FIRST UNION SIGNED ON TO SPONSOR '95 TOUR DUPONT

     First Union, a Charlotte, NC-based corporation, has signed
on as national "Gold Medal" sponsor for the '95 Tour Dupont, one
of America's premier cycling events.  The Tour's route passes
through DE, VA, NC, and SC and the race runs from April 26 to May
7.  This is the second consecutive year that First Union will be
a Gold Medal sponsor.  Brad Iverson, Senior VP/Corporate
Marketing for First Union, said the company returned as a sponsor
of the tour because of the opportunity it gives the company to
develop its own programs to benefit local communities.  Last
year, First Union sponsored a "Recycle a Cycle" program, where
used bikes were repaired and donated to deserving children.
Iverson said the company may offer bike safety workshops and
other promotions for '95.  First Union is the official bank of
the Hornets, Jaguars, the single-A Durham Bulls, and the triple-A
Charlotte Knights, and the ECHL Charlotte Checkers (First Union).