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Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POTTERS BANK FILES SUIT FOR CHECK FRAUD
EAST LIVERPOOL, OH July 10, 2000
Potters Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Potters Financial Corporation
("PFC"), has filed suit against National City Bank ("NCB"), Kenneth M. Heyman,
Tri State Holdings, Inc. and others relating to check fraud. Potters Bank
deposited cashier's checks issued by NCB into a customer's account, and provided
the customer immediate use of those funds as is customary in the industry when
dealing with bank cashier's checks. Payments to Potters Bank on those official
checks were stopped by NCB upon its discovery of alleged criminal activity in
which the checks were issued in a fraudulent manner. Potters Bank intends to
aggressively pursue all available options for the recovery of the funds.
Potters Bank will accrue a $296,000 nonrecurring expense, net of tax, during the
second quarter relating to this check fraud. Based on March 31, 2000 weighted
average shares outstanding of 1,027,134, this expense will reduce second quarter
2000 earnings by approximately $.29 per diluted share, but PFC still expects to
show a profit for the quarter.
"We are disappointed to report this event, but believe we will prevail in the
courts and recover all funds," said Edward L. Baumgardner, President and Chief
Executive Officer of PFC and Potters Bank. "This one-time expense will cause a
decline in second quarter net income compared to 1999, but will not affect the
company's operations, liquidity or ability to pay shareholder dividends. Despite
higher legal and professional fees in the short-term, plus continued pressure on
the company's net interest margin resulting from higher interest rates, Potters
Bank's capital and core-earnings base remain strong and should enable us to
still achieve earnings growth in the third and fourth quarters, but at a slower
pace than in 1999," added Baumgardner.
Certain matters disclosed herein may be deemed to be forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the future
recovery of funds, future earnings growth and the interest rate environment. Due
to many factors, including regulatory policy changes, interest rates nationally
and locally and competition, actual strategies and results in future time
periods may differ materially from those currently expected. Such
forward-looking statements represent PFC's judgment as of the current date. PFC
disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update such forward-looking
statements.
Potters Bank is a community banking organization providing financial products
and services through its three branch offices in and near East Liverpool, Ohio
and a loan production office in Boardman, Ohio. Trading in PFC shares is
conducted through The Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol "PTRS".
Contact: Edward L. Baumgardner
Anne S. Myers
Telephone: (330) 385-0770 Website: www.pottersbank.com
