AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union Expands Its In-Store Branching Program; Second Largest Financial Institution in Alaska Incorporates In-Store Branches

Business Wire, Oct 24, 2001

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2001

International Banking Technologies (IBT), a retail design, build and performance consulting company for credit unions, regional and community banks throughout the United States, Latin America and Canada, announced that it has signed an agreement with AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union to open three more in-store branches -- two in the Seattle-area Quality Food Centers (QFC), and one in an Alaska Fred Meyer store.

AlaskaUSA, headquartered in Anchorage, is the second largest financial institution in Alaska. The credit union engaged IBT to install its existing 10 in-store branches (nine in Alaska and one in Washington) because of IBT's knowledge of and expertise in retail banking needs, cited Helen Curry, retail sales manager for AlaskaUSA. The credit union, which has more than 225,000 members implemented in-store branches to increase and improve member relationships and convenience.

Curry said: "AlaskaUSA is continuously looking for ways to make access to its services easier for members. The installment and operation of in-store branches expands regular branching hours. This allows members to conduct regular credit union business at more convenient times while allowing us the opportunity to broaden our reach using a smaller staff and facility."

IBT helped AlaskaUSA incorporate its in-store branches effectively into supermarkets (Carr's and Safeway) and Fred Meyer supercenters. The company facilitated a retail branch expansion for the Alaska credit union by locating ideal store environments, negotiating the terms for attainment of desired location, supervising onsite construction and facilitating activities between the retailer, vendors and AlaskaUSA.

In addition to retail branch deployment, IBT also assists AlaskaUSA with branch performance support services including staffing, sales training, operations support, marketing and promotions. Curry said: "IBT continues to provide constructive input on how AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union can maximize the value of retail branches. The company is a resource for fresh ideas on how to enhance member service. In the future, we plan to open more in-store branches with IBT."

"In-store branches allow credit unions to improve the ability to serve their members, and the fact that AlaskaUSA is expanding their number of in-store branches is a testament to the benefits," says John Nicola, Senior Vice President of International Banking Technologies. "International Banking Technologies is committed to assisting credit unions and other financial institutions in developing and instituting successful in-store branches."

About AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union

AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union is the second largest financial institution in Alaska. It has more than 225,000 members and $1.7 billion in assets. AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union has been serving members for over 50 years and has a total of 32 branches in Alaska and Washington.

For additional information about AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union, visit the company's Web site at www.alaskausa.org.

About International Banking Technologies

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, International Banking Technologies (IBT) is a retail branch design/build and performance consulting company that offers construction, training and consulting services to financial institutions. Aiding organizations to expand their presence through the placement of branch facilities in supermarkets, supercenters, and storefronts, IBT has worked with 450 financial institutions and 175 retailers in Latin America, Canada and the United States - representing more than 2,000 branches.

Established in 1985, IBT is the largest in-store branching consulting company and is a recognized industry leader. IBT is owned by Howard Via, LLC. Via also owns Viacon, Inc., a leading construction and custom millwork company based in Stockbridge, GA.

For additional information about IBT, contact Kim Chimene at 520.797.4081 MST or e-mail kim.chimene@ibthv.com. Visit the company's Web site at www.intbantec.com.