American Express Announces Winner of 'E-magine With Blue for Business' Contest.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2001

Entrepreneur and acclaimed fly fisherman Jeff Mancini to receive

$100,000 cash award

Renowned fly fisherman and small business owner Jeff Mancini is about to "catch" his biggest prize yet. This evening, Mancini, of New Rochelle, New York, will receive $100,000 as winner of "E-magine with Blue for Business," a Web-based contest for entrepreneurs sponsored by American Express Small Business Services.

The announcement will take place during a Web chat tonight with basketball great and entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson. In addition to the presentation, Johnson and Mancini will offer advice on starting and growing a successful business. The chat can be viewed on the American Express Blue for Business web site (www.americanexpress.com/blueforbusiness) from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EST).

As the contest winner, Mancini receives a $100,000 cash award to help further his online business venture -- www.eastcoastfisherman.com.

"Jeff Mancini exemplifies today's successful Internet entrepreneur," says Richard Tambor, Senior Vice President and General Manager for American Express Small Business Services. "First, he was able to turn a passion for his sport and business savvy into a profitable off-line business. When he was ready to cast into larger waters, Jeff approached his Internet business with the same high level of enthusiasm and commitment."

"E-magine with Blue for Business" Contest

The "E-magine with Blue for Business" contest began last summer when small business owners interested in bringing their off-line ventures to the Internet were asked to submit e-business plans to American Express. A group of finalists was chosen, and received free Web set up, marketing tools and other support to help get their sites up and running.

More than 50 finalists then competed over the course of several months. In January, a distinguished panel of judges selected Mancini as the contest winner after evaluating the sites in four categories: creativity; ability to raise venture capital; revenue; and actual hits.

Winner Jeff Mancini

"I am grateful to American Express for giving me the opportunity to take East Coast Fisherman to the Web," says Jeff Mancini. "While the Internet was a natural progression for my business, time is a precious commodity which made it difficult for me to get a site up and running. With the help of American Express, I was able to focus my energy and creative juices and make my vision a reality."

Mancini founded East Coast Fisherman Productions, Inc. just 10 years ago and has been at the top of the east coast fly fishing scene for almost a decade. At 36, Mancini is a successful, nationally-sponsored fly fisherman, casting instructor, teacher and producer.

Mancini's 1992 video, "Fly Fishing for Striped Bass," has been credited with boosting the popularity in northeast saltwater fly fishing. In addition, he has published articles on his sport and has been featured in several magazines. In 1996, Mancini took his years of experience testing and developing products for other companies and created his own line of products targeted to fly fisherman and other outdoor enthusiasts. Marketed under his East Coast Fisherman logo, Jeff's products are now used by fisherman around the world.

Mancini is also a proven tournament winner - a few years back, he won the largest bluefish tournament in the world and took home a $25,000 cash prize. He has taught thousands of fly fishermen the art of fly fishing through his show schedule, personal appearances, casting demonstrations, educational clinics, videos and writings.

"Doing business on and off-line are very distinct ventures," admits Mancini. "I plan to use some of the prize money to improve and expand my site, which is both a vehicle for my products and a way to enlighten newcomers by showcasing the finesse and beauty of the sport."

Blue for Business from American Express

Blue for Business is a credit card that combines the financing and e-commerce services small business owners need to launch, manage and grow their companies on the Internet. With no annual fee and a credit line up to $50,000, Blue for Business offers the financing small businesses need to develop their e-commerce program. Additionally, Blue for Business provides the flexibility to pay over time, with a 3.9 percent introductory interest rate for balance transfers and purchases made during the first six months and a variable interest rate of prime + 3.99 percent thereafter.

In addition, small business owners can launch an e-commerce web site, find customers and sell goods and services on line by taking advantage of special Blue for Business offers from IBM, Earthlink, Bigvine.com, Zapdata.com, SmallBusinessDepot.com and Smartage.com.

Small businesses can apply at the Blue for Business website, www.americanexpress.com/blueforbusiness, where they can also manage their finances and learn more about the ways Blue can save them time and money. In addition, the site offers a wealth of e-commerce tips and provides the opportunity for Blue for Business entrepreneurs to share their own successful e-commerce strategies.

American Express Small Business Services is a unit of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. solely dedicated to serving companies with fewer than 100 employees. Small Business Services provides a broad range of financial services, including charge and credit cards, equipment financing, lines of credit and term loans. To learn more, visit the Small Business Exchange at www.americanexpress.com/smallbusiness.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.