AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

(NasdaqCM "AMIN")

601 CIEN STREET, SUITE 235, KEMAH, TX 77565-3077

Tel: (281) 334-9479 Fax: (281) 334-9508

www.americanii.com - Email: amin@americanii.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

DECLARES 20% STOCK DIVIDEND

 

Houston/Kemah, Texas – March 14, 2008 American International Industries, Inc. (NasdaqCM "AMIN") Mr. Daniel Dror, Chairman and CEO, announced today that the board of directors of American International Industries, Inc. have declared a 20% stock dividend. The record date will be Friday, May 16, 2008 and the payment date will be Wednesday, July 16, 2008. The Company stated that the 20% stock dividend is consistent with the yearly dividend policy of the Company. AMIN is considering a special dividend of shares of Hammond Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: "HMDI") common stock to all AMIN shareholders in a ratio to be determined. HMDI closed at $0.40 per share on March 13, 2008.

Mr. Dror further stated that the Company previously announced a repurchase of its common shares, due to the under value of its shares in the market. To date, the Company has purchased 23,162 shares under this plan, at an average price of $4.65 per share. The Company is limited in its ability to purchase its own shares, due to regulation of stock repurchase programs under the Federal Securities Laws related to volume, price and timing of purchases.

American International Industries, Inc. is a diversified holding company, with a business model similar to General Electric, Tyco International, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Company has holdings in Industry, Finance, and Real Estate in Houston Texas and surrounding areas, and Oil & Gas. The vision of the Company is to develop holdings in various industries through acquisition of existing companies, applying the financial resources and management expertise to foster the growth and profitability of the acquired businesses. The holding company serves as a financial and professional partner to the management of the subsidiaries. The role of the holding company is to improve each subsidiary’s access to capital, achieve economies of scale by consolidating administrative functions, and utilize the financial and management expertise of corporate personnel across all units. The Company is continuing to work with management of the subsidiary companies to improve revenues, operations and profitability.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Safe Harbor Statement:

The matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical information provided herein may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that we may anticipate in each of our segments reflected by our subsidiaries' operations include without limitations, continued acceptance of our products and services, continued growth in the energy sector, increased levels of competition, the dependence upon adequate financing, third party suppliers and the ability to hire and retain qualified management for its operating subsidiaries, and the regulatory environment in the segments in which we operate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis, judgment, belief or expectation only as of the date hereof.

Investor Relations: Rebekah Ruthstrom Tel: 281-334-9479 email: amin@americanii.com