Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2001

Sonoma Financial Corporation/SHC Corp. (OTCBB: SONM), one of the largest payday advance operations in the greater Chicago area announced today that it has retained the services of "iFranchise Group," a division of Siebert & Associates, Inc., to develop the Company's new franchise product.

"Expansion is our number one goal," said Terrence Donati, President of SHC Corp. "We believe the most efficient way to achieve our targeted growth is through franchising."

iFranchise will handle all aspects of the project and will assist the Company in creating marketing tools, videos, training manuals, franchise agreements and a uniform franchise-offering circular.

"We have completed the move to our new company headquarters. The facility includes a franchise `university' classroom and audio/visual components," stated Mr. Donati.

With over 12 years of franchise sales experience, Mr. Donati is assembling a marketing team. Mr. Donati is well versed in franchise sales having participated in the sale and rollout of Chicago area franchises, Fantastic Sam's, One Hour Martinizing, Travel/Travel, Duraclean and Deck the Walls.

A complete investor package for Sonoma Financial is available at http://www.e-relations.com/vmax.

About Sonoma Financial Corporation:

Sonoma Financial Corporation operates three subsidiaries, two of which focus on consumer lending and one is a collection agency. Payday Check Advance, Inc. and Money Market, Inc. are financial service companies that operate a chain of stores devoted to providing low documentation, short-term consumer loans. Sonoma intends to become the national leader in the "Payday Loan" market by strategic acquisition and penetrating new markets. E-Star Systems, Inc., is an industry specific collection service addressing the needs of the short-term loan industry. Sonoma Financial is currently the only publicly traded company with a sole focus on `payday advances'. Ace (NASDAQ:AACE), First Cash Financial Services (NASDAQ: FCFS) and Pinnacle Business Management (OTCBB: PCBM), have proven the viability of the concept in other markets, but are not specifically focused in this area. American Nortel Communications (OTCBB: ARTM) a shareholder.

Safe Harbor Disclaimer: