First Time Ever, In The History Of This Coveted Award,
                          A Banker Makes The Finals

    SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Riter, Chairman of
American Chartered Bank, was named a finalist in the Services Category of
Ernst & Young's 1998 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the first time ever in
the award's history a banker was selected as a finalist.  Winners were
announced at an Awards Banquet held Friday, June 19th at the Fairmont Hotel in
Chicago, IL.
    Each year, the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs vie to be
chosen for the top honor in their class: The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the
Year Award.  Hundreds of individuals are nominated, and an independent
national panel of judges, facilitated by the Center for Entrepreneurial
Leadership, select the finalists.
    It's not surprising Riter made the finals.  His story exemplifies the
spirit of entrepreneurship, the fundamental principle upon which the award is
based.

    An Entrepreneurial Success Story
    Riter attributes the bank's success to his (and that of his partner and
President of the bank, Daniel K. Miller), entrepreneurial approach to the
business of banking. Founded by Riter in 1987 and joined by Miller soon
thereafter, American Chartered has become one of the most successful banks in
the industry, amassing assets of more than $330 million in its short eleven
year history.
    From the very beginning, Riter's goal has been to set a new and innovative
standard for service in banking.  Through a combination of state-of-the-art
products and services, a clear understanding and appreciation of the
challenges that are unique to private enterprise, and the compilation of
exceptional human resources comprising some of the industry's top talent, both
Riter and Miller remain true to the course they charted 11 years ago: to stay
independent and to be the best bank in markets which they serve.
    Integral to American Chartered Bank's success has been its people.
American Chartered Bank has a unique compensation strategy aimed at attracting
and retaining professionals of extraordinary background and skill.  Bankers at
American Chartered Bank are more than employees - each has the opportunity to
hold a position of ownership in the bank.
    By hiring fewer but more effective people, Riter minimizes costs and
utilizes the advanced technology tools to enhance productivity and further
reduce operating expenses.  These efficiencies gained through careful
management of the bank's resources are passed on to customers in the form of
better service, lower rates on loans, higher rates on deposits and lower
service charges.
    In addition, it's a priority at American Chartered Bank to be accessible,
flexible and responsive to customers at every level of the organization.
That's why if you step inside the bank, you will find the bankers, including
the Chairman and the President, aren't sequestered in offices, but they're
right on the bank floor ... always accessible to serve customer's personal and
business needs.
    The company one keeps as a finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of
the Year Award includes a special breed of individual.  Someone who believes
in the entrepreneurial spirit and as such, makes a real difference in the
industry and to the people which they serve.  Riter exemplifies that special
breed of individual.  And the panel of judges for the 1998 Entrepreneur of the
Year Award honored him by selecting him as a finalist this year.

    About American Chartered Bank
    Founded in 1987, American Chartered Bank is an independently-owned, full-
service commercial bank servicing privately owned small and medium-sized
businesses and individual customers in the Greater Chicago area.  Focused on
providing outstanding service and economic value to the people and businesses
in the communities which it serves, American Chartered Bank has become one of
the most successful banks in the industry, posting asset growth of more than
30% in 1997.  American Chartered Bank is headquartered in Schaumburg with
branch locations in Palatine, Lake Zurich and Bartlett.

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