ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As part of an enterprise-wide effort to upgrade its teller automation platform and implement new customer relationship management (CRM) technology, Northwest Savings Bank (NSB) has licensed Harland Financial Solutions' Encore!(r) Solution and the Touche(r) Analyzer(tm) MCIF. With $6.5 billion in assets, Northwest Savings Bank is headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania and operates 153 branches. Harland Financial Solutions, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH).
As part of its strategic initiatives, Northwest Savings Bank began the search for a CRM system. While evaluating analytics and sales and service systems from numerous vendors, the bank decided to combine the project with a search for upgraded teller and platform automation.
After months of due-diligence, NSB decided Harland Financial Solutions' suite of retail offerings fits its needs on all fronts. "We saw real value in the integration of Encore! branch automation with Touche Analyzer business intelligence and how it could help our organization effectively execute our strategic plan," said Steve Fisher, senior vice president of operations with Northwest Savings Bank. "Encore! and Touche will deliver enriched information about our customers and products to the point-of-sale, enabling our staff to recommend financial solutions that meet the needs of each customer."
NSB, which also uses Harland Financial Solutions' LaserPro(r) lending solution, cited innovation as one of the main reasons for partnering with this vendor. "Harland Financial Solutions is doing what other vendors are only talking about doing," stated Fisher. "They have a great reputation for delivering on time and on budget. We will work closely with them to deliver customized functionality and to leverage business process improvements to enhance operating performance."
Tom Richards, executive vice president and general manager for Harland Financial Solutions Retail Solutions Group added, "We pride ourselves on transcending the normal client-vendor relationship by offering more than software. We look forward to working with Northwest Savings Bank to help them achieve their strategic objectives through increased efficiency, better service and improved cross-sales."
Encore! is a registered trademark of Harland Financial Solutions, Inc. All other brands and products or services are trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners, may be registered, and should be treated appropriately.
About Harland Financial Solutions
Harland Financial Solutions (www.harlandfinancialsolutions.com) supplies software and services to thousands of financial institutions of all sizes, offering its solutions in both an in-house and service bureau environment. The company is a leader in core systems, item processing, enterprise content management, branch automation, customer relationship management, business intelligence, origination and document solutions, risk management, compliance training, financial accounting, open documents, mortgage solutions, electronic funds transfer (EFT), self service solutions and performance advisory services.
About Harland
Atlanta-based John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH) (www.harland.net) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "JH." Harland is a leading provider of software and printed products to the financial institution market. Harland's software solutions include deposit & loan origination, platform, teller, call-center, mortgage, business intelligence, core systems and customer relationship management systems. Harland's printed products offerings include checks, direct marketing and financial forms. Scantron Corporation (www.scantron.com), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a leading provider of software services and systems for the collection, management and interpretation of data to the financial, commercial and educational markets.
About Northwest Savings Bank
Northwest Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:NWSB) was founded in 1896 and headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania. Northwest Bancorp, Inc., through its subsidiary Northwest Savings Bank, currently operates 153 community banking locations in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland and Florida. Northwest Savings Bank is a full-service financial institution offering all lines of retail and business banking products as well as trust and investment management services. The Company also operates 50 consumer finance offices in Pennsylvania and New York through its subsidiary, Northwest Consumer Discount Company.
Additional information regarding Northwest Bancorp, Inc. can be accessed on-line at www.northwestsavingsbank.com.
This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of John H. Harland Company and members of its respective management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the Risk Factors and Cautionary Statements in Harland's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed under the Securities Exchange Act.