JOHN H. HARLAND COMPANY (also known as HARLAND CHECK PRINTERS) was asking
banks in Toledo lately for their reaction to the concept of offering checks
which display themes of GAY PRIDE, PRO CHOICE, WOMENS RIGHTS and AIDS AWARENESS
in "tasteful" use of muted colors, along with a symbol and the respective
phrase.

     Although I do not remember the exact wording that will be used, my friend
who works at a bank here in town noted that Harland has already gone ahead with
some of these versions, while also asking bank personnel to gauge the
acceptance & possible usage of them.

     Harland made it clear that they would NOT offer these checks in the
typical manner, that is it would not be offered in the brochures which describe
checkbook styles at the New Accounts Desk.

     Instead, they are going to use some alternative method of direct marketing
BYPASSING YOUR LOCAL BANK.  So if you need to get a refill of your checkbook,
your local bank will NOT know that these new styles are available to you!

     Sounds like Harland is trying to be "discrete", while also filling a gap
and meeting a demand.

     HARLAND is the 2nd largest check printing firm in North America, with
local printshops around the country.  However, each bank typcially directs
its checkbook orders to a printer of the Bank's choice.

     People need to know that these checks are available, WITHOUT fanning the
flames of the Jerry Fallwell, Jesse Helms and William Dannemeyers out there.

OPTIONS:

1)   Look in your local phone book for a telephone number for Harland Check
        Printers, and ask them how you can order these checks for yourself.

2)   Talk to an understanding person at your bank:  you want to know if
        Harland handles their checkbook orders, and if so, how can you order
        this NEW series of checks that are not yet in their brochure.

3)   Call/Write to JOHN H. HARLAND CHECK PRINTERS
                   2939 Miller Road
                   Decatur GA  30035
                      Phone #404-981-9460
        and ask them for ordering info, and also ask them to send a brochure
        to your favorite banker.

"So Many Books, So Little Time"           (T-shirt found in WaldenBooks)

      * * * *          Gary Klein,  Business Librarian,   Univ of Toledo
       *   *                     P.O.Box 12650 / Toledo OH 43606
        * *            WORK: 419-537-2629             HOME: 419-243-2740
         *             BITNET:   fac2813@uoft01        FAX: 419-537-2726
  B4 t+ w- g s+ k             INTERNET: fac2813@uoft01.utoledo.edu