HACKENSACK, NJ, November 16, 2005 —It was a sunny and crisp fall day when Citizens Community Bank in Ridgewood, New Jersey, scheduled its Grand Opening celebration. Hundreds turned out for the all-day party, which commenced at 9 am and didn’t wrap up until 5 pm. Along the way, a great time was had by all, with food, fun, and events for kids and their parents and grandparents. It was truly a party with something for all ages.

Celebrating a new façade for the bank’s headquarters at 171 East Ridgewood Avenue, the day was also highlighted by great entertainment and lots of exciting giveaways. A Barbershop Quartet serenaded the crowd, and by mid-morning they gave way to a toe-tapping jazz band. The generous prizes that Citizens was handing out included U.S. Savings Bonds, a $500 Citizens CD, ‘Mystery Mugs’ with money inside to the first 100 guests, plus hundreds of stainless steel mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, and planners.

The kids had a great time, too, between the balloons, the clown, the magician, face painting, and even pumpkin painting. The hot dogs and soft drinks were abundant and much appreciated by all in attendance.

Not to be lost in all the merriment, Citizens Community Bank offered many attractive banking options, too. The new CitizensPower™ Checking account could be opened, and featured an impressive 3.80% APY. The 12-month CD was available at 4.08% APY. And all of the bank’s FREE checking accounts came with extra features, such as free online banking, free bill paying, free wire transfer, free bank checks, free safe deposit box, and more. Certain restrictions apply, and full details can be obtained by calling, visiting, or going to the Citizens website.

Citizens brings a fresh, new attitude to the concept of being a local bank. As an independent financial institution, they make all their decisions on the premises, never deferring to a corporate hierarchy in another location. Plus they offer genuine and personalized service, with an emphasis on getting to know their customers and always making them feel wanted.

“Our big Grand Opening party was our way of announcing ourselves to the community and welcoming them to our bank,” remarked Richard C. Lanza, President of Citizens. “We’re here to serve our neighbors, and what better way to kick off a relationship than having some fun and food together. I think people will discover that the friendly, positive attitude of our staff isn’t just for sunny Saturdays—it’s for whenever they come through our doors.”

For further information about Citizens Community Bank in Ridgewood, contact 201- 670-8484.