SRII Speaking Roses International Inc (GM)

Speaking Roses International Inc. (OTCBB: SRII) today announced a new affiliation agreement with Mrs. Fields Gifts Inc., the company renowned for its premier brand of cookies and other premium gifts. Roses embossed with personalized messages will be available on the Mrs. Fields Web site beginning Jan. 10 and featured on the cover of the Valentine's Day gift catalog that is distributed to more than 3 million customers worldwide. "We are pleased to be associated with an internationally recognized brand known for uncompromising dedication to quality and a wide array of product offerings," stated John Winterholler, president and chief executive officer of Speaking Roses International Inc. "An affiliation with Mrs. Fields gifts is consistent with our strategy of growth and product availability to customers everywhere." The affiliation with Mrs. Fields is a major step in the fulfillment of the e-commerce strategy of Speaking Roses, which recently redesigned its Web site to make ordering flowers online easier and more convenient for Internet customers. Online floral sales are expected to exceed $800 million dollars annually in the United States. The company believes the new www.speakingroses.com Web site positions it to capture an important portion of this growing market while offering customers the ability to personalize any floral gift. "We're constantly in search of gifting solutions with a personal touch that can surprise and delight both giver and recipient alike," said Greg Berglund, president of Mrs. Fields Gifts Inc. "We're pleased now to be able to add the finest fresh-cut and personalized flowers from Speaking Roses to our broad selection of quality gifts." Speaking Roses International Inc. (www.speakingroses.com or 800-801-9855) specializes in full floral services, including personal gifts, weddings, funerals, and corporate promotions. With a unique, patented embossing technology, Speaking Roses is able to print customized messages, pictures and logos directly on the petals without damaging the flower. This cutting-edge technology allows customers to create a personalized gift for any occasion. Speaking Roses has registered the patent in more than 100 countries worldwide. Based in Utah, Speaking Roses has production facilities in Salt Lake City, Chicago, Miami, Bogota, and Aalsmeer. Mrs. Fields Gifts Inc. (www.mrsfields.com or 800-COOKIES(R)) markets a broad selection of gifts for every occasion under the Mrs. Fields brand name on the Internet and through gift catalogs. Begun in 1988 with two product offerings, Mrs. Fields Gifts now offers more than 200 different gift items, including premium baked cookies and brownies, fresh fruit baskets and a full selection of other gourmet snacks and treats. Based in Salt Lake City, Mrs. Fields Gifts Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, LLC. This release contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A list of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or underlying, these forward-looking statements is detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as its annual and quarterly reports.