BUSINESS NETWORKING

Sterling Business Network Group's mission is two-fold: first, to bring commercial banking and financial services to middle-market businesses, and second, to create networking opportunities by hosting a series of seminars and sports marketing events. Through the co-sponsorship of these events, a business or professional firm can take advantage by entertaining and marketing to their clients as well as meeting other professionals. We're different. We were created to help mid-size businesses identify and solve problems as well as capitalize on new opportunities. We do this by working directly with business owners; and by partnering with CPAs, attorneys, investment advisors and other resource professionals to deliver products and services to their clients. Sterling therefore, adds value to those professional relationships.   According to the November 2, 2002 issue of Crain's New York Business, "In search of better service about a year ago, Tom Policano moved his accounting firm's business to Sterling Bancorp. What the Berdon partner got surprised him. Since joining up with Sterling, the accounting firm and its new bankers have launched a joint marketing effort, holding 12 seminars in the area on topics ranging from risk management to family business and four sports networking events at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant." "In the process, Berdon has picked up more than 100 customers... the relationship with Sterling is very close," says Mr. Policano. "There are tremendous marketing opportunities between the two firms."   Sterling's long-time clients include manufacturers, importers and exporters, retail businesses, contractors, as well as professionals such as healthcare providers, engineers, architects, attorneys and accountants. Sterling's Business Network Group adds an important dimension to service for these clients. If Sterling National Bank can't create exactly what 's needed to help our client's business grow, we steer them to the appropriate source wherever it may be. It's simple-we create long-term relationships by treating every business customer as a private banking client-we do what's best for you-every time. Sterling National Bank has been in business for over 70 years and we offer a full range of banking and financial services. In fact, we provide the same products that "big" banks offer, with full Internet banking capabilities. And perhaps more critical-we deliver these products and services with Sterling's traditional "high-touch" personal service. All of our professionals, right up to our President and Chairman, are fully accessible to every Sterling client. Please contact the Business Network Group to learn more about how your company can grow your business.