Payday Check Advance Inc. Largest ``Payday Operator'' in Greater Chicago Area!; Payday Check Advance Ended First Quarter With 32 Operating Stores

Business Wire, August 4, 1999

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1999--

Sonoma Financial Corporation/VictorMaxx Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: VMAX) today announced that their subsidiary Payday Check Advance Inc. operating under the name "Payday Express", grew from 23 stores in December 1998 to 32 operating locations becoming the largest "Payday Advance" chain in the Greater Chicago area.

Payday Check Advance Inc. operates a chain of stores that provide convenient, low documentation, short term consumer loans to qualified applicants. The Company has grown from 2 stores in 1997, 23 stores in 1998 and has become the largest operator in Chicago with 32 stores as of March 31,1999.

       PAYDAY CHECK ADVANCE INC. LOCATIONS AS OF MARCH 31, 1999

Tyler Creek Plaza, Elgin, IL
1825 Sibley Blvd., Calumet City, IL
Larkin Ave., Crest Hill, IL (Joliet Metro)
4710 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
103rd and Western Ave., Chicago-Evergreen Park
Forest Preserve Plaza, Harlem and Irving
Astoria Plaza, 64th and Pulaski, Midway Airport
Southfield Plaza, 87th and Harlem
1621 S. Halsted St., Harvey, IL
Golfwood Plaza, Niles, IL
Canterbury Plaza, Niles, IL
7757 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL
Melrose Place S.C., Melrose Park, IL
668 N. LaSalle St., Chicago IL
Liberty Plaza, Matteson, IL
Churchill Square, Schaumburg, IL
1333 S. Harlem Avenue, Berwyn, IL
Plaza de Campagna, 229 W. Grand Ave., Bensenville
1639 W. Irving Park Rd., Hanover Park, IL
716 31st Street, LaGrange Park, IL
Maple Plaza, 1221 Maple Ave., Lisle IL
Farmwood Plaza, Lake St. and Itasca Rd, Addison, IL
Palatine Plaza, Hicks Rd. and Route 14, Palatine, IL
Lorlyn Plaza, 940 E. Roosevelt Rd., West Chicago, IL
Marketplace at Barbers Corner, Bolingbrook, IL
6602 N. Second St., Loves Park, IL
Bedroom Plaza, 302 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL
Auburn St. and Central, Rockford, IL
Bishop Plaza, 47th and Bishop, Chicago, IL
3713 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL
227 Greenbay Rd., Waukegan
2228 W. Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL

"The payday advance industry continues to gain acceptance with consumers. Banking overdraft (NSF) fee's are typically in excess of $25.00 and put a black mark on your checking record. In those cases a payday advance is a responsible solution to a NSF charge, saving our customers embarrassment and money. The "payday advance" industry is consumer driven and the its growth is nationwide, Sonoma Financial Corp. plans to capitalize on its success in the Greater Chicago market by moving into neighboring states," stated Frank Anthony Contaldo, CEO of Sonoma Financial Corp.

Sonoma Financial Corporation is a financial services company that owns and operates a chain of stores devoted to providing low documentation, short term consumer loans. The company intends to become the national leader in the "Payday Loan" market by strategically opening new stores, penetrating new markets and by chain acquisition. Sonoma Financial is currently the only publicly traded company with a sole focus on 'payday advances'. Ace (NASDAQ:AACE) and First Cash Financial Services (NASDAQ:FCFS), have proven the viability of the concept in other markets, but are not specifically focused in this area. A complete investor package is available at http://www.virtualir.com/vmax.> Safe Harbor Disclaimer: This release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's expected performance for future periods, and actual results for such periods may materially differ. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks of changing market conditions in the overall economy and the industry, consumer demand, additional financing requirements, the opening of new stores, the success of the Company's acquisition strategy and other uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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