ATLANTA, May 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Citizens Bancshares Corporation (OTCBB:CZBS), parent company of Citizens Trust Bank ("CTB") announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Marketing Solutions Inc., for their flagship customer relationship management product ("CRM"), CONNECTIONS. This project is yet another example of CTB's commitment to improving customer service and satisfaction.
CONNECTIONS is a CRM tool that allows CTB to optimize marketing programs that promote the acquisition of new accounts and the retention of existing customers. CTB branch staff will use the CRM system to offer custom banking solutions that fit customer financial needs. CONNECTIONS will shorten the turnaround time for communication and allow CTB letters and mailings to reach customers in half the traditional time of direct mail. In addition, CONNECTIONS will provide management with profitability statistics and return on investment information for marketing campaigns.
"Our goal for the CRM is just that... Customer Relationship Management," says James E. Young, President and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank. "Today's customer requires relationship banking and a relationship manager that can take care of everything from the children's savings account to a commercial line of credit for a growing small business. We are that one stop shop."
CTB's marketing and technology committees anticipate the launch of several new initiatives geared toward increasing customer service and satisfaction in 2005. In addition to the CONNECTIONS CRM, CTB announced last week the launch of their new state-of-the-art website at www.CTBconnect.com.
About Citizens Trust Bank
As the leader in the financial services industry, Citizens Trust Bank prides itself on offering a full range of quality banking products and services. Since 1921, the Bank has continued to fulfill its mission to promote financial stability and business development, stress the principles of thrift, and make home ownership a reality. Today, CTB remains dedicated to neighborhood and small business growth, development and advancement through community reinvestment.
Citizens Trust Bank is the third largest African American owned financial institution in the nation and has 84 years of history, assets of more than $340 million and nine offices throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, two branches in Birmingham, and one in Eutaw, Alabama. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, CTB offers its common stock over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web at http://www.CTBconnect.com.