Applied Card Systems and Cross Country Bank to Close in Observance of September 11

Business Wire, August 30, 2002

Business Editors

BOCA RATON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2002

In commemoration of the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, all offices of Applied Card Systems and its affiliate, Cross Country Bank will be closed.

Rocco A. Abessinio, Chairman and CEO of the privately held companies said, "It is our way of paying tribute to the heroes of 9/11. Our country was deeply effected by the terrorist attacks and the lingering effects will be felt for years to come, particularly by the families, friends and associates of those who lost their lives." Abessinio added, "We must not forget those who were killed and the fact that our country must remain on guard against its enemies. Therefore, we are supportive of the growing sentiment of making the observance of September 11 a national holiday."

Applied Card Systems and Cross Country Bank, which donated $1 million to the September 11th Fund last year, employ approximately 4,500 Associates. Applied Card has operations centers in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; Boca Raton, Florida; Huntington and Beckley, West Virginia; and Ashland, Kentucky. Cross Country Bank is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and is a leading issuer of credit cards in the nonprime market.

"This day off will provide our Associates time to reflect, in their own way, the significance of this memorial observance," Abessinio said.