Announces $100,000 Webpreneur winner

February 5, 2001

Magic reveals which e-magine Webpreneur will win $100,000! Last summer, Magic Johnson and the e-magine with Blue for Business contest awarded small businesses the resources they needed to put their businesses on the Internet. Since then, they have been battling it out online in a race to become the best overall Webpreneur.

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Amex: Now, since we all can't wait to find out who the winner is, let's get started! Welcome, Magic Johnson!

Magic: Thank you for asking me to come back and announce the $100,000 e-magine contest winner. It is an honor to be able to represent small business owners across the world. I'm incredibly excited to reveal who the winning Webpreneur will be, so let's get this announcement rolling.

Amex: First, before you announce the winner, we would like to ask you a few questions about what you've been up to since the contest's kickoff last spring.

Magic: Well, I'm just happy to be continuing my business with Starbucks, with the twenty-two stores. And my business with T.G.I. Friday's, I now have two restaurants. Magic Johnson Theaters, we now have five theaters. And, Magic Johnson Records, my first artist went platinum, and I'm really happy about that. And we're building my first Magic Club, with 24 hour fitness, it's Magic's Health Club. So I'm happy.

Amex: Was it easy for you to make the transition from Magic Johnson the NBA legend to Earvin Johnson the successful businessman?

Magic: It was easy because I had capital. It was hard because I had to gain knowledge, and sort of go back to school again and learn the different businesses that I am in. I think it's been a lot of hard work, and the hard work has paid off.

Lava King: What are some of the Web businesses currently up and running that have impressed you?

Magic: I guess America Online is one. Inside.com. Probably the WallStreetJournal.com. And I gotta have my sports, so ESPN.com!

Katie 2001: How big of a presence do you think the Web can become? Do you think that we may eventually get to a point where almost all business is conducted online?

Magic: I think so. I think you can conduct business so much faster, I think it's easier to do business online, as well as you can do business around the world online. It's just amazing how much you can get done in a day now. You can see how business is changing so much, and it may not all be on the web, but it will be on the Palm, and different gadgets that they are using now for business, hand held devices.

Amex: For you on a personal level, what is the appeal of the Internet and e-commerce?

Magic: Well, the Internet has helped me out in my businesses. Starbucks, you know what we have, where our locations are, what's on the menu. You can buy theater tickets from the Magic Johnson Theaters online. I've purchased cars online, I've purchased jackets for different people, and myself, furniture…I mean, you name it. And then just getting information.

Amex: Thank you so much, Magic, for sharing your thoughts on the e-business and how the Internet is changing small business. Coming from an extremely respected businessman, I know all of our chat participants will benefit from the tips and experiences you have shared with us. And now for the moment we've all been waiting for--it's time for Magic to announce the e-magine Webpreneur $100,000 winner! Magic?

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