FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at, by subscription electronically (go to) and may also be obtained throughthe FDIC’s Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). Bank of North GeorgiaLauren Muzzy,678-772-7807Communications ManagerorSynovusGreg Hudgison,706-644-0528External Communications ManagerCopyright Business Wire 2009. Rapid Eight Week Deployment Using Existing Allocation System Delivers ImmediateBenefitsCOLUMBUS, Ohio–(Business Wire)–Columbus Consulting, Inc. (CCi) announced today that its AllocationOptimizationTM solution has helped DSW Inc.

(NYSE:DSW), increase the accuracy ofits allocation process and improve the distribution of inventory on a productand store level. Prior to embarking on the Allocation Optimization project with CCi, theinventory levels at DSW stores were not optimized – some stores had too muchinventory and others had too little on a product by product basis. DSW has theJDA Advanced Allocation system, a very robust and flexible application. However,the flexibility can make taking full advantage of the capabilities a difficultundertaking, yielding sub-optimal results. The system was configured with staticalgorithms based on historical data that did not incorporate future forecastsand trends.

“We knew the power of the JDA Advanced Allocation System, but we weren`t usingthe full capabilities,” said Linda Canada, vice president of Planning, DSW Inc.”We needed Columbus Consulting`s mathematic expertise to develop the complexalgorithms that would optimize our allocations to take into account more dynamicvariables.” DSW contracted with Columbus Consulting to implement its Allocation Optimizationsolution to help improve the accuracy of its allocations. The AllocationOptimization solution has helped DSW take advantage of the advanced capabilitiesof its allocation system and improve its inventory productivity with allocationresults that:* Are integrated with store plans and forecasts * Modify allocations based on most recent sales data and revised forecasts * Consider store space restriction in allocation calculations”Allocation Optimization provides us dynamic allocation plans that incorporateseveral key variables and take into account the future view to help us plan andoptimize our inventory levels,” added Linda Canada. “Columbus Consulting`sexperienced team of analysts understood our business and quickly deliveredpositive results. After implementing Allocation Optimization in just eightweeks, our inventories are now much better synchronized with demand and we areexecuting more effectively with improved assortments and better optimizedinventory levels across our chain.” “CCi has been very fortunate to work with many leading retailers and DSW is oneof those that continues to be successful, even during these tough economictimes,” said Rick Amari, president of Columbus Consulting.

“We are pleased thatthe Allocation Optimization solution deployed by the DSW and CCi team helpedcontribute to DSW results. DSW`s successful approach to allocation is a modelfor how companies can keep an eye on the future while making sure they areoptimizing today.” Columbus Consulting`s Allocation Optimization is a rapidly implemented processof improving inventory productivity through better utilization of existingsystems. It employs sophisticated mathematical techniques that improve needcalculations derived and implemented with existing allocation systems, resultingin a better distribution of inventory across a retailer`s entire chain. For moreinformation on Allocation Optimization, visit: http:// About DSWDSW Inc. is a leading branded footwear specialty retailer that offers a wideselection of brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear forwomen and men. As of March 25, 2009, DSW operated 300 stores in 37 states andoperated an e-commerce site, DSW also supplied footwear to 367leased locations in the United States. For store locations and additionalinformation about DSW, visit About Columbus ConsultingFounded by industry veteran Richard Amari in 2001, Columbus Consulting comprisesa team of highly experienced specialists in retail business process and systems.The company works with many of the world`s largest and well-known retailers,including American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Express, Big Lots, GuitarCenter, WalMart, and New York & Company.