Lasco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. It was incorporated on May 16, 1968. Lasco's Data Processing Division, which began operations in 1969, is a service bureau specializing in bank processing, Check 21 solutions, network maintenance and management, and other business applications such as disaster recovery.
Lasco supports the Metavante bank software to its client banks and also offers Kirchman solutions. This agreement allows for the state-of-the-art banking applications along with Lasco's local presence and technology skills to provide the following:
In addition, Lasco supports several commercial businesses with technology solutions including LAN and WAN network systems utilizing thin client applications, wireless services, frame circuits via a partnership with SBC and IP Telephony. Lasco markets the hardware, software and conversion expertise to these clients and provides ongoing management of the technology.
In July, 2003, Lasco took over the ownership and management of the Iron Mountain Item Processing Center. Lasco has implemented new equipment and software for item processing. We also have prepared a strategic solution for the new Check 21 legislation. Lasco is enhancing its system in Iron Mountain with the intent of being an archival center for Check 21 and a funnel for all images.
In November, 2003, Lasco entered into a Lease Agreement for building space at K.I. Sawyer. This space is being utilized to house Lasco's Alternate Operations Center. During January, 2004 a proof machine was placed at the Alt Ops Center. Lasco is looking to have the Alt Ops Center fully functioning in 2005.
Lasco's Metavante client base is made up of community banks in the State of Michigan. 50 Network Maintenance clients (financial and non-financial) make up our current non-financial
Lasco has developed a relationship with The Rehmann Group out of Saginaw, Michigan. Lasco and The Rehmann Group sponsor retreats in the areas of Information Security, compliance with GLBA and Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Planning.
Lasco's mission statement revolves solely on a keen focus on the "client" and their success. By focusing on our client's success, Lasco will be successful. That focus is provided by our valued employees, as they make the mission possible.
| 1968 |
- Lasco Incorporated May 16, 1968
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| 1969 |
- In January 1969, the Lasco Data Processing Division operations commenced to service the LS&I Railroad's IT needs
- Upper Peninsula Bank Processing begins with in-house developed applications.
- Lasco Lease Division operations commenced to provide leasing services for CCI to lease locomotives and light vehicles for mine use.
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| 1973 |
- The Lasco Data Processing Division started offering a complete line of micrographic products to complement the data processing services. These services include C.O.M. (Computer Output Microfiche), source document microfilming, roll film sales and processing, and sales and services of equipment and supplies.
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| 1974 |
- In 1974, the Lasco Data Processing Division purchases packaged software from Florida Software Services.
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| 1975 |
- January 1975, the Lasco Automotive Division operations commenced.
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| 1976 |
- The Lasco Data Processing Division enters a service agreement with Norwest Information Services Incorporated of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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| 1986 |
- The Lasco Data Processing Division conducted a search for improved bank processing software to replace the 1976 version provided by Norwest. At the conclusion of the study, Lasco selected software developed by Marshall & IIsley (M&I) Bank.
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| 1987 |
- Lasco signed a software agreement with M&I Bank and proceeded to convert their bank customers to the new software. This agreement allowed for state-of-the-art bank applications including; demand deposit accounting, savings, certificate of deposit, installment loans, mortgage and commercial loans, ATM processing, general ledger, payroll etc.
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| 1991 |
- Lasco entered an agreement with Softek of Escanaba to market personal computer hardware and software. Targeting commercial accounts, all hardware configurations are built to customer specifications. Lasco supports major LAN/WAN networks including Novell, Windows 9x and Windows NT. Service to the customer includes consulting, networking, internetworking, installation, training and on-going support for hardware and software platforms.
- Lasco began marketing an optical disk solution. Optical disk is an electronic imaging system that replaces the need for paper and microfiche for retention purposes. It was the latest technology available and is extremely cost effective. In order to be a legitimate player in this area, Lasco became a dealer for Macrosoft, a division of Macro Computer Products, Inc., based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Lasco provides the installation, training, and on-going support of the macrofiche optical disk software and many other imaging hardware and software products that Macrosoft has developed.
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| 1997 |
- Lasco entered into a partnership with Delcomp, Inc. of Escanaba, an IBM reseller specializing in mid range processing equipment, to co-manage the item-processing center in Iron Mountain.
- Lasco entered into a partnership with Bresnan Communications to serve as a technical installer of High-Speed cable modems. Lasco has served a vital role in the installation of residential and commercial Internet applications throughout the Marquette County area. Additionally, Lasco is positioning to become the only resource in the area to offer secured firewall technology to corporate wide Internet connections.
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| 1998 |
- In 1998, Lasco addressed the Year 2000 problem and took a proactive approach toward compliance. All internal systems were inventoried and assessed. All non-compliant hardware and software applications were replaced. M&I Bank institutes tested Y2K Banking platform by October 1998.
- Commercial customer computer platforms are assessed/replaced and certified for Year 2000 compliance.
- Lasco is contracted for the Year 2000 assessment and certification of 1800+ software applications in service at Cleveland Cliffs and the associated partnership mining properties.
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| 1999 |
- Partnered with Imaging Institute of Minneapolis to promote low cost alternative imaging solutions for banks and small businesses.
- Relationship established with Bresnan Communications and Lanoptics to bring cutting edge network security coupled with high speed data Internet access.
- Entered into a partnership with Netzee of Birmingham, Alabama to bring Internet Banking/E-Commerce to local Upper Peninsula Community Banks.
- Continued ongoing effort to provide Y2K testing/upgrades to client base to allow for the successful rollover to the year 2000.
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| 2000 |
- Signed new start-up bank, Old Mission Bank.
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| 2001 |
- Signed new start-up bank, Gogebic Range Bank.
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| 2002 |
- Entered into partnership with software development company, CCMC to assist in the development of a necessary software interface for financial clients.
- Implemented Citrix platform upgrade with new interface at all financial client locations.
- Signed Northern Michigan Bank for 7 year deal.
- Signed 7 year contract with Metavante for continued resale of financial services to core banking clients.
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| 2003 |
- Signed a seven year processing agreement with State Savings Bank of Manistique
- Achieved examination compliance expertise through a partnership with the Rehmann Group.
- Assumed sole ownership of Iron Mountain Proof/Image Center.
- Lasco moved its main operation to a new facility located in Marquette
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| 2004 |
- The Iron Mountain center enters a conversion phase to upgrade equipment and software in preparation for the Check 21 Strategic Plan goals and contractual obligations
- Signed contract with SBC to secure competitive communications pricing
- Risk Management continues to be improving as we have implemented a Security Breach Policy, IT Security Policy and IT Risk Matrix for the 2005 Audit Schedule.
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| 2005 |
- Lasco Completes SBC Wan Conversion for Metavante Clients
- Iron Mountain Center Check 21 AFS Conversion is completed
- Lasco completes Phase II of its Disaster Recovery Program
- Lasco's Alternate Operations Center has communications connectivity between the Center and Milwaukee installed and communications between the Center and Lasco's Marquette office installed.
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