An innovation strategy firm specializing in
market traction and value creation for new products, technologies and lines of business

June 15, 2004

Contact:
Molly Fee
Blue Mine Group
(858) 792-2633, ext. 110
kfreeman@blueminegroup.com

Automation Associates, Inc. Selects Blue Mine Group as Marketing Partner

San Diego, Ca. - June 15, 2004 - Automation Associates, Inc. (AAI), a seasoned member of San Diego's up-and-coming technology community, is pleased to announce its marketing partnership with Blue Mine Group, a rapidly growing strategic marketing firm based in Carmel Valley. Automation Associates, Inc., a leader in simulation software engineering, is an independent provider of professional simulation services. Their solutions help business and industry clients solve problems through professional technical studies, support in simulation, and related software technologies. With more than 16 years of experience solving complex business problems, AAI has developed specialized expertise in supply chain analyses and solutions for a variety of industries.

Automation Associates, Inc. has engaged Blue Mine Group for its complete program offering, ranging from research and strategy to website design, event marketing, and media relations. "We chose Blue Mine Group for its strength in marketing strategy and execution," says AAI's CEO Randall Gibson. "Our ongoing sessions with Blue Mine Group have helped my management team re-evaluate and redefine our corporate strategy. In a short period, BMG has become fully integrated with our internal team, helping us leverage our past successes through client case studies, refine our messaging through a new web site and collateral system, and devise an effective plan for media coverage and events participation."

This latest client addition underscores a period of unprecedented growth for Blue Mine Group. The firm is currently growing at 50% per quarter, due largely to its specialized core offering, Marketing for Early-Stage Technologies. "Combining our approach to strategy and marketing with their company is an ideal marriage," says Blue Mine Group President and CEO Michael Lurie. "We look forward to helping AAI achieve substantial growth in the years ahead."

About Blue Mine Group
Blue Mine Group is a strategic marketing firm specializing in early-stage technology companies. We deliver to each client a comprehensive, custom-tailored marketing program that addresses their unique, mission-critical needs through a combination of strategy, public relations, online, direct, and event marketing. These programs are optimized to minimize cost and maximize ROI through a process of defining market focus and value proposition; acquiring and growing customers; building partnerships; securing investment capital; and building awareness among targeted media, analysts, and interest groups. For more information, give us a call at (858) 792-2633 or visit www.blueminegroup.com.