Markesan State Bank Implements Community Banking Systems' Net.Check Suite of Imaging Products

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2006

Bank Reduces Cost and Increases Efficiency with Electronic Filing and Delivery of Checks

DALLAS -- Community Banking Systems (CBS), a provider of check imaging products and services for community financial institutions, announced that Markesan, Wis.- based Markesan State Bank has successfully implemented its Check 21 module, check imaging statements, proof of deposit with branch capture and data retention center. With more than $75 million in assets, the bank uses CBS' Net.Check suite of imaging products to exchange electronic images with the Federal Reserve.

Markesan State Bank experienced a trend in rising courier costs that initiated research for check imaging providers. The bank considered six vendors before choosing CBS for its reliable service and its ability to decrease costs while still enabling the bank to grow. Within two months of selecting CBS, the Net.Check suite of products had been implemented and immediately began enhancing profitability.

"In response to rising costs associated with shipment of paper transactions, CBS' Check 21 and imaging modules gave us the opportunity to reduce our clearing costs significantly," said Dan Kok, vice president and financial analyst at Markesan State Bank. "Since implementation, we have increased overall efficiency and kept rising courier costs at bay, leading our region in image technology advancement. The staff at CBS has provided us with excellent support, enabling us to uphold our 115 year commitment to quality customer service."

"Markesan State Bank considered several different imaging solutions to ensure that their customers, employees and bottom line would all see the benefits," said Sean Pennock, president of Community Banking Systems. "CBS continues to provide services that help community banks capitalize on the returns that imaging technology has long provided to larger banks, helping them to remain competitive and expand their service offering. Markesan State Bank is one such bank that has proactively enhanced operations on all levels."

Portions of check imaging technology are protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 5,910,988 and 6,032,137, held by DataTreasury Corporation (DTC). DTC patents were issued in 1999 and 2000 for image capture, centralized processing and electronic storage of document and check information. Currently, it is the subject of a series of high-profile patent-infringement lawsuits DataTreasury has filed against a number of banks and financial-services companies. Through Community Banking Systems' patent license agreement with DataTreasury, CBS' bank and credit union customers do not have to worry about legal implications associated with the patent. For more information on the DataTreasury patents, visit www.datatreasury.com.

About Markesan State Bank

Locally owned and operated since 1891, Markesan Wis.- based Markesan State Bank was founded on a commitment to confidentiality, quality of service and reinvestment into the growth and development of the local community. The bank began expansion in 1990 and currently includes two additional locations, serving Green Lake, Dodge, Columbia, Marquette, and Fond du Lac counties. For more information on the bank, please visit: www.markesanstatebank.com.

About Community Banking Systems

Dallas-based Community Banking Systems (CBS) employs the most advanced back office imaging technology built solely and specifically for community banks. With a unique combination of technology and process improvement expertise, CBS helps banks improve their customer service and reduce costs by streamlining their imaging operations. Commitment to the independent bank is reflected in the quality of customer care, the industry experience of the CBS team, the design of CBS' software products and the implementation of CBS services.

For more information, visit www.combanksys.com.