United FCS Distributing Nearly $5 Million in Cash Patronage

WILLMAR, Minn., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- As a result of a strong operational performance in 2007, United FCS, ACA is distributing $4.8 million in cash patronage -- a return of a portion of the Association's net earnings -- to eligible customers. United FCS customers and members in Wisconsin and Minnesota will begin receiving payments this week. This distribution puts the combined total patronage to customers at nearly $27 million since formation of United FCS in 2002.

"The success of United FCS is a direct reflection of the success of our customer base and exceptional staff," said Marc Knisely, CEO of United FCS. "Thanks to everyone's ongoing support, United FCS posted strong financial results again this year."

"The cash patronage program is a financial benefit we are proud to offer United FCS customers and members because we know that the strength of our cooperative is dependent on our customers and members maintaining a healthy bottom line. Celebrating and sharing the cooperative's success with members is one element of our ongoing commitment to the farmers and customers we serve in Wisconsin and Minnesota," said Knisely.

United FCS also recently implemented structural enhancements to help streamline the cooperative. At the beginning of the year, United FCS shifted from four wholly owned subsidiaries to the standard two subsidiary structure common in the Farm Credit System. As part of this initiative, the Association is also transforming the former subsidiary brands to the United FCS name.

"We look forward to implementing the new United FCS brand in the marketplace. Although our signs will be changed, customers can continue to count on the same great service, great staff, 12-convenient branch office locations, and online service at http://www.unitedfcs.com/," said Knisely.

"We are excited about this internal structural change because it will create operational benefits by fully leveraging the strength of the partnership while supporting a common unified approach to serving our customers and rural communities," said Jerold Harris, Chairman of United FCS. "Thanks to our shareholders, customers and a committed staff, we achieved great results in 2007 and look forward to another strong year in 2008."

United FCS, a part of the National Farm Credit System, serves nearly 4,400 customer-members with a primary focus on a 22-county service area in West Central Minnesota and North Central Wisconsin providing loans, leases and a wide array of financial services.

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Source: United FCS

CONTACT: Marc Knisely of United FCS, +1-320-214-5024

Web site: http://www.unitedfcs.com/

2008-02-26 18:52:28 0298956 PRNEWSWIRE