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Lasco NewsletterDecember 2010
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Partner Update
FIS named to Bank Technology News FutureNow List of 2010 - the product highlighted is DepositShield - which is a check fraud prevention solution. To read the full article, please use this link:  FIS Named To Bank Technology News 2010 FutureNow List
Lasco now offers online collaboration powered by CBANC!!
Learn how you can share online with others about policies, programs and procedures in compliance.
or
For more information about this new product, please call 800-800-6197 ext. 1060
Congratulations!! Cindy VanLuven of Old Mission Bank was our most recent giveaway winner! She received a free night's stay at The Landmark Inn, Marquette's premier Historic Hotel.  
Thank you to all who participated in our free drawing.
Did you know?

In a 2009 study by the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Marquette was named one of the Top 5 eCities in Michigan for the implementation of the WiMax program (supplying internet in the entire area for those who have a WiMax ready computer). This program also encourages entreprenuerial relocation to our city for those who are able to work from home with just an internet connection.

 

Source: www.umdilabs.com

News in Banking Technology
 - With new regulations and tougher requirements, expectations are rising for up to 1/5 of the remaining banks in the country to disappear in the next two years.*
 - American Bankers Association's recent survey shows more consumers prefer internet banking over branches or ATM's. **
 - Top three areas Dodd-Frank is predicted to effect up front are mortgages, risk management, and core systems.***
 
Sources:
* The Kiplinger Letter Vol. 87, No. 39
** Bank Technology News October 2010 Article by John Adams titled "Domestic Consumers Like the Web More Than Other Venues"
***Bank Technology News Vol. 23, No. 10 Page 8, "Firing Line"
Tim's Tech Tidbit
When was the last time your organization performed an audit of what data is being accommodated in your backup procedures?

To reach Tim Shandonay by phone, please dial 800-800-6197 Ext. 1044
 

Lasco Hotel Rates for 2011 (Marquette Hotels only) (prices do not include tax)

Ramada Inn..... $59

Holiday Inn....$84.95  (Mention CCI for Discount)

Country Inn & Suites...$96 (includes free enhanced breakfast everyday)

Landmark Inn:
Jan 1 - June 14 & Nov 1 - Dec 31 Rates:
Standard $97
Lakeview $107 
Jacuzzi $164
Suite $174

June 15 - Oct 31 Rates:
Standard $107
Lakeview $124 
Jacuzzi $194
Suite $214
Friends,

Whew! It seems that life is always speeding up in the Tech World. We have had quite a few changes recently and all for the good! Most of you know that we have a new employee in our management team, Al Hawker, and he has been able to come on board at just the right time it seems. We have included an article on Al for those of you who have not had the opportunity to become acquainted with him yet. Our team is continuing to improve and I feel that we currently have the strongest, most capable team that we have ever had.

Some news of late that I would like to share with you is that VoIP is continuing to be a proven success. Our partners at Enterprise Systems Group continue to deliver the best in the industry and many of our folks here in the U.P. are finding the benefits comparable to none. We are very appreciative of all the help that the team at ESG has provided and continue to look for new ways to work with them.

We are always seeking new avenues to serve the U.P. Business Market, so if you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to submit them to me personally at any time.

Warmest Regards,
 
Dennis VanLandschoot
President & CEO
 
[email protected]                               800-800-6197 Ext. 1051
 
A recent survey was sent to current LAN/WAN Clients, the results speak for themselves...
Survey Results:
Overall, how would you rate Lasco's Technical Support Department?
 Score:          4.4 out of 5 (5=Excellent)
 
Regarding Lasco's Tech Support Department - how satisfied are you with employee knowledge and skill level?
Score:   3.6 out of 4 (4=Very Satisfied)

Is Lasco's tech support team sufficiently meeting your expectations in response time to your support requests?
Score:             4.3 out of 5 (5=Always)

Do the employees of Lasco's Tech Support Department meet your business needs professionally and courteously EVERY time?
Score:                 100% voted YES       

Regarding Tech Support items: is the proper follow-up taking place as well as meeting your expectations?
                                               Score:                 94.7% Voted YES     
Compliance Corner - Are you ready?
This Fall we sent out a survey to our Financial Institution Clients regarding additional services Lasco could offer to help their business thrive. We immediately received an overwhelming amount of compliance-related responses from this survey.  We have been researching new opportunities and believe that the potential of becoming more involved in meeting our Financial Clients' compliance needs is vital, the survey responses have only emphasized this need. We have been meeting with Financial Institutions, potential business partners, law firms, bank auditors and examiners as well as compliance officers. As we continue to research and develop new ideas and plans in this arena we welcome your input and any comments or suggestions you may want to share. 

Out of our research and the urgent need for meeting our client's needs, Lasco has found a company that we believe is one of the best in the industry and has the resources that our clients - you - need to stay ahead of the "Compliance Game". We believe that we have found a great partner in CBANC, of which some of our clients have already been utilizing but will be able to realize even more value now that Lasco is partnered with them. CBANC is a company with a wealth of value in the compliance arena and Lasco is proud to be partnered with them.

If you would like to speak with a Lasco Team Member regarding this new partnership, please call Melissa Murphy at 800-800-6197 Ext. 1060
Lasco's Examination Preparedness & Security Retreat  
In November, Lasco held a retreat at the Landmark Inn of Marquette. This retreat was designed to provide information for Financial Institutions regarding regulatory I.T. Examinations, security programs, security defenses that should be implemented and social media. This Retreat was held in conjunction with Case Financial and it was one of Case's team members whom we invited to be our guest speaker this year. Case Financial offers extensive regulatory knowledge and we had the opportunity to hear from their Information Security Director, Matt Baseflug, CISA/CISM.
The retreat was well-received and the overall feeling of the day was that the information was very valuable and in regards to security, was a great reminder to always be on the alert. Many responses reflected the information as being useful for sharing in their next Security Awareness Training as well as also gaining a better understanding of Social Networking.
Thank you to all who participated in this event, we consider it a success, just knowing that you received information that you consider valuable!
Social Media 
Do you have a Social Media Policy in place? Having a policy in place can help safeguard your financial institution from unwanted employee posts in the Social Media world. Remember, whether your financial institution participates in Social Media or not... your employees may be posting their comments on their personal social media sites that need to be addressed before your good name may be put at risk.
 
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Social Media effects, please contact us today.
Robert Baer, VP of Bank Services 906-228-1055 [email protected] 
Kellie Johnson, VP of Bank Services 906-228-1068 [email protected]
In-House News...

Joe Menze
Al Hawker, Vice President of I.T.
 - Lasco's Newest Employee!

Al Hawker, Vice President of Information Technology can be reached at 906-228-1053 or [email protected]. Al's education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Northern Michigan University. He also brings to Lasco over 20 years of experience from his position as Director of Information Services for the City of Marquette. Although he was in a management role, he continued hands on work so he could be fully knowledgeable in all areas that he was directing. Many of these experiences include system administration, network, software application, telecommunications, and desktop support.  Also included in his experience is developing and managing operating and capital budgets, assessing and finding solutions for various organizational needs, working with boards and commissions, working with major projects including system conversions, policy development and evaluation, strategic planning, and providing internal and external customer support. Al is the perfect fit for Lasco's Team and we are looking forward to many years of great service because of this improvement to our team.

 

 - City Insurance joins Lasco and receives a server upgrade!!

 

 - Chocolay Township continues their association with Lasco with an upgrade to their technology systems!!

 

 - A. Lindberg & Sons chooses to upgrade their technology infrastructure with Lasco!!

 

 - Murphy & Clark becomes Lasco's newest client!

 

 - Lasco makes recent donation to Marquette County Habitat for Humanity

 

Habitat Donation

FREE Drawing!
Win 2 Free Tickes to the Bell Foundation Blizzard Ball on Saturday, January 22nd. Simply respond to this e-newsletter before January 1st with the word GIVEAWAY in the subject line and you will be entered into the drawing.