MINNEAPOLIS, Mar 07, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB)

The top five percent of approximately 400 U.S. Bank commercial bankers were recently honored for excellent performance in 2004, creating strong, trusting relationships with business customers that translated into high customer loyalty and new business for U.S. Bank. The awards were presented at a black tie gala at The Plaza in New York City on March 5.

The number one commercial banker for 2004 was also named. He is James Wening, vice president of commercial banking for U.S. Bank in St. Louis.

"Running a healthy business starts with a healthy financial foundation so businesses need to place an extraordinary amount of faith and trust in their financial partner," said Jerry Grundhofer, chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. Bancorp, parent company of U.S. Bank. "These bankers put their customers first and deliver exceptional service day after day, in every conversation and every interaction. They are remarkable professionals who have set new standards for excellence across the board."

The top performing commercial bankers at U.S. Bank for 2004 are:

-- Kendra Bach, vice president in Cincinnati,

-- Andrew Backstrom, vice president in Reno, Nev.,

-- Josephine Bennett, vice president in La Jolla, Calif.,

-- Michael Capanyola, vice president and market manager in Bellevue, Wash.,

-- Denettesue Corrales, vice president in Las Vegas,

-- William Hronek, senior vice president in Cincinnati,

-- Michael Katz, vice president in Denver,

-- R. Bryan Kroeger, vice president in Cincinnati,

-- Kelvin Liebelt, vice president in Overland Park, Kan.,

-- Karen Nelsen, vice president in Omaha, Neb.,

-- Lisa Odom, vice president in Minneapolis,

-- Timothy Petty, vice president and team leader in Overland Park, Kan.,

-- Thomas Sherman, vice president in St. Louis,

-- Ryan Stipe, vice president in Las Vegas,

-- Jon VanderStek, vice president and managing director in Salt Lake City,

-- Mary Pat Williams, vice president in Madison, Wis. and

-- James Wening, vice president in St. Louis.

Winners were treated to a weekend in New York City, which included the gala at which they were honored. They received a trophy and monetary award, along with a framed version of a commemorative announcement in the Wall Street Journal honoring their success.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets of $195 billion, is the 6th largest financial holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,370 banking offices and 4,620 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 www.usbank.com.

SOURCE: U.S. Bank