Gaz Metro, Scotiabank and GHR Systems Join Forces to Offer a Natural Gas Equipment Financing Program for Small Businesses TORONTO and WAYNE, Pa., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaz Metro, in conjunction with Scotiabank and GHR Systems, Inc., recently introduced a new financing program for small businesses that facilitates the acquisition of new natural gas-powered equipment. Since the program's introduction, small businesses have benefited from a quick and straightforward financing process that offers competitive financing rates, all without the need of a visit to the bank. "We are pleased that Gaz Metro customers can obtain competitive financing by simply completing a one-page application, without ever having to leave their office," said Sophie Brochu, Vice President of Customer Service and Supplies, Gaz Metro. "Though just recently set in motion, this program has already enabled numerous owners of small businesses in Quebec to benefit from the quick approval process and from the energy savings which their new equipment will provide." "Scotiabank is committed to providing convenient financing options to help small businesses better manage their monthly cash flows and more easily afford equipment upgrades for their premises," said Diane Giard, Vice-President of Small Business Banking, Scotiabank. "That's why it's important to offer small business owners alternative financing arrangements that are innovative, competitive and easy to use." "GHR is pleased to partner with Scotiabank and Gaz Metro to provide technology-based solutions to help small businesses finance their purchases from a Gaz Metro authorized dealer," said Rick Arends, President, GHR Systems Canada. About Gaz Metro With over $2.5 billion in assets and more than 1,200 employees in Quebec, Gaz Metro is a major Quebec energy company and one of the largest natural gas distributors in Canada. Gaz Metro serves some 150,000 customers in Quebec and also has a presence in the northeastern United States. The company's underground pipeline network extends for close to 10,000 Km. Inquiries: Stephanie Trudeau, Gaz Metro Public and Government Affairs, (514) 598-3656, About Scotiabank Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With approximately 48,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve about 10 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With C$309 billion in assets (as of April 30, 2005), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York (BNS) Stock Exchanges. For more information please visit http://www.scotiabank.com. Inquiries: Matthew Coorsh, Scotiabank Public Affairs, (416) 933-1344, About GHR GHR Systems, Inc., a leading provider of lending automation solutions and services for the vendor financing, consumer and small business lending and residential mortgage industries, provides browser-based and client server platforms and applications for originating, processing and closing loans. GHR's clients use GHR technology and services to better market, sell and close loans through all their distribution channels. Fifteen of the top 50 U.S. mortgage lenders and five of the top power sports recreational manufacturers in the world use GHR's systems. GHR is a Microsoft Gold Certified Software Development Partner. Visit us on the web at http://www.ghrsystems.com. For media inquiries, contact Tricia Schafer-Petrecz at (484) 595-2125, write GHR Systems, 640 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087, or e-mail . DATASOURCE: GHR Systems, Inc. CONTACT: Tricia Schafer-Petrecz of GHR Systems, Inc., +1-484-595-2125, ; Stephanie Trudeau of Gaz Metro Public and Government Affairs, +1-514-598-3656, ; Matthew Coorsh of Scotiabank Public Affairs, +1-416-933-1344, Web site: http://www.scotiabank.com/ Web site: http://www.ghrsystems.com/

Copyright