FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

RECEIVED 8,750,000 SHARES OF SURGICARE, INC.

Kemah, Texas – October_22, 2004 American International Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: AMIN) today announced that it has received 8,750,000 shares of SurgiCare, Inc. (AMEX: SRG) in connection with the conversion of its remaining 900,000 shares of SRG series AA convertible preferred stock as previously announced on August 13, 2004.

At SRG’s most recent stockholders meeting, the majority of its stockholders approved several acquisitions. AMIN believes that SRG’s business strategy is to acquire other health care companies that are well positioned in the fast growing health care industry.

AMIN further believes that its significant equity position in SRG will substantially increase in value and underlines AMIN’s strength and vision in investing in profitable business opportunities.

American International Industries, Inc. is a growing holding company, with interests in Industry, Finance, Real Estate and a growing Oil & Gas segment. AMIN intends to pursue potential acquisitions using its financial resources and management expertise to grow acquired businesses, improve access to capital and achieve economies of scale, in order to improve revenues, operations and profitability. Periodically as opportunities present themselves, we may sell or merge the subsidiaries in order to bring value to the holding company and our shareholders.

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 the Company's products and services, increased levels of competition, new products and technology changes, the dependence upon financing, third party suppliers and intellectual property rights, the rules of regulatory authorities and risks associated with any acquisitions. 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: aiii@wt.net