Business Wire, May 11, 1999

Business Wire, Feb 29, 2000

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 29, 2000

Sonoma Financial Corporation/VictorMaxx Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:VMAX) one of the largest payday advance operators in the greater Chicago area, announced the formation of a mergers and acquisitions division to reach it's store growth objectives for the year 2000 and beyond. Frank Anthony Contaldo will head up this new division.

"Frank has done a truly remarkable job," said Terrence Donati, President of Sonoma Financial Corp. "In little over 23 months, he has orchestrated the acquisition of two out of state chains, developed a profitable stand alone recovery company and has directed the growth of our payday outlets from 2 stores to 52. Mr. Contaldo is quarterbacking the development of our acquisition strategy and his focus will be on that front. " Donati continued, " the systems developed by Mr. Contaldo have positioned this company for very real growth and profitability."

Mr. Donati will assume the duel role of President and CEO of Sonoma Financial Corp. Donati stated, "It is our intention to promote from within Sonoma and we will be making announcements to that effect shortly."

A complete investor package for Sonoma Financial is available at 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:

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's expected performance for future periods, and actual results for such periods may materially differ. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks of changing market conditions in the overall economy and the industry, consumer demand, additional financing requirements, the opening of new stores, the success of the Company's acquisition strategy and other uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.