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PHILADELPHIA, PA — August 14, 2006 — The Greater Philadelphia Venture Group (MAC Alliance), the catalyst organization promoting the Greater Philadelphia region as one of North America's top private equity markets, today announced a special rate of $100 for the first 100 entrepreneurs to register for the full 2006 Mid-Atlantic Venture Conference (MAVC) on October 4 & 5 at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown. For the first time, the MAVC will be hosting more than 100 entrepreneurs, who are the nucleus of the capital community in the Mid-Atlantic region.

"We are looking to more fully embrace entrepreneurs as a key constituent of the MAC Alliance and continue to promote networking and deal flow in the region," said Tom Balderston, President & CEO, MAC Alliance. "We hope to create an entrepreneurial friendly environment where first-time entrepreneurs as well as repeat entrepreneurs feel welcome."

Entrepreneurs interested in taking advantage of the special $100 rate will need to complete an application (form can be downloaded from www.mavc.org) and return to MAVC via fax 215.790.3601 or email (mavc@MACAlliance.com) by August 18. The application for the "Special Attendance Rate" will be reviewed by a Selection Committee and the applicants will be notified by late August if they have been accepted to receive the $100 rate.

"The 2006 Mid-Atlantic Venture Conference will be celebrating entrepreneurialism at all stages," said Barbara Dalton, Chairman, MAC Alliance. "We hope to have new and returning entrepreneurs participate as fully as possible."

Throughout its 17-year history, the Mid-Atlantic Venture Conference has earned a reputation for being on of the top private equity conferences in the region. This year's MAVC has added several new event items to the schedule including an Institutional Investor session, Angel and Technology Transfer Segments, Investor panels and a Business Development session. There will be both a technology & services and life sciences track and the schedule will include Featured Companies that represent all stages of corporate growth. The new sessions will address key issues for companies and private equity at all stages — from venture to buyout. The Greater Philadelphia region represents tremendous investment opportunity and corporate success.

The MAVC provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and visibility. The MAVC is the must-attend venture and entrepreneurial event in the mid-Atlantic region. Annually drawing over 700 participants, MAVC participants are part of one of the largest networking events of the year.

About the Mid-Atlantic Capital Alliance

The MAC Alliance's vision is to be the catalyst organization promoting the Greater Philadelphia region as one of North America's top private equity markets — from venture to buyout. The MAC Alliance's mission is to cultivate a vibrant private equity and entrepreneurial community by providing compelling programming that engages the community; superior networking and visibility that stimulates deal and capital flow; and relevant metrics that reflect our unique strengths as a region. For more information please visit www.macalliance.com.