Firstar, U.S. Bank Sign Preferred Lender Agreement With Jayco RV

    CINCINNATI & LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Nov. 27, 2001-- Firstar, through its Recreation Finance Division, has signed an agreement with Jayco, Inc., one of the nation's leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles (RVs), to be Jayco's preferred lender and provide a wide variety of financing plans to consumers through Jayco dealers.
    Called "The Five Star Advantage," the program is being introduced to Jayco dealers and customers at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association National Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 27-29. There, dealers can learn more about the program and sign-up to participate. (Those not attending the conference can call 1-800-933-9360, ext. 6303, for more information.)
    The Five Star Advantage allows dealers to offer consumers special financing on Jayco recreation vehicles that gives dealers a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Some of the highlights include: special Jayco pricing, seasonal Jayco dealer programs, dedicated Jayco credit staff, priority service for Jayco dealers, dedicated regional sales manager and a sub prime program for "credit challenged" customers through a partnership with American Investment Financial (AIF) and a national promotional program for Jayco dealers.
    The national program, which is offered through both Firstar and U.S. Bank as the two companies merge, makes RV ownership available to more customers, particularly those who do not qualify for traditional financing. Through an arrangement with AIF, customers who do not qualify for traditional financing may be approved. AIF is one of only two companies in the nation that offer non-standard financing on recreational vehicles.
    "This partnership is exciting for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it makes owning an RV possible for more people," said Jeff Smith, vice president of national sales and marketing in the Recreation Finance Division at Firstar and U.S. Bank. "We brought together three leaders in their respective industries to provide creative options for dealers and customers, and that's gratifying."
    Smith and Chris Renn, vice president and director of national operations, were brought on board earlier this year to bolster Firstar's 15-years of experience in recreation financing. "Jeff and Chris have formed dynamic teams that bring Firstar and U.S. Bank to a new level of service in this industry," said Randy Griffith, executive vice president of consumer finance at Firstar and U.S. Bank. "We are well poised to deliver unprecedented service and commitment to this exciting industry, which will create tremendous opportunities for us and our partners."
    "Jeff and his team could not have done a better job in making this partnership with Jayco a reality. The benefits to the Jayco dealers are obvious, but the opportunity for Firstar and U.S. Bank to partner with a quality manufacturer is a real win for the bank. It's a win-win situation," Renn said.
    "Firstar understands the RV industry and how to make financing options fit the needs of our dealers and customers," said Bernie G. Lambright, president of Jayco. "They also have demonstrated a commitment to service, which was very important to us, as was their ability to bring in a Canadian partner." Jayco products are sold through 325 dealerships in the United States and Canada. Firstar has a partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada, which makes Canadian financing possible.
    Service is a priority at Firstar and U.S. Bank, as represented by its Five Star Service Guarantee. "Our goal is to bring customers the highest level of service that they've ever experienced from a financial institution," Smith said. "More than anything, we're committed to providing the best people, the best attitudes and the best service, or we'll pay our customers for the inconvenience."

    Jayco, Inc., based in Middlebury, Indiana, is one of the nation's leading builders of recreational vehicles. The company makes and markets folding camping trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers and motorhomes. Those wishing additional information about Jayco products can call 1-800-RV-JAYCO or visit the Jayco web site www.jayco.com.

    U.S. Bancorp , with assets in excess of $168 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,186 banking offices and 4,937 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of Firstar Banks and U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com and Firstar Bank at www.firstar.com.