Increase your effectiveness in small business risk analysis, credit decision-making, and relationship management

Charlotte, N.C., August 8, 2002 - Omega Performance Corporation, the global leader in performance improvement solutions for financial services organizations, announced today the availability of its online performance improvement solution for small business lenders, Commercial Loans to Small Business Online (CLSB Online). The "parent" of CLSB Online is Commercial Loans to Small Business (CLSB), widely recognized as the industry's leading training solution for developing small business lending skills. CLSB Online reflects the latest business trends and risk drivers affecting small business borrowers. Additionally, features include content that reflects today's trends and issues.

CLSB Online significantly reduces training time. With CLSB Online financial services companies can train one lender at a time or the entire organization instantly. Learning time is reduced and can be delivered on individualized schedules with access 24 hours, 7 days a week. Plus, time-consuming training administration and staff involvement is eliminated.

Additionally, travel costs are eliminated with this Web-based solution. If any course questions arise, a mentor is available online to assist participants.

CLSB Online focuses on high-value, high-impact competencies by emphasizing interpretation and analysis instead of mechanical calculations. In addition, CLSB Online provides the tools to interpret and analyze incomplete financial information, understand how small businesses differ from larger organizations, and recognize the impact of the small business owners' personal finances and management skills. These lender skills result in smarter and faster loan decisions, and fewer loan losses. CLSB Online can help lenders recognize when small business borrowers may require other financial solutions, thus strengthening its customer relationship management.

"CLSB Online enhances CLSB, the industry standard for developing small business lenders' analytical skills and judgment, said Caroline Gray, vice president for Omega Performance. "We have applied our clients' input to make the best training program in the business even better by expanding options to include the time-savings and cost containment of online delivery. It's fresh, current and easy to use," added Gray.

CLSB Online is ideally suited for entry-level and mid-career small business lenders and credit analysts; credit administration staff; loan review staff; management trainees, officers in regional loan administration; and anyone that supports the small business lending function.

About Omega Performance
Omega Performance has enabled more than 2,500 firms worldwide to drive and sustain improved business results. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Informa plc (INF on the London Stock Exchange), the leading international provider of specialist information and services for the academic and scientific, professional, and commercial business communities. Informa has over 150 offices in more than 40 countries and employs over 7,000 staff around the world. Omega Performance is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., USA, with major offices in Australia, Canada, China, Greece, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.