Press Release

Circle Bank Again Named Best Company to Do Business with In Marin County

Fourth Time Honored in Annual Readers Poll

Novato, CA—May 16, 2012—Circle Bank, which has recorded 51 consecutive profitable quarters, has been named the “Best Company to Do Business with in Marin County” for the fourth time in five years in a readers poll conducted by NorthBay biz magazine.

“What is particularly significant,” said Kim Kaselionis, CEO/chairman of the six-branch financial institution, “is that we were recognized as a member of the business community by our peers.  We believe that our focus on and understanding of the challenges faced daily by small businesses has resonated with clients and the community.”

According NorthBay biz, more than 54,000 votes were cast in the magazine’s 23rd annual competition.  Said Norman Rosinski, publisher, “…as small businesses grow, they’re fueling the growth of new services…”.  The statement reflects Circle Bank’s commitment to fund local small businesses as they grow with a full range of loan products, including its category-leading SBA products.

“We understand that the success of local businesses promotes job growth which fuels economic vitality at all levels,” said Kaselionis.  “At the same time, we are committed to making our own business decisions based on our knowledge of our communities and our local relationships. We make our decisions locally.”               

Kaselionis, named one of Northern California’s Most Influential Women by the San Francisco Business Times earlier in the month, also  recently carried the message of the importance of supporting local economies when she met with the staffs of Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein as well as Representatives Lynn Woolsey and Jackie Speier in Washington D.C.

There is more to being a local bank than making loans, she told the representatives.  She pointed out that Circle Bank has set up a micro-loan program administered through the Bay Area Women’s Initiative to provide funding for female-run startups and entrepreneurs.  The Bank also sponsored a loan that allowed Novato-based Homeward Bound to build new facilities while it purchased cookie dough from one of the organization’s programs. Circle is also a long-time supporter of the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame and recently donated 50,000 pounds of food to three area food banks to commemorate its 50th consecutive profitable quarter.

Certain of the statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “plans,” “may increase,” “may fluctuate,” “may result in,” “are projected,” and similar expressions. The Bank’s actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the economic, business, and real estate market conditions in the Bank’s market areas, the interest rate environment, competition, regulatory and legislative actions, the possibility that the Bank will not be successful in achieving its strategic objectives, the performance and contributions of employees and directors, and other factors. The Bank does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.