ST. PAUL, Minn., June 23 -- Deluxe Financial Services today announced it has extended its longtime contract agreement with NBT Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Norwich, N.Y., to provide the company's check printing and related services. The agreement marks a new chapter in the relationship between Deluxe and NBT Bancorp, which extends as far back as 1969. "We are pleased to continue this valued partnership because Deluxe's service, quality resources and products have continually exceeded our expectations," said Deborah J. Curriere, vice president of sales and administration, NBT Bancorp. "We aspire to develop the same level of trust and value in our other business partnerships." Under the new agreement, NBT Bancorp will continue to utilize Deluxe's checks and related products at 105 NBT Bancorp affiliate community banks in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as business products and services, including the DeluxeSelect(SM) program and the Deluxe Knowledge Exchange series. These programs offer ways for NBT Bancorp to strengthen relationships with its customers while delivering greater value and efficiencies to their check program. "As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, financial institutions must find ways to anticipate and meet customer needs," said Chuck Feltz, president of Deluxe Financial Services. "Because the check program is where customers most frequently interact with their financial institution, our partnership will continue to help NBT Bancorp exceed its customers' expectations." Curriere credits DeluxeSelect for providing NBT Bancorp with an avenue to transform consumers' transactions into compelling and memorable customer service experiences. Through the program, Deluxe interacts with customers directly on behalf of their financial institution to provide premium check designs and accessories marketed through the Internet and Deluxe's industry- leading call centers, lifting the burden of managing check orders from member banks. In addition, NBT Bancorp will participate in the Deluxe Knowledge Exchange, a unique series of activities and interactions for financial institution executives and industry thought leaders throughout 2004. The series includes collaboratives, specialized publications, Web seminars, audio conferences and other related activities to help financial institutions develop new strategies for improving customer satisfaction.