CT Small Business Woman Named As Finalist for the American Express™ and Make Mine a Million $ Business™ National Event

~ Nanci Lewis of Sweet Rexie’s one of twenty five national finalists ~
NORWALK, Conn.--(Business Wire)--
Business growth program, Make Mine A Million $ Business selected Nanci Lewis of
Sweet Rexie’s as one of the twenty five business women finalists selected to
compete at the Hollywood, Florida event on December 11, 2008. The exciting event
will feature female entrepreneurs from across the nation who will compete to
help their businesses grow into million-dollar enterprises. For this event, more
than 1,500 applications were submitted in hopes of securing one of the finalist
spots. Selection criteria were based on a company’s potential to reach target
revenue goals, a credible marketing strategy, competitive strengths and
experience of management.

Described as a cross between “The Apprentice” and “American Idol,” the
competition provides these finalists the opportunity to present their business
model to a panel of business experts and a live audience. Fifteen winners will
be chosen by the audience and judges who collaborate on the selection process.

Nanci Lewis is Founder and President of Sweet Rexie’s, a retail shop in historic
South Norwalk, CT near the famed Maritime Center. When entering this colorful,
fun filled store, you are greeted by a giant candy wall of 200 candies including
old time favorites to assorted gummies that light up. Sweet Rexie’s also hosts
birthday parties and special events in the store to bring friends and families
together. The store features educational toys and unique gift baskets for
corporate clients, and individuals. In a difficult year for most retailers,
Sweet Rexie’s projects revenues to be up by 10%. The store also supports many
worthy organizations like The American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes and the
March of Dimes.

Since opening in 2004, Sweet Rexie’s has won 14 awards for Best Candy Store,
Best Gift Baskets and Best Kids Parties from publications including Boston
Magazine’s Best of New England, Connecticut Magazine and Best of the Gold Coast.
“Our focus is on creating a fun-filled experience that makes a lasting
impression, said Lewis. “We offer quality products, creative packaging and great
personal service so our customers want to come back again and again.” To learn
more about the store’s events or purchase gourmet treats and gifts for any
occasion, visit http://www.SweetRexies.com

About Count Me In and Make Mine a Million

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national
not-for-profit provider of resources, business education and community support
for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow micro businesses to million dollar
enterprises. Count Me In launched the Make Mine a Million $ Business to inspire
one million women entrepreneurs scale their businesses to a million dollars in
revenue by 2010 by providing tools, skills and the support of a nation-wide
community of peers.

The Make Mine a Million $ Business program has garnered support from
organizations joined to make an impact in women’s lives while strengthening the
US economy. The impressive list of blue-chip national sponsors includes founding
sponsor American Express OPEN, AIG, Cisco, FedEx, Jet Blue, and Dell. Sponsors
provide an array of products and services that serve as invaluable tools for
growth.

Media:
For Sweet Rexies
Coldfire
Catherine Stone, 203-292-3605
cstone@coldfireinc.com
or
Count Me In
Amy Litt, 212-245-1245 x 201
Media Coordinator
alitt@countmein.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008