Instant Payday Loans

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2000

SHC Corp./Sonoma Financial Corporation (OTCBB: SONM- news), one of the largest payday advance operations in the Chicago area, "would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our shareholders, customers and employees a joyous holiday season," said Terrence Donati, President of SHC Corporation.

"Our Illinois and Indiana operations are enjoying a vigorous holiday season," said Donati, "and we are looking forward to continuing this through the New Year."

Mr. Donati further stated, "The company will be extremely busy with year-end closings and will issue its next press release early in January, 2001."

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. in Illinois and Money Market, Inc. in Indiana are financial service companies that operate a chain of stores devoted to providing low documentation, short-term consumer loans. Sonoma intends to become a national leader in the "Payday Loan" market by strategic acquisition, marketing, new technology. 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) is 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.