Aimbridge Indirect Lending Expands Dealer Network Through Strategic Partnerships; Indirect Lending Leader Adds Additional Resources to Michigan Credit Union Market First

DENVER--Aug. 1, 20057, 2005--Aimbridge Indirect Lending announced its plans to expand the management of its dealer network through partnerships with contractor channels in specific geographic areas, beginning with the Great Lakes Companies, one of the largest providers of creditor services in Michigan. Great Lakes Companies has been supplying insurance products to the Michigan auto market for more than 20 years and works with more than 500 dealerships in the state. Aimbridge Indirect Lending connects credit unions with automotive dealer networks to provide automobile loans.

"It was a natural fit for our companies to partner," said Ann Schmitt, COO of Aimbridge. "Aimbridge is a trusted partner for our credit union customers. Although we have long-standing relationships with automotive dealers in Michigan that we continue to build upon, we are always looking at ways to expand our reach. This is particularly important in markets like Michigan where we have a large program covering the entire state."

Per the partnership, Great Lakes will assume assigned automotive dealer relationships on behalf of Aimbridge in the Michigan market. Based on Great Lakes' previous experience in the market and two decades of automotive industry expertise, Aimbridge saw this as an opportunity to give credit unions in Michigan greater service, heightened dealer coverage and more options. Great Lakes will assist Aimbridge in managing sales and service activities with Michigan auto dealers, and Aimbridge will manage the relationship with Great Lakes on behalf of the credit unions.

In addition to managing the loan activity at the dealership level, Great Lakes will be introducing the first lender sponsored debt cancellation program at the indirect loan level. Debt cancellation products allow the lender to provide consumer protection though a lender controlled format. The program provides fee income to the credit union, which offsets loan acquisition costs.

"Aimbridge is a trusted name in the credit union market," John Braganini of Great Lakes said. "Their technology is the best we have seen of its kind, and our dealers agree. This partnership allows both organizations to focus on the markets they serve best. The credit unions and dealers get stellar service from organizations they have worked with long-term, and management in both markets is allowed to focus on serving dealers who need to sell cars and loan officers who need to make quality loans."

Chris Truelson, SVP of Sales at Aimbridge, said, "Deeper relationships with the dealers ensure better service and loans for our credit unions. This gives our credit union customers the needed dealer reach and touch in our Michigan market. The Great Lakes relationship, as an extension of our own efforts, accomplishes that goal." Aimbridge's indirect lending program is web based and tailored to meet the individual needs of each credit union and dealer. In addition to Michigan, Aimbridge has already successfully reached 15 markets nationwide.

About Aimbridge

Founded in 1984, Aimbridge markets financial products, such as auto loans and insurance products through partnerships with credit unions. The company helps its partners attract members and deepen their relationships by providing members with more reasons to do business with their credit unions.

Aimbridge Lending is comprised of four divisions, including Aimbridge Indirect Lending, Aimbridge Financial Services and Aimbridge Disposition Services. The company is headquartered in Denver and has remote offices throughout the United States.

For additional information, visit www.aimbridge.com.