Automation Alley International Business Center Coordinates Trade Mission to China

Applications to Attend Now Available to Southeast Michigan Businesses

TROY, Mich., June 22 -- Automation Alley's International Business Center (IBC) today announced it is accepting applications for Southeast Michigan companies to participate in a trade mission to China this autumn. Scheduled for November 1 - 15, 2006, the trade mission will bring area businesses to the cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

As a result of a partnership between Automation Alley's IBC, the State of Michigan's Shanghai office and U.S. Commercial Service offices around the world, companies will have an opportunity to meet with pre-screened business contacts representing a variety of industries including automotive components; alternative energy technologies; machine tools and metalworking equipment; environmental and pollution control equipment; and information technology and software applications. Southeast Michigan companies interested in attending the trade mission must be export-ready and conduct business in one of the industries being served. The cost to attend is approximately $6,000, including airfare, hotel and other business expenses.

"These industries reflect the strengths of Southeast Michigan's economy," said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. "Conversely, the regions of China that we plan to visit represent areas where the demand for these Michigan-made products and services are the strongest."

The last Automation Alley trade mission to China took place in 2002, and resulted in more than $18 million in signed contracts for participating businesses. In addition, the mission led to technology licensing agreements, strategic alliances, and the export of products and services from Southeast Michigan.

"China's economy represents huge investment and growth opportunities for Southeast Michigan businesses," said Noel Nevshehir, director, Automation Alley International Business Center. "With a rapidly growing economy and foreign reserves of nearly $900 billion, we feel China offers great potential for Southeast Michigan companies."

For more information on the China trade mission or to apply, please contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at 1-800-427-5100.

About the Automation Alley International Business Center

Founded in 2005, the Automation Alley International Business Center (IBC) provides business attraction services and exporting assistance to businesses throughout Southeast Michigan, in an effort to further strengthen the region's economic base. The IBC boasts a number of strategic partnerships and exclusive research agreements, and hosts numerous seminars and programs throughout the year.

In November 2006, the IBC will conduct a trade mission to China in conjunction with Comerica Bank; the Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA); the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.; Plante & Moran, PLLC; and the U.S. Commercial Service/U.S. Department of Commerce. The trade mission will help Southeast Michigan companies become acclimated with international commerce and make the necessary contacts to start doing business in China.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's technology economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.

More than 630 businesses, educational institutions and government entities belong to Automation Alley, covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through the Automation Alley International Business Center, which provides business attraction services and exporting assistance; the Automation Alley Technology Center, which brings together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate technology commercialization; and the GLIMA Network, a state-wide association for individuals engaged with and involved in technology-oriented industries.

For more information, visit http://www.automationalley.com/ .