Automation Alley International Business Center Accepting Applications for Upcoming Trade Mission

TROY, Mich., May 10, 2005 -- The Automation Alley International Business Center is currently looking for 15 companies to attend the trade mission trip to Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, scheduled for October 16 - 26, 2005. The trade mission is open to Southeast Michigan companies in the following industries: automotive, environmental, healthcare, information, medical and technology.

"Participating companies will return with the connections needed to begin their exporting business activities," said M. Dujon Johnson, director, Automation Alley International Business Center. "In addition, this trade mission is the only one of its kind throughout the U.S. in 2005, providing the opportunity for Southeast Michigan businesses to be a step ahead of the competition."

The Eastern Europe trade mission includes one-on-one sessions with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Services and the participating Central and Eastern European companies. Interested companies must be export- ready and conduct business in one of the industries the trade mission is serving. The cost to attend will be under $5,000, including airfare, hotel and other business expenses.

"It's important that the cost of the trade mission remain reasonable in order to encourage small- and mid-sized companies to participate," said Johnson. "This trip is intended to open doors for companies that would have a difficult time doing so otherwise."

To apply for the trade mission, or for additional information, please contact M. Dujon Johnson at 248-457-3281 or johnsonm@automationalley.com .

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is Southeast Michigan's regional technology cluster, attracting the creators and consumers of diverse technologies from a variety of industries around the world. The Automation Alley Consortium is a membership of technologically diverse, progressive business, governmental and educational visionaries working in concert to attract world-class talent and businesses to Southeast Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.automationalley.com/ . For membership information, contact 1-800-427-5100.