The Internet and Banking, Or The Future Is Here, To Be Focus of Bank Marketing Winter Conference.

Leading off is David Feuerstein of Digital Equipment Corp. In a talk entitled "Discovering the Internet" he will conduct a journey through the internet to meet a fascinating array of individuals and institutions who have set up business on this great new frontier. Feuerstein will cover how information is woven together, how interactivity works, security through firewalls and tunnels and software that drives the information gathering cycle.

"A Vision of the Future" is the subject being handled by Kirk Dauksavage of Intuit Services Corporation. He will discuss the changing climate of banking and bank customers and the evolution from branch to branchless banking via the PC.

Mike Fitzgerald, Salem Five Cents Savings Bank, will address "Virtual Banking." Salem Five was one of the first to offer a virtual branch on the Internet, as well as a complete PC homebanking program and on-line bill paying service. Fitzgerald will explain why his bank chose to become an industry trend setter and give concrete reasons why other banks should consider the same moves.

"Lead, Follow or Get Trampled" is a panel discussion led by Robert Powers, Compass Consulting Group, Providence, R.I. Topics being covered in this panel discussion of the Internet and the World Wide Web include: challenges to getting started; gaining management's commitment; where to go for help; and factors in designing, maintaining and promoting a web site. Panelists include Robert Andrade of Pawtucket Credit union, Jim Vasquezi of Hudson National Bank and Glenn Johnson of Bank of Boston.

Ken Greenberg of ADirect is on the program with "Designing Your Home Page," a lesson on how to make a web site truly interactive, entertaining and informative to generate repeat traffic and sales. Plus: why your web site needs to be secured against hackers.

The Conference Closes with "A Motivational Look at The Future," by Bob Treadway, business futurist. He will offer skills and perspectives for competing in today's and tomorrow's business environment.

Members and guests are invited to attend the conference. For more information contact Karen Chapman of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce, (508) 753-2924.

The Bank Marketing Association is an affiliate of the American Bankers Association and provides marketing information, education and other services to financial institutions. The New England Chapter counts 150 financial institutions among its members.

CONTACT: James R. Rice Lori L. Teske, V.P

Senior Marketing Manager or Citizens Bank

Bank of Boston Providence, R.I.

617/434-1422 401/456-7486