AFS was recently named the ICBA's preferred service provider for check imaging solutions. The "Fast Track Check Imaging Program" that AFS developed for the ICBA's member institutions is an ideal solution for community banks under $250 million in assets that are looking to acquire their first "in-house" check imaging solution. The AFS Fast Track ImageVision System provides a comprehensive check imaging solution that can be fully operational in less than six weeks. AFS offers pre-configured solutions designed to meet the unique parameters of the community banking market at special negotiated rates for ICBA member banks.

Due to AFS' bold timeframes, the AFS "Fast Track" implementation services team completed a fully operational check imaging installation in only six weeks. First Heritage Bank first met with AFS on November 3, 2003 and went live by December 15th with a broad range of check imaging capabilities, out of the box, including proof of deposit (POD), image statement capability, power encode, AFS DREAM (automatic reject repair) courtesy amount recognition (CAR), signature verification, online check image research, Home Banking Interface capability, and connectivity to the Endpoint Exchange Network for check image exchange, clearing and settlement. This accomplishment sets a standard within the community banking market, where flexibility, speed, and new image-based capabilities are of prime concern.

"The AFS-ICBA Fast Track Check Imaging Program exceeded all of First Heritage Bank's expectations," said Stephanie Paglia, Vice President of First Heritage Bank. "Our check imaging implementation is a testimony to the commitment of AFS to the community banking market. Community banks across the country now have undeniable proof that state-of-the-art check imaging technology is now readily available at a very affordable price."

A recent ICBA-InFinet Resources Technology Survey shows that community banks are becoming more sophisticated in their use of check imaging technology, with 52% of ICBA member banks indicating that they will be evaluating image-check clearing networks in the next 12 to 18 months. These banks see membership in a national check image exchange network providing a critical market advantage in a post Check 21 image based processing environment. The AFS-ICBA Fast Track Check Imaging solution will empower community banks to realize the full potential and benefits of the Check 21 legislation.

"We are delighted to see First Heritage Bank become the first AFS-ICBA "Fast Track" customer for check imaging," said Chuck Butler, AFS General Manager for Channel Sales.

"This program helps First Heritage Bank reap the benefits of check imaging today while providing a flexible platform for taking advantage of the opportunities presented when the Check 21 Act becomes effective later this year."

"We have been extremely satisfied with the installation expertise, customer support and the training offered by the AFS Fast Track Team," remarked Robert Bryce, the president and CEO of First Heritage Bank, Snohomish, Washington, and an AFS user. "AFS has demonstrated dedication to the community bank market and we look forward to a very long and successful partnership with them."

AFS will be demonstrating the Fast Track Check Imaging solution at the upcoming ICBA National Convention and Techworld Conference being held at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego, Calif., March 14 - 18, 2004.