FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BELZ FACTORY OUTLET WORLD BRINGS "SICO" THE ROBOT TO THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Memphis, Tenn. (May 9, 2000) -- Belz Factory Outlet World will bring SICO (pronounced SE-CO), the world’s only robot who has a membership in the Screen Actor’s Guild and has visited The White House, to The University Medical Center’s Trauma and Children’s Center, 1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, on Monday, May 22nd from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

During his stay in Las Vegas, SICO will visit the Children’s Center playroom and individual children’s rooms to brighten their day with his humor and enthusiasm.

Later that same day on Monday, May 22nd, SICO will perform at Belz Factory Outlet World - Las Vegas from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., where shoppers can personally meet and interact with him. Shoppers can also bring their cameras to take a picture with SICO as a souvenir.

SICO will also attend the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) convention on Tuesday, May 23rd. He may be found at the Belz Enterprises booth at 1252 Twelfth Avenue on the following dates: Tues., May 23rd from 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Wed., May 24th from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Thurs., May 25th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A product of International Robotics, Inc., SICO possesses the most sophisticated robot communication technology in the world. Due to a new technology called a “microprocessor controlled guidance system,” SICO can respond “spontaneously” to conversation, seemingly without assistance from any operators. With his ability to adjust his speech, mannerism and behavior to fit any age, social level or environment, SICO creates a tremendous impact wherever he is.

SICO stands six feet tall and has a body that is especially well animated for a very life like presentation. He can also speak up to seven languages, serve food and drinks, and even dance -- talents that have landed SICO appearances on numerous television shows, including the soap opera “Days of Our Lives”, where he was a cast member for over a year and won a Special Performance Award. He also appeared in the movie “Rocky IV”.

“SICO is the perfect visitor to a children’s hospital because the children love him and forget all their cares for that moment,” says Andrew J. Groveman, President of the Belz Factory Outlet Division. “Whenever Belz brings SICO to Las Vegas, we make sure he has the opportunity to make a child smile. We also encourage the general public to meet SICO at Belz Factory Outlet World - Las Vegas.”

Belz Factory Outlet World - Las Vegas is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of the famous Las Vegas strip, at 7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South. The mall is home to famous name manufacturers such as Nike, Off 5th - Saks Fifth Avenue, Reebok, Speigel, Levi’s, Waterford/Wedgewood, Lennox, Danskin, Nine West, Calvin Klein Outlet and The Greg Norman Collection.

Belz Factory Outlet World - Las Vegas is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

With headquarters in Memphis, Belz Enterprises is a multi-faceted real estate company with more than 25 million square feet of developed property including over 40 shopping complexes, ranging from community shopping centers to regional malls. In addition to Las Vegas, Belz developed and manages Factory Outlet Worlds in Lakeland and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Orlando, Fla. where the company also operates the Belz Designer Outlet Centre. Most recently, the company opened a Belz Factory Outlet World in historic St. Augustine and is developing the first enclosed factory outlet mall in Puerto Rico. In addition, Belz owns and operates the 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville, Tenn. Belz also developed and owns a group of premier hotels, including the flagship Peabody Hotels in Memphis and Orlando.

# # #