Rocky Mountain Bank Forms Alliance with One of Arizona's Top Mortgage Banking Companies

Business Wire, March 17, 1999

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 1999--Rocky Mountain Bank (OTC BB:RMQK) has announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with American Bantrust Mortgage Services Corp. (ABT), one of Arizona's largest, locally owned full service mortgage banking companies.

Under the alliance, a full range of mortgage products (such as residential mortgages and home equity loans) will be available at Rocky Mountain Bank's branches through the resources of ABT.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with American Bantrust for numerous reasons," said Bill Frank, president and chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Bank.

"American Bantrust's reputation and level of prestige are impressive, and we are proud to announce our association with them. Most important, however, is the level of service they can provide to our customers."

The alliance with ABT allows Rocky Mountain Bank to further enhance and diversify the lending products available at its locations, added Frank.

As a result, competitive residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and credit lines, products which the bank feels will be in high demand in their various trade areas, will be available to the bank's customers. At the same time, a mechanism is provided for ABT to increase its market penetration in areas in which Rocky Mountain Bank is located.

ABT, one of Arizona's largest, locally owned, full-service mortgage banking companies, was founded in 1984. ABT originates, sells and services real estate loans from land acquisition and development through construction and permanent financing in residential, multi-family and commercial real estate developments.

ABT is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to originate and service FHA and VA loans. They additionally originate and service loans for GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, as well as 30 other major investors.

ABT's home office is located in central Phoenix, with additional offices in Prescott, Payson, Pinetop and west Phoenix. They also lend in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Montana.

"We are eager to work with Rocky Mountain Bank and to have a loan officer in their locations," said Roger Mason, ABT's president and CEO.

Rocky Mountain Bank was founded in 1989 by a group of Arizona business leaders to address the need for a high-quality, locally owned and operated business bank.

A Preferred SBA Lender, Rocky Mountain Bank specializes in personalized service for the business, consumer and professional markets in metro Phoenix and other identified growth areas.

Note to Editors: Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.