "Fund" and collectively, the
"Funds");

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is authorized to issue shares of its $._____ 
par value common stock (the "Shares") of each Fund; and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to retain Strong as the shareholder
servicing agent of the Shares of each Fund on whose behalf this Agreement has
been executed.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Corporation and Strong do mutually agree and 
promise as follows:

         1.      Appointment.  The Corporation hereby appoints Strong to act as
shareholder servicing agent of the Shares of each Fund listed on Schedule A
hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time.  Strong shall, at
its own expense, render the services and assume the obligations herein set
forth subject to being compensated therefor as herein provided.

         2.      Authority of Strong.  Strong is hereby authorized by the
Corporation to receive all cash which may from time to time be delivered to it 
by or for the account of the Funds; to issue confirmations and/or certificates 
for Shares of the Funds upon receipt of payment; to redeem or repurchase on 
behalf of the Funds Shares upon receipt of certificates properly endorsed or 
properly executed written requests as described in the current prospectus of 
each Fund and to act as dividend disbursing agent for the Funds.

         3.      Duties of Strong.  Strong hereby agrees to:

                 A.       Process new accounts.
<PAGE>   2

                 B.       Process purchases, both initial and subsequent, of
                          Fund Shares in accordance with conditions set forth
                          in the prospectus of each Fund as mutually agreed by
                          the Corporation and Strong.

                 C.       Transfer Fund Shares to an existing account or to a
                          new account upon receipt of required documentation 
                          in good order.

                 D.       Redeem uncertificated and/or certificated shares upon
                          receipt of required documentation in good order.

                 E.       Issue and/or cancel certificates as instructed;
                          replace lost, stolen or destroyed certificates upon
                          receipt of satisfactory indemnification or bond.

                 F.       Distribute dividends and/or capital gain
                          distributions.  This includes disbursement as cash or
                          reinvestment and to change the disbursement option at
                          the request of shareholders.

                 G.       Process exchanges between Funds (process and direct
                          purchase/redemption and initiate new account or
                          process to existing account).

                 H.       Make miscellaneous changes to records.

                 I.       Prepare and mail a confirmation to shareholders as
                          each transaction is recorded in a shareholder
                          account.  Duplicate confirmations to be available on
                          request within current year.

                 J.       Handle phone calls and correspondence in reply to
                          shareholder requests except those items set forth in
                          Referrals to Corporation, below.

                 K.       Prepare Reports for the Funds:

                          i.      Monthly analysis of transactions and accounts
                                  by types.

                          ii.     Quarterly state sales analysis; sales by
                                  size; analysis of systematic withdrawals,
                                  Keogh, IRA and 403(b)(7) plans; print-out of
                                  shareholder balances.

                 L.       Perform daily control and reconciliation of Fund
                          Shares with Strong's records and the Corporation's 
                          office records.

                 M.       Prepare address labels or confirmations for four
                          reports to shareholders per year.

                                      2
<PAGE>   3

                 N.       Mail and tabulate proxies for one Annual Meeting of
                          Shareholders, including preparation of certified
                          shareholder list and daily report to Corporation
                          management, if required.

                 O.       Prepare and mail required Federal income taxation
                          information to shareholders to whom dividends or
                          distributions are paid, with a copy for the IRS and a
                          copy for the Corporation if required.

                 P.       Provide readily obtainable data which may from time
                          to time be requested for audit purposes.

                 Q.       Replace lost or destroyed checks.

                 R.       Continuously maintain all records for active and 
                          closed accounts.

                 S.       Furnish shareholder data information for a current
                          calendar year in connection with IRA and Keogh Plans
                          in a format suitable for mailing to shareholders.

         4.      Referrals to Corporation.  Strong hereby agrees to refer to the
                 Corporation for reply the following:

                 A.       Requests for investment information, including
                          performance and outlook.

                 B.       Requests for information about specific plans (i.e.,
                          IRA, Keogh, Systematic Withdrawal).

                 C.       Requests for information about exchanges between 
                          Funds.

                 D.       Requests for historical Fund prices.

                 E.       Requests for information about the value and timing
                          of dividend payments.

                 F.       Questions regarding correspondence from the 
                          Corporation and newspaper articles.

                 G.       Any requests for information from non-shareholders.

                 H.       Any other types of shareholder requests as the
                          Corporation may request from Strong in writing.

         5.      Compensation to Strong.  Strong shall be compensated for its
services hereunder in accordance with the Shareholder Servicing Fee Schedule
(the "Fee Schedule") attached hereto as Schedule B and as such Fee Schedule may
from time to time be amended in writing between the two parties.  The
Corporation will reimburse Strong for all out-of-pocket expenses, including,
but not





                                       3
<PAGE>   4

necessarily limited to, postage, confirmation forms, etc.  Special projects,
not included in the Fee Schedule and requested by proper instructions from the
Corporation with respect to the relevant Funds, shall be completed by Strong and
invoiced to the Corporation and the relevant Funds as mutually agreed upon.

         6.      Rights and Powers of Strong.  Strong's rights and powers with
respect to acting for and on behalf of the Corporation, including rights and 
powers of Strong's officers and directors, shall be as follows:

                 A.       No order, direction, approval, contract or obligation
         on behalf of the Corporation with or in any way affecting Strong shall
         be deemed binding unless made in writing and signed on behalf of the
         Corporation by an officer or officers of the Corporation who have been
         duly authorized to so act on behalf of the Corporation by its Board of
         Directors.

                 B.       Directors, officers, agents and shareholders of the
         Corporation are or may at any time or times be interested in Strong as
         officers, directors, agents, shareholders, or otherwise.
         Correspondingly, directors, officers, agents and shareholders of
         Strong are or may at any time or times be interested in the 
         Corporation as directors, officers, agents, shareholders or otherwise.
         Strong shall, if it so elects, also have the right to be a shareholder
         of the Corporation.

                 C.       The services of Strong to the Corporation are not to 
         be deemed exclusive and Strong shall be free to render similar services
         to others as long as its services for others do not in any manner or
         way hinder, preclude or prevent Strong from performing its duties and
         obligations under this Agreement.

                 D.       The Corporation will indemnify Strong and hold it
         harmless from and against all costs, losses, and expenses which may be
         incurred by it and all claims or liabilities which may be asserted or
         assessed against it as a result of any action taken by it without
         negligence and in good faith, and for any act, omission, delay or
         refusal made by Strong in connection with this agency in reliance upon
         or in accordance with any instruction or advice of any duly authorized
         officer of the Corporation.

         7.      Effective Date.  This Agreement shall become effective as of
                 the date hereof.

         8.      Termination of Agreement.  This Agreement shall continue in
force and effect until terminated or amended to such an extent that a new
Agreement is deemed advisable by either party.  Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment
of any penalty, by the Corporation or Strong upon ninety (90) days' written 
notice to the other party.

         9.      Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by the mutual
written consent of the parties.  If, at any time during the existence of this
Agreement, the Corporation deems it necessary or advisable in the best 
interests of Corporation that any amendment of this Agreement be made in 
order to





                                       4
<PAGE>   5

comply with the recommendations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission or state regulatory agencies or other governmental authority, or to
obtain any advantage under state or federal laws, the Corporation shall notify
Strong of the form of amendment which it deems necessary or advisable and the
reasons therefor, and if Strong declines to assent to such amendment, the
Corporation may terminate this Agreement forthwith.

         10.     Notice.  Any notice that is required to be given by the
parties to each other under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing,
addressed and delivered, or mailed postpaid to the other party at the principal
place of business of such party.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be signed as of the day and year first stated above.

Attest:                                     Strong Capital Management, Inc.


______________________________________      ___________________________________
Thomas P. Lemke, Senior Vice President      John Dragisic, Vice Chairman

Attest:                                     Strong [            ], Inc.



______________________________________      ___________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                  Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President





                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                                   SCHEDULE A

The Fund(s) of the Corporation currently subject to this Agreement are as 
follows:

                                                           Date of Addition
              Fund(s)                                      to this Agreement
              -------                                      -----------------
                               

Strong [             ] Fund                                ___________, 1995


Attest:                                     Strong Capital Management, Inc.


______________________________________     ____________________________________
Thomas P. Lemke, Senior Vice President      John Dragisic, Vice Chairman

Attest:                                     Strong [         ], Inc.



______________________________________     ____________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                  Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President





                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                                   SCHEDULE B

                       SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEE SCHEDULE

         Until such time that this schedule is replaced or modified, Strong
[          ], Inc. (the "Corporation"), on behalf of each Fund set 
forth on Schedule A to this Agreement, agrees to compensate Strong Capital
Management, Inc. ("Strong") for performing as shareholder servicing agent as
specified below per open Fund account, plus out-of-pocket expenses attributable
to the Corporation and the Fund(s).

                                                                 Annual Rate per
              Fund(s)                                          Open Fund Account
              -------                                          -----------------

Strong [               ] Fund                                        $_____

- - an equity fund                                                     $21.75

- - an income fund                                                     $31.50

- - a money market fund                                                $32.50


         Out-of-pocket expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
         
         1.      All materials, paper and other costs associated with necessary
                 and ordinary shareholder correspondence.

         2.      Postage and printing of confirmations, statements, tax forms
                 and any other necessary shareholder correspondence.  Printing
                 is to include the cost of printing account statements and
                 confirmations by third-party vendors as well as the cost of
                 printing the actual forms.

         3.      The cost of mailing (sorting, inserting, etc.) by third-party
                 vendors.

         4.      All banking charges of Corporation, including deposit slips and
                 stamps, checks and share drafts, wire fees not paid by
                 shareholders, and any other deposit account or checking
                 account fees.

         5.      The cost of storage media for Corporation records, including 
                 phone recorder tapes, microfilm and microfiche, forms and 
                 paper.

         6.      Offsite storage costs for older Corporation records.

         7.      Charges incurred in the delivery of Corporation materials and
                 mail.

         8.      Any costs for outside contractors used in providing necessary
                 and ordinary services to the Corporation, a Fund or 
                 shareholders, not contemplated to be performed by Strong.





                                       7
<PAGE>   8

         9.      Any costs associated with enhancing, correcting or developing
                 the record keeping system currently used by the Corporation,
                 including the development of new statement or tax form
                 formats.

         For purposes of calculating Strong's compensation pursuant to this
Agreement, all subaccounts which hold shares in a Fund through 401(k) plans,
401(k) alliances, and financial institutions, such as insurance companies,
broker/dealers, and investment advisors shall be treated as direct open
accounts of the Fund upon approval of such arrangement by the Corporation's 
Board of Directors.  Out-of-pocket expenses will be charged to the applicable 
Fund, except for those out-of-pocket expenses attributable to the Corporation 
in general, which shall be charged pro rata to each Fund.

         In addition, a Fund will pay a fee for closed accounts at an annual
rate of $4.20 per account.  All fees will be billed to the Corporation monthly
based upon the number of open and closed accounts existing on the last day of
the month plus any out-of-pocket expenses paid by Strong during the month.
These fees are in addition to any fees the Corporation may pay Strong for 
providing investment management services or for underwriting the sale of 
Corporation shares.


Attest:                                     Strong Capital Management, Inc.


______________________________________     ____________________________________
Thomas P. Lemke, Senior Vice President     John Dragisic, Vice Chairman

Attest:                                    Strong [             ],Inc.



______________________________________     ____________________________________
Ann E. Oglanian, Secretary                 Lawrence A. Totsky, Vice President





                                       8

<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHIBIT 99.B10

                             GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.
                               ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                            780 North Water Street
                         Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202
                 Phone:  (414)273-3500  Fax:  (414) 273-5198

                              December 12, 1995


Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.
100 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin  53051

                Re:  Strong Equity Income Fund

Gentlemen:

        We have acted as your counsel in connection with the preparation of a
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Registration Nos. 33-61358; 811-7656) (the
"Registration Statement") relating to the sale by you of an indefinite number
of shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.00001 par value of Strong
Equity Income Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds,
Inc. (the "Company"), in the manner set forth in the Registration Statement 
(and the Prospectus of the Fund included therein).

        We have examined:  (a) the Registration Statement (and the Prospectus
of the Fund included therein),  (b) the Company's Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws, each as amended to date, (c) certain resolutions of the Company's
Board of Directors, and (d) such other proceedings, documents and records as we
have deemed necessary to enable us to render this opinion.

        Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when
sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, will be duly authorized and
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable except to the extent provided in
Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes, or any successor provision,
which provides that shareholders of a corporation organized under Chapter 180
of the Wisconsin Statutes may be assessed up to the par value of their shares
to satisfy the obligations of such corporation to its employees for services
rendered, but not exceeding six months service in the case of any individual
employee; certain Wisconsin courts have interpreted "par value" to mean the
full amount paid by the purchaser of shares upon the issuance thereof.

        We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.  In giving this consent, however, we do not admit that we are
"experts" within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section
7 of said Act.


                                    Very truly yours,
                                    /s/ Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
                                    GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.
<PAGE>   2
                                                                EXHIBIT 99.B10

                             GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.
                               ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                            780 North Water Street
                         Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202
                 Phone:  (414)273-3500  Fax:  (414) 273-5198

                              December 12, 1995


Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.
100 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin  53051

                Re:  Strong Growth and Income Fund

Gentlemen:

        We have acted as your counsel in connection with the preparation of a
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Registration Nos. 33-61358; 811-7656) (the
"Registration Statement") relating to the sale by you of an indefinite number
of shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.00001 par value of Strong
Growth and Income Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Strong Conservative Equity 
Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), in the manner set forth in the Registration 
Statement (and the Prospectus of the Fund included therein).

        We have examined:  (a) the Registration Statement (and the Prospectus
of the Fund included therein),  (b) the Company's Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws, each as amended to date, (c) certain resolutions of the Company's
Board of Directors, and (d) such other proceedings, documents and records as we
have deemed necessary to enable us to render this opinion.

        Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when
sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, will be duly authorized and
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable except to the extent provided in
Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes, or any successor provision,
which provides that shareholders of a corporation organized under Chapter 180
of the Wisconsin Statutes may be assessed up to the par value of their shares
to satisfy the obligations of such corporation to its employees for services
rendered, but not exceeding six months service in the case of any individual
employee; certain Wisconsin courts have interpreted "par value" to mean the
full amount paid by the purchaser of shares upon the issuance thereof.

        We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.  In giving this consent, however, we do not admit that we are
"experts" within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section
7 of said Act.


                                    Very truly yours,
                                    /s/ Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
                                    GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.B11


                        [COOPERS & LYBRAND LETTERHEAD]


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors of
Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 6
to the Registration Statement of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc. on 
Form N-1A of our report dated January 24, 1995 on our audit of the financial 
statements and financial highlights of Strong American Utilities Fund (formerly
known as Strong American Utilities Fund, Inc.), a series of Strong Conservative
Equity Funds, Inc., which report is included in the Annual Report to 
Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1994, which is also incorporated 
by reference in the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference 
to our Firm under the caption "Independent Accountants" in the Statement of 
Additional Information.



                                        COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
December 7, 1995

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.B13




                            STRONG <<FUND>>, INC. -

                          STOCK SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

To the Board of Directors of Strong <<FUND>>, Inc.:

         The undersigned purchaser (the "Purchaser") hereby subscribes to
__________ shares (the "Shares") of common stock, _______ par value (the
"Common Stock"), of Strong <<FUND>>, Inc. -  in consideration for which the
Purchaser agrees to transfer to you upon demand cash in the amount of
___________________________________.

         It is understood that a certificate representing the Shares shall be
issued to the undersigned upon request at any time after receipt by you of
payment therefore, and said Shares shall be deemed fully paid and
nonassessable, except to the extent provided in Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the
Wisconsin Statutes, as interpreted by courts of competent jurisdiction, or any
successor provision to said Section 180.0622(2)(b).

         The Purchaser agrees that the Shares are being purchased for
investment with no present intention of reselling or redeeming said Shares.

         Dated and effective this _____ day of __________________, 199__.

                        Strong Capital Management, Inc.


                               By: _________________________
                                    Lawrence A. Totsky
                                    Senior Vice President

                                   ACCEPTANCE

         The foregoing subscription is hereby accepted.  Dated and effective as
of this _____ day of ________________, 199__.

                               STRONG <<FUND>>, INC. 
 

                               By: _________________________
                                     John Dragisic
                                     Vice Chairman


                               Attest: _____________________
                                         Ann E. Oglanian
                                         Secretary

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.B18



                      [GODFREY & KAHN, S.C. LETTERHEAD]


                              December 12, 1995



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

            Re:  Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.

Gentlemen:

        We represent Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), in
connection with its filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 (the
"Post-Effective Amendment") to the Companys Registration Statement
(Registration Nos. 33-61358; 811-7656) on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
Post-Effective Amendment is being filed pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act.

        We have reviewed the Post-Effective Amendment and, in accordance with
Rule 485(b)(4) under the Securities Act, hereby represent that the
Post-Effective Amendment does not contain disclosures which would render it
ineligible to become effective pursuant to Rule 485(b).

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.


                                      /s/ Scott A. Moehrke
                                          Scott A. Moehrke

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000901539
<NAME> STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1994
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           39,254
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          37,227
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,015
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      27
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0 
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  38,269
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                           235
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           90
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                325
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        42,098
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            4,010
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            3,185
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        (2,127)<F3>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       (2,027)<F3>
<NET-ASSETS>                                    37,944
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                1,646
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  183
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (165)<F3>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          1,664
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       (2,007)<F3>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        (664)<F3>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          (1,007)<F3>
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (1,663)<F3>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          3,551
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (2,874)<F3>
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                148
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           5,487
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            (2)
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        (119)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (264)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  (572)<F3>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            34,990
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.19<F1>
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.46<F1>
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                         (0.73)<F1>
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (0.46)<F1>
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.46<F1>
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    0.5<F2>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
<FN>
<F1>Per share amounts not stated in 000's. Debit amounts shown as negative ().
<F2>Stated as percent, including waivers and absorptions. Without waivers and
absorptions, ratio would be 1.6%.
<F3>All debtis except assets stated as negative().
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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