Applied Card Systems and Cross Country Bank Commit $11 Million for Relief Effort.

Business Editors

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2001

Applied Card Systems and Cross Country Bank announced today that they have committed $1 million toward assisting relief efforts stemming from last week's terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and another $10 million for the purchase of war bonds as soon as they become available. Additionally, the companies will match funds pledged by their 4,500 Associates nationwide.

"In this time of national crisis, corporate America and indeed all Americans must pull together and support both the victims of this horrific event as well as our President as he orchestrates our nation's response. The ramifications of these senseless acts will continue to affect many Americans for months to come and we hope our effort, when combined with so many others that are underway, will be a source of comfort for those directly impacted by the tragic events that have occurred," said Rocco Abessinio, Chairman of Applied Card and its affiliate Cross Country Bank.

"Applied Card Systems and Cross Country Bank are pleased to be able to make these commitments to aid the relief efforts. On behalf of our Associates, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to all the victims and the families affected by this terrible tragedy, and our heartfelt thanks to the rescue workers who are making a Herculean effort," Abessinio concluded.

Applied Card Systems and Cross Country Bank, headquartered in Wilmington, DE, specialize in the nontraditional credit card market. Applied Card Systems also has operation centers in Boca Raton, FL, Huntington, WV, Ashland, KY and Beckley, WV.