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BECU to Open 30 Express Service Centers
IBT assists Washington's largest credit union with expansion and growth

ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2003
BECU, Washington's largest credit union, announced plans to open an additional 30 Express Service Centers (ESC) inside Safeway grocery stores throughout the Puget Sound region. With the assistance of IBT, the nation's largest specialty retail branch and performance consulting company, BECU is growing and expanding their presence within the community.

"We have worked with IBT in the past on developing ESCs, which greatly enhanced the service we were able to offer our members," said Grace Semingsen, vice president of member services for BECU. "We consider IBT one of our strategic partners. In recent years, our members have consistently expressed an interest in more ATMs and BECU locations. With the assistance of IBT we are meeting those needs."

IBT consultants have developed a unique branch design to better meet BECU members' needs and complement the service offered at its traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Each ESC platform is automated and will consist of several kiosks and ATMs, allowing members to complete transactions while shopping for groceries. In addition to the kiosks, there will be at least two sit-down areas and a consulting counter allowing BECU staff to further assist members. The ESCs will enable BECU members to conduct daily banking activities at convenient Safeway locations.

"Both BECU and Safeway are committed to quality service and together we can help satisfy the needs of our customers and members in the Puget Sound region," Semingsen said. "Our partnering with Safeway gives the BECU membership added value."

IBT consultants are involved with every phase of the ESC development process including the design and construction of the facilities. The first two ESCs are slated to open in October 2003, and the remaining centers are scheduled to open from November 2003 through 2005. We have a long-standing partnership with BECU, and their success is our primary focus," said John Nicola, senior vice president of sales for IBT. "We have naturally progressed from assisting BECU with the development of its first five Express Service Centers four years ago to the 30 centers we are currently opening within the Safeway stores. We have also improved our designs to better meet the needs of BECU members."

About BECU
BECU has more than 330,000 members and its two main financial centers are located in Everett and Tukwila. With assets of more than $4.4 billion, BECU is the largest credit union in Washington and the fourth largest financial cooperative in the country. The credit union also has nine Express Service Centers. After introducing the new Safeway ESCs, BECU will have 39 locations in the Puget Sound Region. For more information about BECU, visit www.becu.org.