FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2008

A Business Without Capital Is No Business At All

PHOENIX- You've got a great startup… so does everyone else. It takes more than a good business idea to get financing these days, but knowing how to do it can be a golden ticket to success.

"All profitable business owners have at least one thing common-they know how to access capital," said Senior Vice President of Lending for Sonoran Bank, Frank X. Coumides.

On February 27, Frank will speak at the Bringing the Gap Luncheon Series on "Raising Capital and Financing Alternatives for Emerging Businesses." His presentation will highlight the process banks go through when evaluating a loan request. The event, hosted by the Hispanic Business Leadership Council, will be located at the Arizona Club (201 N. Central Ave., #3700; Phoenix, AZ 85004) between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Advance registration is required at www.phoenixchamber.com. Cost is $20.

Frank X. Coumides has over 14 years of experience in the financial services industry. As the Senior Vice President of Lending for Sonoran Bank, he is responsible for loan administration and assisting business owners with their total financial relationship. He is also responsible for structuring, negotiating, and underwriting financing agreements. Frank is an active member of the Arizona Mexico Commission, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and is on the Small Business Finance CDC Loan Committee.

For more information please contact Tracey Lewis at (480) 706-6880 ext. 128.