(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 15, 2003 ) Houston-based Encore Bank has established a residential mortgage lending division which will complement its existing second mortgage and construction financing operations to offer full mortgage service to home buyers and those interested in refinancing.

Russell E. Chase and Terri Chase have joined Encore Bank to manage the new division which will be called Encore Mortgage Company. Russ Chase will serve as president and Terri Chase as vice president. The Chases owned Golden Financial Services, which they formed in 1989 as a comprehensive originator of home loans in Texas. Both are licensed Texas Mortgage Brokers, and have been active as officers in the Texas Association of Mortgage Brokers, the Houston Association of Mortgage Bankers, and the Greater Houston Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Russ Chase earned a B.A. from Rice University and is a past president of the Texas Association of Mortgage Bankers. Terri Chase is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

"We are pleased to expand our banking services to homeowners," Encore Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James S. D'Agostino, Jr. said in making the announcement. "Highly personalized service is the hallmark of Encore Bank and Russ and Terri Chase will bring this dedication along with their considerable experience and expertise to our customers."

Encore Mortgage Company will offer a full range of residential first mortgage products with an emphasis on being the premier portfolio lender for jumbo and super-jumbo mortgages in Houston.

About Encore Bank:

Encore Bank, founded in 1928, is privately owned and headquartered in Houston. With more than $1 billion in assets, the bank is well capitalized and positioned for its planned further expansion.

Currently, Encore Bank has financial resource centers in Houston as well as centers in suburban Boston and Belleair, Clearwater, Fort Myers and Sun City Center, Florida. The bank offers personalized assistance to individuals in managing their financial resources. It offers private banking products and services to a broad range of individuals. Its financial resource centers offer clients a unique experience in which they can conduct banking, research investments, ask questions of bank experts, and socialize in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

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Produced for Encore Bank

CONTACT:
Rhonda Carroll
Senior Vice President
(713) 787-3118

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Contact Information:
Encore Bank
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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