RIDGEWOOD, NJ, December 3, 2004 — Citizens Community Bank of Ridgewood, New Jersey officially opens mid-November, marking the beginning of a new era in Bergen County banking. Headquartered at 171 East Ridgewood Avenue, CCB will lay legitimate claim to the title of Ridgewood's only "local" bank. And as a genuinely independent entity, CCB will not be accountable to a major multi-state banking corporation. With the full privileges of an autonomous financial institution, decisions will be made by bank officials on the premises, and never based upon a formula dictated by a corporate hierarchy in another location.

The other overriding difference about Citizens Community Bank is its primary goal: total customer service, a return to banking as a quality, personalized experience.

Newly appointed Bank President Richard C. Lanza is anticipating the move with obvious enthusiasm. “Many people have forgotten how banking could be, or they are too young to have experienced it,” he explained. “At Citizens, we’re determined to bring back the idea of real service—service with a smile, service with understanding, service that matters. There was a time when your bankers knew your name, and the officers of the bank were in their offices every day, present and approachable. That’s the kind of bank we’re going to create.”

Citizens Community Bank will still utilize state-of-the-art banking technology, as well as the full panoply of electronic, human, and paper safeguards. The bank will offer all the features of today’s banking environment, providing them in an atmosphere that is far more personalized, cordial, and customer-focused than most people are accustomed to.

Keith Van Saders, Senior VP of the bank and Chief Financial Officer, adds that the commitment level of the bank’s founders is extraordinarily high. “I believe both business and individual customers will be very, very pleased by the level of service, care, and commitment that CCB offers. We are determined to be part of the community and totally responsive to the needs of the community. A hometown bank by definition considers the surrounding area a priority, and that is absolutely our focus. We’ll provide first-rate banking services and be a good neighbor and partner to Ridgewood and nearby towns. You won’t find that approach in most banks these days.”

All of the expected features of a major bank will be available at CCB, including free personal checking, NOW checking, special checking for accounts with higher balances, telephone banking, savings accounts, holiday and vacation clubs, CDs, ATMs, safe deposit boxes, debit cards and more, customized to both individuals and businesses. Customers will enjoy highly competitive loan rates. And a full suite of Internet services will be available as well, for those who prefer the convenience of anytime/anywhere banking.

In keeping with its community-based focus, Citizens Community Bank will sponsor, create, or support a range of civic events, teams, and traditions. “The bank’s motto is ‘You’ve never been more wanted,’” added Bank President Lanza, “and we’re out to prove that true, every day, in every way we can. Our bank will make banking a pleasant experience again—one worth remembering and recommending.”