NATIONAL WOMEN’S CLOTHING CHAIN PICKS SCOTTSDALE-BASED COMPANY FOR PHOTO SHOOT
~Chico’s Shoots March Catalog at Loreto Bay~

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (March 2, 2006) -  Shoppers of the popular upscale women’s clothing chain Chico’s will get a taste of old Mexico when looking through the March 2006 catalog, available at stores nationwide, as it was shot entirely in Loreto, Baja, Mexico where Scottsdale-based Loreto Bay Company is developing The Villages of Loreto Bay.

“We were very pleased that Chico’s featured Loreto Bay in their catalog because it gives people from around the country a chance to discover the undeniable charm and beauty of one of Mexico’s best kept secrets,” said Debra Stevens, vice president of marketing for Loreto Bay Company.  “Chico’s did an amazing job capturing the essence of Loreto Bay. Each page conveys the authenticity and artisanal of Loreto and the warm outdoor lifestyle that Baja is known for.”

Loreto Bay is located approximately 700 miles south of San Diego along the Sea of Cortés in Baja California Sur. The Villages of Loreto Bay is a $3 billion project that will create a town of approximately 6,000 homes in pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods. The project includes development of a world-class Beach Club and Spa, Golf Club, plus space for retail, entertainment, artisans’ village and recreational facilities. Of the 8,000 acres encompassed in the master plan, 5,000 will be maintained as a natural “green lands” preserve. This area will have trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, plus areas for organic farming and orchards. 

Loreto Bay was identified by FONATUR, Mexico’s tourism development agency, more than 20 years ago as one of five prime tourism destinations in Mexico, the others being Cancun, Los Cabos, Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo and Huatulco. Loreto Bay has launched with strong success; the Founders’ Neighborhood is sold out with homes in Phase II moving quickly. Loreto Bay has sold nearly 600 homes, representing approximately $250 million in sales over the past two years.

About Loreto Bay Company:
Loreto Bay Company, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is developing The Villages of Loreto Bay, a series of seaside villages in walkable neighborhoods built near the historic fishing village of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.  The Villages of Loreto Bay will be a showcase for sustainable development practices.  Founded in 2003, the company is led by Chairman David Butterfield, President and CEO Jim Grogan and CFO Tom Nolan.  For more news and information, visit www.loretobay.com.