MEI Pledges $20,000 to the Gaming Industry Katrina Relief Fund

Business Wire, Sept 8, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- In support of gaming employees and casino operations devastated by Hurricane Katrina, MEI has announced it will match the first $20,000 donated by exhibitors and individuals at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. MEI plans to contribute all funds raised to the Gaming Industry Katrina Relief Fund established by the American Gaming Association.

MEI will challenge companies exhibiting at the show and other gaming operators to lend their support by making a contribution at any of the ten kiosks the American Gaming Association will have located on the show floor. The relief fund is designed to assist an estimated 14,000 displaced casino workers and their families. Donations may be made by cash, check or credit card and are tax-deductible.

Thomas Nugent, Vice President of Gaming, stated, "We are saddened by the devastation and personal losses suffered by the people of the Gulf states. Gaming has been an important economic factor in states such as Mississippi and Louisiana during the past ten years, and MEI is committed to seeing individuals in these areas once again employed in the gaming sector. We hope that MEI's contribution is matched by dozens of other companies exhibiting at the Global Gaming Expo. Our thoughts and our prayers are with those most affected by this tragedy."

MEI is a leading supplier of currency acceptors used in the casino gaming, vending, retain and transportation industries. Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is the international gaming trade show and conference "by the industry and for the industry." Organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, G2E made its debut in fall 2001, defining itself as the pre-eminent show for the gaming-entertainment industry. The American Gaming Association is the industry's trade association in Washington, D.C. and provides education and advocacy for the gaming entertainment industry. To learn more about the Gaming Industry Katrina Relief Fund or to download a donation form, please visit www.americangaming.org/fundtoolkit.cfm. For information on MEI products and services, visit www.meiglobal.com or call 1-800-345-8215.