Blade Energy Partners Named 2007 AGGIE 100 HONOREE

COLLEGE STATION, TX. (Friday, October 26, 2007) – Blade Energy Partners of Frisco, TX is among the firms selected for the 3rd annual “Aggie 100” list of the fastest-growing companies owned and operated by Texas A&M University former students. The program is sponsored by Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship. Blade Energy Partners was recognized as number 19 on the list.

Texas A&M is represented within Blade Energy Partners by each of the following individuals: Philip Frink ‘80, Founder and Executive VP – Training and Organization, Patrick Brand ‘81, Founder and Executive VP – Operations, Lynn Wrinkle CPA ‘80, Office/Accounting Manager, Sharat Chandrasekhar PhD ‘95, Senior Technology Development Engineer and John Bowling ‘94, Well Design Engineer.

The 100 companies with the highest compound annual revenue growth from 2004 to 2006 were recognized at a formal luncheon at The Zone Club at Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field on Friday, October 26, 2007. The honorees are also featured in the November 2007 issue of Texas Aggie published by The Association of Former Students.

“Texas A&M is proud of making the Aggie 100 an annual event to celebrate Aggies who have gone on to create businesses that are thriving not only in the U.S., but also around the world,” says Richard Scruggs, executive director of the Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship.

A complete Aggie 100 list can be viewed at www.aggie100.com

BACKGROUND

The Aggie 100

The Aggie 100 program, one-of-a-kind at the college level, was created by Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship, whose mission is to provide encouragement, education, networking and assistance to entrepreneurially-minded students, faculty and Texas businesses. Aggie 100 is a unique way for Texas A&M University to demonstrate its pride in the accomplishments of its former students while enriching the educational experience for today’s students.

While there are many ways to define business success, the Aggie 100 focuses on growth as an indicator of job creation, product acceptance and entrepreneurial vision. The Aggie 100 program identifies, recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses in the world.

Companies were required to meet the following criteria:

In business for 5 years or more as of June 30, 2007,

Verifiable revenues of $100,000 or more for calendar year 2004, and

Operations consistent with the Aggie Code of Honor.

Additionally, the company had to meet one of the following leadership criteria:

A Texas A&M University former student or group of former students must have owned 50% or more of the company from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006,

A Texas A&M University former student must have served as the company’s chief executive (for example chairman, CEO, president or managing partner) from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006, or

A Texas A&M University former student must have founded the company and been active as a member of the most senior management team from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006.

The Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Texas A&M’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship develops, disseminates and assists in the application of entrepreneurial knowledge. Founded in 1999, the Center is part of Mays Business School’s Department of Management. The Center enhances student education through campus speakers, competitions, work experiences and financial support. Texas A&M faculty and Technology Commercialization Center benefit from the Center’s educational programs, extensive business community network and the Center’s entrepreneurial services. The Center also reaches out to the state’s business community offering educational programs, business assistance and access to University resources. The Center is supported by corporate and individual members and sponsors who believe in the value of an entrepreneurial education program and the potential of Texas businesses interacting with Texas A&M University.