Media Contact:  Charaighn Sesock On behalf of Janzen IdeaCorp 559.972.4877 charaighn@sesockcommunications.com NEW LOCAL BANK COMBINES OLD STYLE BANKING WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNITY BANK CUSTOMERS Fresno First Bank Hosts Grand Opening Event Fresno, Calif. (October 24, 2006) – Fresno First Bank, which focuses on serving local businesses and professionals, announced its grand opening today to the Fresno County market. Fresno First Bank swings the pendulum back to the traditional ways of banking embedded with the latest technology available. Fresno First Bank will celebrate the opening of its office located at 7690 N. Palm Avenue, with a grand opening on Monday, October 30 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A special ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. with local officials and bank management in attendance. "Fresno First Bank's business model is that Fresno is first in everything we do. Fresno First Bank was created by a group of successful, local business leaders who saw the need for a bank devoted to the people in the community it serves rather than just their money. The company is built on the idea that you are a person first," said Tony Swartz, President and CEO, Fresno First Bank. "Our mission is to provide a full range of banking services tailored for each customer relationship. We consider each valued relationship a true friendship, where we are looking out for your company and its best interests." Fresno First Bank is comprised of local business leaders that share extensive experience running their own businesses. The Board of Directors are as follows: Pablo Aleman, Morris Garcia, Jack Holt, Robert Kubo, Lorrie Lorenz, David Price, Mark Saleh, Joel Slonski, Al Smith, Daniel Suchy and Tony Swartz.  Together, their vision for a bank with an extraordinary level of personal service became a reality through their commitment to the Fresno community. "One major advantage to banking with Fresno First Bank is that all decision-makers are located here, not in another location or time zone. This means that loans and credit needs are decided locally with personal consideration. Approvals happen quickly, saving you valuable time," said Swartz. Fresno First Bank offers a full range of banking services to its customers including cutting-edge technology with the implementation of the Remote Capture system. Remote Capture is an exclusive service provided for businesses offering them a revolutionary electronic processing tool for making deposits electronically without having to physically transport checks to the bank. "We don't believe that customers should spend valuable time waiting in line, so we have embraced technology to enable you to make your deposits electronically from the convenience of your office.  Or, we will come by and pick up your deposits through our complimentary courier service," added Swartz. Earlier this year, longtime Fresno dentist Dr. Weldon Schapansky made the switch to Fresno First Bank. "I have never experienced a bank like this before. Everyone at Fresno First Bank is people-oriented and make me feel like a friend, not just a customer," said Dr. Schapansky. Fresno First Bank believes so strongly in their vision of complete customer service and satisfaction that they have designed a company in which all employees are also owners. “An owner will always look to do the right thing and take the high road – that’s our philosophical difference,” noted Swartz. "With the bigger banks I was just a number, but with Fresno First Bank I receive the highest level of quality customer service available and the latest technology – a winning combination in my book," said Dr. Schapansky. "The Bank currently has over $42 million in assets and is the best capitalized bank in Fresno, providing safety for those deposits exceeding FDIC insurance limits. The board of directors is very involved in the oversight of the bank and they are committed to growing the bank in a safe and sound manner," said David Price, Chairman of the Board, Fresno First Bank.     For additional information about Fresno First Bank, visit their Web site at www.fresnofirstbank.com.