LA JUNTA, Colo., Jun 25, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tri-County Housing and Community Development Corporation (TCHCDC) named U.S. Bank "Banking Partner of the Year." The award was presented to Alice Birch, president of U.S. Bank in Pueblo at the non-profit organization's annual award dinner recently. Birch oversees U.S. Bank community projects and activities in La Junta, Pueblo and Canon City.

"We are very pleased with how U.S. Bank has been so responsive to the needs of our organization," said Suzanne Buchner, executive director of Tri-County Housing. "U.S. Bank was chosen by the staff and board because of its interest in funding a portion of our accounting software, a much needed operational tool that has been difficult to obtain funding for."

"U.S. Bank is honored to receive this award," said Birch. "We are proud to partner with Tri-County Housing and delighted to offer support for their important programs that help strengthen our community and house our families."

TCHCDC is a non-profit organization that serves Bent, Crowley and Otero counties. Its mission is to serve people and communities in need of safe and sanitary housing. By instilling pride and responsibility, TCHCDC will stabilize families and communities. Tri-County Housing will be a resource for technical assistance in housing issues, infrastructure and facilities development, along with community revitalization for the community it serves.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets in excess of $182 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,200 banking offices and 4,582 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 U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.

SOURCE: U.S. Bank

CONTACT:          U.S. Bank
                  Amy Frantti, 612/303-0733
                  amy.frantti@usbank.com

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SOURCE: U.S. Bank