SAN DIEGO, Dec 10, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Suzy's Zoo, a long-time card, stationary and gift company in San Diego, has selected U.S. Bank's Retirement Solution to assist the company with its $3.2 million 401(k) plan.

Retirement Solution is a fully bundled 401(k) retirement plan product that offers flexibility and customization, funds for every style of investor, and technological advancements while easing the administrative burden.

"Our employees will find retirement planning much easier and convenient, so we're excited about U.S. Bank providing our 401(k) plan services," said Suzy Spafford, CEO of Suzy's Zoo. "We've been pleased with the profit sharing plan U.S. Bank has provided us, as well as their customer service. U.S. Bank has helped us customize our plan design and proven they can provide more flexible recordkeeping solutions."

"Suzy's Zoo is an established and growing company, and we are proud to provide the company with the U.S. Bank Retirement Solutions 401(k) product," said Diane Thormodsgard, president of U.S. Bank Institutional Trust & Custody.

"This expanded business with Suzy's Zoo is the perfect example why U.S. Bank is the best banking option for businesses in San Diego," said Robert Armstrong, president of U.S. Bank in San Diego. "U.S. Bank has every financial service available under one roof."

Founded in 1967, Suzy's Zoo's endearing animal characters have attracted a large and loyal following of fans the world-over, with the company selling both an everyday and seasonal selection of cards, stationery, arts and craft projects and other paper and gift items. Little Suzy's Zoo characters adorn one of the most important staples in any baby's life - diapers. Little Suzy's Zoo diapers are sold exclusively at WalMart. Children's publishing giant, Scholastic, is launching the first line of books featuring "Suzy's Zoo" characters.

U.S. Bank Institutional Trust & Custody is a division of U.S. Bank N.A. that focuses on retirement, investment and custody services to institutional clients. Its product offerings include retirement plans (401(k), profit sharing or money purchase pension plans), institutional custody and master trust services.

U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets in excess of $174 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,133 banking offices and 4,680 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. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.

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

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SOURCE: U.S. Bank