Gateway Bank & Trust Co. Launches Online Banking

Business Wire, April 7, 2000

Business Editors

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2000

Retail customers can now bank at their own convenience at Gateway Bank & Trust Co., the regional community bank based in Elizabeth City, N.C., since Gateway has launched its retail online banking service.

With only a computer, a modem, and Internet access, customers can bank 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Online banking allows customers to view their accounts, make transfers between accounts, use electronic bill payment, and open accounts, as well as a number of other features and benefits.

"Our online banking service is part of our strategy of being a high-tech, high-touch bank," said Gateway President and Chief Executive Officer D. Ben Berry. "Our goal is to provide customers with all of the products and services, including those that are technology-based, that would be found at large regional and national financial institutions, while offering the personalized touch expected of a community bank."

Gateway Bank offers commercial lending services, checking accounts, corporate accounts, certificates of deposit and credit cards. Gateway Bank also provides mortgage loans, retail loans, equity loans, personal lines of credit and other related financial services, as well as brokerage services that are provided through its Gateway Investment Services, Inc. subsidiary. Insurance services and products are available through Gateway Dowd & Twiddy, which has locations in Edenton, Hertford, Elizabeth City and Nags Head, N.C.

Gateway Bank began operating in December 1998. In December of 1999, the bank moved to its permanent headquarters at 1145 North Road Street in Elizabeth City, N.C. Gateway Bank acquired the former Triangle Bancorp branches in Roper and Plymouth, N.C. in February of 2000.