Incubator Graduate AST Nominated
for Ernst & Young Award

Melbourne, Fla. – May 25, 2004 – Technological Research and Development Authority Incubator Network Director, Heidi Brandow announced Florida/NASA Incubation Center (FNBIC) client, American Services Technology (AST), has been nominated for the 2004 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Awards in a diverse range of industry categories are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Brandow nominated AST for the award as a show of continued support for the company.

The first client to enter the incubator, AST graduated from the FNBIC in 1998. The company has grown over 733% in the last 5 years, bringing in revenues of $7.2 million in 2002. Providing logistics, maintenance and support services for government contractors and the military, American Services Technology entered the incubator with only two employees in 1996. Today they employ a staff more than 100 and continues to grow.

“American Services Technology represent a true incubation success story,” says Heidi Brandow, TRDA incubation network director. “Incubation focuses on establishing a solid foundation and accelerating growth. Clearly the growth experienced by AST benefited from the nurturing environment and networking connections FNBIC has to offer.”

American Services Technology works mainly with defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Computer Sciences Raytheon and Space Gateway Support along with government agencies such as the United States Air Force, United States Army and the Department of Energy. Late last year the company was ranked among the top small operations in the nation on the coveted Inc 500, a list that recognizes companies and industries that are driving the economy forward based on sales growth and job creation.

As a show of continued support for the company, Brandow nominated AST for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. The company was recently honored as a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Florida Awards program, June 24 at a black-tie awards banquet at the Peabody in Orlando. The event, which celebrated the success of Florida’s best entrepreneurs, recognized innovative business leaders whose contributions are vital to our economic future.

Florida’s Technological Research and Development Authority, established by the Florida Legislature in 1987, delivers the successful and cost-effective transfer of cutting edge technologies to schools and small businesses throughout the State of Florida. Through strategic alliances with NASA, the federal government, the aerospace industry and state partners – including the Department of Education and the Department of Community Affairs – TRDA is giving Floridians the edge to successfully compete in the new millennium. TRDA sponsors programs that enhance education and economic development within the state.