U.S. BANK GALENA PARADE OF HOMES TOUR

NETS $12,500 FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Galena, IL., October 18, 2005 –  Habitat for Humanity of Jo Daviess County, Tyler’s Justice Center for Children, Galena EMS and United Churches of Galena Food Pantry will all benefit from the $12,500 raised from U.S. Bank’s recent Galena Parade of Homes Tour.  Beautiful warm weather and brilliant fall leaves provided the perfect backdrop for Galena’s third annual home tour held October 15th and 16^th.  More than 1,400 people toured 13 different homes on the Parade.

B’Ann Dittmar, U.S. Bank Galena market president, said, "The success of the event continues to exceed our goals on all levels.  We broke our annual attendance record, and thanks to Wal-Mart’s grant of $1,500, raised our highest annual proceeds yet. This year’s theme, ‘Imagine the Possibilities’ not only gave people a chance to preview innovative work from our local builders and sponsors, but made wish list possibilities a reality for several local organizations.”  Dittmar noted that approximately $32,500 has been raised during the past three years from the annual home parade.  This year, Habitat will receive half of the Parade proceeds, with the rest divided among Tyler’s Justice Center for Children, Galena EMS and United Churches of Galena Food Pantry.

Stacey Elliott, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Jo Daviess County, said, “We are in the process of starting our fourth home in Jo Daviess County, which will be in the Galena area, and this money from U.S. Bank’s efforts will be crucial in completing the home.”

On the Parade, visitors toured various contemporary and resort-style homes, a townhouse and a custom-built log home, nestled in Galena, the Galena Territory and East Dubuque. Some homes showcased soaring ceilings, limestone fireplaces, recreational rooms with amenities such as a wet bar, sit-down bar, billiards, built-in entertainment centers, and a complete home theatre room.

“The event was a great collaboration with over 65 volunteers from employees of U.S. Bank and the various charitable organizations, working to sell tickets and staff the homes for the Parade,” commented Betsy Eaton, executive director of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  “The visitors of the Parade enjoyed themselves not only touring the homes but taking in the beauty of our rolling hills in the County this time of year.  This has been one of the best home shows I’ve seen put together in terms of various styles and types of homes.  It peaked the interest of many tour participants, from both near and far.”

Dittmar added that Amy Clemen, from Dyersville, IA, won a $250 savings bond from U.S. Bank as part of a drawing for Parade participants who toured all 13 homes and Debbie McKinzey from Milan, IL won a $100 savings bond from U.S. Bank through another drawing of attendees of the event.

Builders also were pleased with the turnout for the event.  “This event met my expectations plus,” said George Knuckey, president of G.W. Knuckey Builders, who had a home on the tour.  “It was non-stop visitors who asked a lot of questions about home construction and design.”

Plans are already underway for the fourth annual event, which will be held the weekend after Columbus Day, Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th, 2006, from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. on both days. For more information, visit www.galenaparadeof homes.com.

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp (“USB”), with $207 billion in assets, is the 6th largest financial holding company in the United States.  The Company operates 2,396 banking offices and 4,986 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions.  U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank.  Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.   

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