Minnesota Community Bankers Showcase Cutting-Edge Technology Customer Convenience & Security Top List of Priorities ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 700 community bankers from across the Upper Midwest gathered today at St. Paul's RiverCentre for TechXpo - The Upper Midwest Community Banking Technology Exposition, a trade show featuring the latest technology for online banking, security and identity management. The focus of the exposition is to provide community bankers with access to the latest advances in technology so that they can provide their customers with convenient and secure banking services. TechXpo is sponsored by the Eagan-based Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota (ICBM). TechXpo showcases new data and check processing technology, data communications, and security technologies including biometrics. The biometrics exhibits include Palm Scanner technology, finger print reader systems, and technology that identifies and blocks computer hackers. At the "Security Lab" attendees witness demonstrations that show the vulnerabilities of home computers and software that can prevent online intrusion. "TechXpo provides community bankers an opportunity to learn from vendors and each other the many ways we can enhance the banking system and provide more effective delivery of financial products to our customers," said Will Haddeland, ICBM Executive Director and CEO. "TechXpo also provides community bankers with opportunities to learn how to ensure that their systems are secure, and how to implement information management and identity management systems that keep financial data secure and help protect customers against identity theft," he added. "Community bankers have a special bond with our customers because we are part of the community," said Jim Kisch, Vice President of Sunrise Community Banks in St. Paul. "We don't just keep money safe, we keep families safe. For community bankers it's about building relationships and protecting the interests of people you really care about and that starts with providing the best security systems." "Technology has given our customers more power over how they use their resources, but for it to work for them we ensure that we have high-security systems in place to protect their assets," Kisch added. "Technology for banks covers not only the Internet, but also shows banks how to position themselves to meet the changes in legislation, such as 'Check 21,' which should be signed by President Bush in November," explained Leo Stadnik, Director of ICBM's Technology Resource Program. "'Check 21' positions banks to send check images from one bank to another to 'collect' the check instead of having to send the actual check itself. Check imaging-the storing of check images electronically-is becoming more prevalent among community banks. What this means for customers is higher security and more convenience. Imaging, coupled with a bank's Internet banking product, allows customers to view their checks online. Since customers can view the checks sooner it also reduces fraud, and customers don't have to worry about storing their cancelled paper checks," Stadnik explained. TechXpo attendees also learned about current legislation, changes in check and electronic transfer methods and security audit procedures at six education sessions. TechXpo concludes on Wednesday. DATASOURCE: Independent Community of Bankers of Minnesota CONTACT: Kathy Royce, +1-651-253-6638, or Tom Kelly, +1-612-309-3303, both for Independent Community of Bankers of Minnesota

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