Silver State Schools Credit Union Partners with Albertson's to Open In-Store Branch

Business Wire, June 5, 2002

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2002

IBT assists Nevada's second largest credit union in

expanding its service

International Banking Technologies (IBT), a retail branch design/build and performance enhancement company that works with financial institutions to place branches in supermarkets, supercenters and storefront locations, announced Silver State Schools Credit Union has opened its fifth in-store branch location in a Las Vegas Albertson's.

Since September 2001, IBT has helped the credit union penetrate the in-store market by providing everything from building and design concepts to the delivery of a completed facility and all necessary training for the employees.

With more than 46,000 members and 13 locations, Las Vegas, Nevada-based Silver State Schools Credit Union has been growing at an average of 15 percent for the last eight years. According to Dave Rhamy, president and CEO of the Credit Union, the market in Las Vegas is rapidly expanding, and the institution could not open branches quickly enough to serve all its members and potential members. "The in-store concept has given us the ability to open branches in a more timely manner. Now we can reach our members everywhere because Albertson's are located throughout the state."

IBT has created specialized sales training courses that help credit union personnel sell in a supermarket environment. Its training focuses on the art of speaking with shoppers in the aisles of the store and stresses the importance of building relationships and opening multiple accounts for each new customer. The courses also help the credit union personnel understand how to qualify a potential member and overcome any objectives that may arise.

"The sales approach at an in-store branch is very different from the approach used in a brick and mortar office," Rhamy said. "In an in-store branch environment, not everyone who walks through the door is a member of our credit union. IBT helped us educate our employees on how to work in this type of environment and uncover the shoppers' banking needs. Developing a relationship with the shopper is one of the keys to success."

John Nicola, senior vice president of IBT, said, "In-store branching has allowed Silver State Schools Credit Union to reach members and potential members in a rapidly growing marketplace. Our goal is to accommodate the credit union's need for efficiency and simplicity. We look forward to working with them on future branch development."

Silver State Schools Credit Union is scheduled to open at least two more in-store branches in the next 15 months.

About Silver State Schools Credit Union

Silver State Schools Credit Union was founded in 1951 and has more than 46,000 members in the Las Vegas community. The credit union operates 13 branches and has assets in excess of $450 million.

For more information on Silver State Schools Credit Union write 4221 McLeod Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89121-5215 or visit its Web site at www.silverstatecu.com.

About International Banking Technologies

Based in Atlanta, Ga., International Banking Technologies (IBT) is a retail branch design/build and performance consulting company that offers construction, sale training and performance enhancement 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 520.299.6321 MST or e-mail kim.chimene@ibthv.com. Visit the company's Web site at www.intbantec.com.