NEWS RELEASE

N.Y. Mayor Giuliani Announces Support for EPICC: Economic Patriotism in Irvine & Coast to Coast -- www.epiccusa.com

New York City and Airlines Benefit as Thousands of Americans Prepare to Visit the Big Apple Veteran's Day Weekend

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2001-- What began as a local, grassroots display of economic patriotism is now national. ``EPICC: Economic Patriotism in Irvine and Coast to Coast,'' (pronounced: ``epic,'' as in heroic) represents a coalition of unified Americans. Since its launch on Oct. 10, its Web site -- www.epiccusa.com -- has received more than 36,000 hits {84,000  as of 10/28}.

Rudolph W. Giuliani, mayor of New York City, voiced his support by sending a letter of encouragement to the City of Irvine, and the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's challenge that people throughout the nation meet in Manhattan during Veteran's Day Weekend (Nov. 9-12) -- proving that it is safe to travel and essential for the city's recovery.

``EPICC is another fine example of Americans coming together to support their neighbors and defend our way of life. EPICC sends a powerful message that Americans will not be held captive in their homes. The entire city and I thank you for your friendship and support, and we encourage all to take advantage of EPICC and enjoy a stay in the 'Capital of the World','' remarked Giuliani.

Goldstone is a city commissioner and president of Irvine-based 30 Minute Photos Etc. Cofounded along with Chris Mears, lawyer and Irvine mayor pro tem, the team organized a committee of business, political and community leaders to: restore confidence in air travel, encourage commerce in New York, unite thousands of citizens to watch the N.Y. Veteran's Day Parade and honor the victims' families and recovery workers during the second-month observance of Sept. 11.

``Thanks to the support of Delta Air Lines Inc.,'' explained Goldstone, ``a comprehensive Delta Vacations air and hotel 'Get on Board to N.Y.' travel package is now available for the entire nation to show its economic patriotism by calling: 800/423-TRIP.''

According to Mears, ``Our goal is to share our compassion and assemble citizens representing the rich diversity of our nation, including: families, business, political and religious leaders, seniors, public safety and Muslim-Americans.''

``We are proud to lend the city's unanimous support to the National EPICC Campaign. This affirms our solidarity for achieving physical and economic security. Irvine is a great American city. Our hope is to inspire hundreds of other great American cities and thousands of patriotic Americans to literally and figuratively 'get on board to N.Y.,''' Irvine Mayor Larry Agran stated.

In endorsing the National EPICC Campaign, Ed Benoe, president of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce also announced that Irvine's chamber had also become a member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and he encouraged participation as a sign of support.

``I congratulate Mayor Pro Tem, Chris Mears and Mitch Goldstone, one of our board members, for championing the cause and letting our fellow Americans know that California cares,'' said Benoe.

``This National EPICC Campaign is not a junket to the Big Apple,'' explained Goldstone, ``but rather a humanitarian mission to support New York, its retailers, restaurants, theaters, museums, public transportation and residents. The National EPICC Campaign encourages travelers -- and those who want to help but can't join us -- to visit www.epiccusa.com.''

For more info visit: www.epiccusa.com, register online then contact Delta Vacations to book your air and hotel reservations at: 800/423-TRIP.

Note to Editors: Authorization is granted for the online photos and the National EPICC Campaign logo to be reproduced by accredited media.

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