AUTOMATION ALLEY GROWTH CONTINUES

Troy, Mich., Feb. 26, 2007 — This past year, Automation Alley, which drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan’s technology economy, reached its goal of 700 member companies and the organization is continuing to add members, moving towards its new goal of 1,000 member companies by 2009.

"When the organization began in 1999, we had only 44 members; it’s remarkable to see what tremendous growth the Alley has accomplished in seven short years," said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. "We’re proud that businesses in Southeast Michigan find such value in our organization."

One new member, Synergy Plus Solutions, represents the changing face of Automation Alley. With offices in the Wayne County suburb of Livonia, the company is part of the Alley’s fast-growing information technology sector, offering customers assistance in accounting and business management solution implementations. Information technology membership grew 24 percent in 2006 and Automation Alley has encountered steady growth from companies outside of Oakland County.

"As a leading solution provider of mid-market business management applications, we feel Automation Alley is a key element to our growth strategy in Southeast Michigan," said Joe Santoro, president, Synergy Plus Solutions, Inc. "Our corporate values are similar to Automation Alley’s with regards to servicing membership – provide value to all stakeholders."

Synergy Plus provides a full range of professional services including needs assessment, planning, installation, implementation, data conversion, training, business process reengineering, custom programming and application development, and end-user customer support. With its Automation Alley membership, Synergy Plus Solutions will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Alley’s unique programs focused on technology acceleration, business assistance and attraction, and exporting. Members are also able to utilize Automation Alley’s resources, attend seminars and networking events, and use the Automation Alley Web site for posting press releases, requests for proposals and job openings.

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.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 700 businesses, educational institutions and government entities, 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, please visit www.automationalley.com.