Auditor quits at Met Mortgage - 2004-01-23
Uncertainty continued at financially challenged Metropolitan Mortgage & Securities Co. as Ernst & Young LLP resigned as independent auditor, and the president of an Idaho subsidiary was fired.

Ernst & Young also withdrew its reports for the years ending Sept. 30, 2002, and Sept. 30, 2001, and for each of the three quarters in the nine-month period that ended last June 30, Met Mortgage said Thursday in a press release.
Read the full story at AP via New Jersey Online

Associated Bank income increases 4.1 percent - 2004-01-23
Associated Banc-Corp posted net income for the fourth quarter of $55.6 million, or 75 cents per share, 4.1 percent higher compared with $53.4 million, or 71 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Commercial loan demand was lower than anticipated, but the company experienced strong growth in the mortgage business and in consumer deposits, Biedeman said in a statement.
Read the full story at Business Journal of Milwaukee