CAMBRIDGE, MA - April, 27, 1998 - General Interactive, Inc., a leading provider of unified intelligent messaging for relationship marketing, today announced that it has awarded Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre their 1998 Grant for Artistic Achievement. The Grant is awarded annually to artists and performers who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity.

General Interactive is committed to supporting the arts and the world's struggle against racism and discrimination. This year's grant was given in recognition of the contributions made by the late Alvin Ailey and his continued living legacy -- The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. The dance theatre will be awarded a $40,000 web-site designed under the direction of Zoe Helene, chief creative officer for General Interactive, Inc.

"We are proud to have the opportunity to create the Alvin Ailey web-site. It has been a pleasure to meet and work with this unique group of performing artists. Judith Jamison's artistic direction brings drama to the stage and keeps the dream's of the late Alvin Ailey alive. This is our opportunity to honor the dancers and choreographers who blend together and try to make the world a better place for all people," says Ms. Helene.

Since it was founded 40 years ago, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 18 million people in 67 countries, helping to realize the late Ailey's belief that "dance is for everyone". Under the direction of Denise Jefferson, a prestigious faculty trains approximately 3,000 students annually at the school's spacious studios at the Dance and Design Center. Students are drawn from every part of the world, contributing to a multi-cultural richness in dance performances.

About General Interactive
General Interactive, fuses art and information to create award-winning intelligent messaging and relationship marketing solutions. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, General Interactive has additional offices in Washington, D.C and Madras, India.

General Interactive's global customer base and marketing programs feature qualified corporations throughout the United States. For more information about General Interactive, visit the company's World Wide Web site at http://www.echomail.com or contact EchoMail, Inc., 66 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138; phone (617) 354-8585, ext. 210; email: Press@EchoMail.com.