U.S. Bank/Firstar Five Star Advantage Now Available Through Starcraft RV Dealers

    ATLANTA & TOPEKA, Ind.--April 25, 2002--The Five Star Advantage, a special financing package that is available to recreation vehicle (RV) dealers through an agreement between U.S. Bank and Firstar and Jayco, Inc., is now available to Starcraft RV, Inc. dealers. Jayco extended the offer to its counterpart, Starcraft RV, following the successful launch of the program among Jayco dealers.
    Jayco, one of the nation's leading manufacturers of RVs, made U.S. Bank and Firstar its preferred lender in November 2001 to provide special financing options to consumers through Jayco dealers. Since then most Jayco dealers have taken advantage of the program and more dealers continue to sign-up, which demonstrates the competitive advantage it gives them in the RV marketplace.
    Some of the highlights of the Five Star Advantage include: competitive pricing, seasonal dealer programs, a dedicated credit staff, priority service for Jayco and Starcraft RV dealers, dedicated regional sales manager, a national promotional program and a non-prime financial program for credit-challenged customers through a partnership with American Investment Bank (AIB). The program makes RV ownership available to more customers, particularly those who do not qualify for traditional financing. For instance, customers who do not qualify for traditional financing may be approved through the AIB program. AIB is one of only two companies in the nation that offers non-standard financing on recreational vehicles.
    "A program that has seen tremendous success just got better now that Jayco has extended this offer to Starcraft RV dealers," said Chris Renn, vice president and director of national operations in the Recreation Finance Division at U.S. Bank and Firstar. "We are thrilled to bring this successful program to Starcraft RV dealers, who in turn will be able to help more people achieve their RV dreams."
    "This wonderful new opportunity to expand our financing to Starcraft RV dealers will be managed by Cindy Stroble, who will serve as the relationship manger," said Jeff Smith, vice president of national sales and marketing at U.S. Bank and Firstar. Stroble is the northeast regional sales manager in the Recreation Finance Division. "We're particularly enthusiastic about this relationship as Starcraft RV approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2003," Smith added.
    Service is a priority at U.S. Bank and Firstar, represented by the Five Star Service Guarantee. "Our goal is to bring customers the highest level of service that they've ever experienced from a financial institution," Smith said. "More than anything, we're committed to providing the best people, the best attitudes and the best service, or we'll credit their account."
    Jayco, Inc., based in Middlebury, Indiana, is one of the nation's leading builders of recreational vehicles. The company makes and markets folding camping trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers and motorhomes. Those wishing additional information about Jayco products can call 1-800-RV-JAYCO or visit the Jayco web site jayco.com.
    Starcraft RV, Inc., based in Topeka, Ind., has a long history of innovation and market leadership, dating all the way back to 1903. Founded in the heart of northern Indiana's Amish country, Starcraft originally produced livestock tanks and other metal farm equipment. In 1964, Starcraft entered into the RV industry with a line of folding camping trailers. The camper's innovative features quickly earned Starcraft a major share of the RV market. Starcraft grew to become a dominant full-line RV manufacturer that today offers soft- and hard-side truck campers, folding camping trailers, and both lightweight and full-size laminated travel trailers and fifth wheels in the United States and Canada. To learn more about Starcraft RV products and services call 1-800-945-4787 or visit them on the web at starcraftrv.com.
    Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp , with assets in excess of $165 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,147 banking offices and 4,929 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 Firstar Bank and U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com and Firstar Bank at firstar.com.