NATIONSBANK BEGINS CAPE ERA

Old Boatmen's Bank red and white signs are out. New red, white and blue NationsBank signs are in.

There was little public hoopla marking the official NationsBank Day One in Cape Girardeau Monday, but behind the scenes the newest company in town made its presence felt, with a number of philanthropic gifts to the area and a morning visit by a top NationsBank executive, Kenneth D. Lewis.

Lewis, NationsBank president since 1993, spent the majority of his time talking with associates.

Starting today, former Boatmen's banks across Missouri and Illinois have converted to NationsBank.

NationsBank officials say customers will see little change beyond the new signs. They can continue to use their Boatmen's checks and ATM cards at NationsBank sites.

"NationsBank is a good community-oriented bank," said Jim Limbaugh, regional executive director of the Southeast Missouri/Southern Illinois Region. "Since Aug. 30, 1996, we have learned much about NationsBank."

NationsBank, which announced an agreement to acquire Boatmen's Bank on Aug. 30, is the nation's fourth largest banking company, with more than 5,000 ATMS and more than 2,600 branch offices in 16 states.

Grants totaling $34,750 were presented to four entities Monday:

-- $25,000 to the new Cape Girardeau Area Vocational Technical Training Center.

-- $5,000 to the American Red Cross/Southeast Chapter.

-- $4,000 to the American Legion Louis K. Juden Post 64 for the Freedom Corner project at Capaha Park.

-- $750 to the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.), being conducted by the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

These contributions, said Limbaugh, underscore the commitment NationsBank has made to Cape Girardeau and the entire region. "This is just the beginning of more good things that our associates, customers and the community can expect from NationsBank in years to come."

The contributions are part of more than $400,000 being presented to non-profit organizations from NationsBank to Missouri and Illinois banks over the next month.

NationsBank also offers a matching grant program for its associates, said Limbaugh. "The bank will match an associate's grant to a non-profit group of up to $2,000," said Limbaugh. The bank also allows associates up to two hours to assist in community educational activities.

NationsBank will also be involved in three Adopt-A-School programs, at Washington and Franklin schools in Cape Girardeau and West Lane school in Jackson.