Nominations Open for 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards

Business Wire, August 27, 2002

Business Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2002

U.S. Bank and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts invite nominations for the 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards. In its eleventh year, the awards honor individuals and institutions who make a valuable community difference through their contributions to the region's artistic and cultural resources. The U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards are presented in four categories: Vision, Initiative, Commitment and Education.

"The U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards have recognized some of Minnesota's most inspired and dedicated artists and cultural organizations," said John Murphy, Minnesota State Chairman, U.S. Bank. "U.S. Bank is honored to be a part of this exemplary group of individuals and organizations who enrich our community and make Minnesota a great place to live."

Last year's honorees included the Minnesota Fringe Festival (Vision), Maya Lopez-Santamaria (Initiative), Philip Brunelle (Commitment) and Pillsbury House Theatre's Chicago Avenue Project (Education).

"Receiving the Sally Ordway Irvine Award in the Vision category gave the Minnesota Fringe Festival recognition in a more visible, prestigious and tangible manner than ever before. The award places the Fringe in such honorable company and it lends credibility to our mission and achievements," said Leah Cooper, executive director of the Minnesota Fringe Festival. "This award will make an impact on our organization well into the future."

Nominations for the 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards are open to the general public. Nomination forms are available by calling U.S. Bank at (612) 303-4615, or online at www.ordway.org. Nominations are due on or before September 16, 2002. Individuals and/or organizations chosen to receive a U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Award are presented with a crystal trophy and a $2,500 cash award. Representatives from Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, U.S. Bank, immediate past Sally Award recipients and professional grantsmakers and other leaders from the broader arts community select the award recipients.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is recognized as one of the top non-profit performing arts centers in the nation. Its mission is to increase understanding and enjoyment of life, society and the world through the creation and presentation of the performing arts. Dedicated to serving the entire community, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts produces outstanding theatrical works, presents the finest performances of theater, dance and music, provides a performing home for some of the Twin Cities' most vital arts organizations and serves thousands of children and adults each year through education and community programs. Please see Ordway Center for the Performing Arts web site at www.ordway.org.

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets in excess of $173 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,131 banking offices and 4,818 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.