Traverse CIty Technology Conference

NEWS FROM SIGMA CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

For Immediate Release, April, 2004:

SIGMA CAPITAL GROUP, INC. CHAIRMAN

SPEAKS AT TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Raleigh, North Carolina: Sigma Capital Group’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Bruce Woodry, spoke at the Traverse City, Michigan business showcase, held at Park Place Hotel on April 22nd, 2004. This was the first technology showcase in the area, and was a joint effort between Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, the Small-Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC), Great Lakes Interactive Marketing Association, GLIMA-NW, and Michigan Technological Education Center (M-TEC). The conference and after hours had over 260 attendees and 24 exhibitors, with presentations and workshops by 9 speakers in intellectual property, financing technology businesses, exporting and government contracting procurements.

Mr. Woodry’s Presentation was on “Financing Technology Businesses: Show Me The Money" and was an interactive presentation designed to show early-stage company executives the process and pitfalls of raising money. "I’ve had executive positions with large corporations, run smaller companies, and been a turnaround executive, but raising money is the toughest job I’ve ever performed", said Mr. Woodry.

“Volatile global markets and crushing enterprise valuations make it imperative that technology company owners and executives effectively plan for and manage their financing programs to assure optimum effectiveness,” says Woodry. ”With the capital markets as slow as they've been in over a decade, it is a not perfect time to finance. We have seen some improvements in the last few months, however world events could change this dramatically." "In view of this outlook, we suggest that companies continue their focus on assuring cost is in line with revenues, and should address a wide range of options, including credit enhancements, loan refinance or divestiture. Conversely, if you are fortunate enough to be in a good capital position, we recommend purchasing assets at the current favorable valuations. In either case, we recommend an investment bank to chart your course through these difficult waters,” says Mr. Woodry.

With 3% of the national workforce and 23% of the job loss, it is easy for corporate executives to be discouraged about the prospects of optimizing their technological company business. "We must all pull together regionally, to overcome any competitive disadvantages with other regions of the country and world. This conference reminds me of the early days of research triangle Park, 20 years ago, but the advantage that Northeast Michigan offers is a great co-operative effort between business and government, as well as a beautiful location and the wonderful quality of life. While technological economic development will take years to be fully realized, this is a really great beginning," says Mr. Woodry. There was even an angle investment group that is beginning to form in the area, he noted. “That has the potential for jump starting emerging technology businesses”, said Mr. Woodry.

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides counseling, training, and market research to businesses around Michigan. As a partner program of the Small Business Administration (SBA), the SBTDC offers free or low cost services to new ventures, existing small businesses, and innovative technology companies. SBTDC regional director, Bill Palladino says, “Mr. Woodry’s presentation was very effective, combining highly technical financial strategies with sobering real-world examples of the often intractable process of raising capital for an emerging technology company.”

The mission of Glima Northwest is to promote technology growth in northwest Michigan through education, networking and outreach. We also serve as a technology forum for business, government, and education within the community. Glima Northwest offers frequent opportunities for technology professionals to gain further training and support from professionals in closely related industries.

As part of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), M-TEC is the result of a Michigan initiative to make the State a leader in workforce development. M-TEC opened its doors in January 2001 to provide flexible learning in technical education and training. M-TEC has been developed and continues to work closely with area businesses, manufacturers, and builders to deliver relevant training in many areas.

The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is has a goal to be the business community’s vital partner. It is their intent to be looked upon as the vital partner to aid in efforts of developing business in the Traverse City Area. The TC Chamber provides the best programs, benefits, and services to its members by creating collaborations with community partners. It is the Chamber's mission to serve its members and community by providing services that promote the economy and protect the environment, making this region a better place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Sigma Capital Group is a ten-year-old boutique investment bank located in Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and has opened an office in Michigan. Sigma Capital has built a strong reputation for improving shareholder value through corporate development activities, providing advisory and representational services to clients in the Aerospace, Telecom, Computer/IT and Energy and Destination Resorts industry sectors with transaction values in the $5M to $50M range.