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Contact: Neil Cotiaux, FHLBank Pittsburgh: 412-288-2851; cell: 412-335-9488;

Columbia County Farmers National Bank Recognized: Earns Coveted Award For Community Service Excellence

Hazleton, PA, June 4, 2008 – Columbia County Farmers National Bank (CCFNB) was honored before its industry peers today for its exceptional record of community investment and service.

At a gathering of scores of Pennsylvania banking executives hosted by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), Columbia County Farmers  was presented with the Pillars of the Community Award, bestowed annually upon only three banks across Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  FHLBank singles out these banks for their extraordinary efforts to create affordable housing for lower-income families, develop small business, promote community stability and revitalize neighborhoods.

With roots that go back more than 90 years, Columbia County Farmers National Bank operates eight branches in Columbia County. Over the years, CCFNB has been especially active in community outreach. In 2007, CCFNB saw completion of one affordable housing project, a special needs residence in Bloomsburg for at-risk mothers and families suffering abuse. CCFNB also extended financing with attractive rates and terms for the initial startup or expansion of small businesses. In the area of first-time home buying, CCFNB provided qualified low- to moderate-income buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance. And, since 2005, CCFNB has been actively engaged in the Blueprint Communities revitalization initiative as a member of the Berwick community team.

A special focus on education

Alongside this funding effort, CCFNB has long maintained a dedication to the needs of its communities in the field of education. Dozens of school students have been invited to CCFNB’s offices to learn about the banking industry. In addition, CCFNB sends other students to Lycoming College to participate in a weeklong program regarding the free enterprise system. CCFNB colleagues participate in the Teach Children to Save program, offering instruction at local elementary schools. Other bank employees have provided free seminars to the local community on issues such as identity theft and estate settlement. Last year, CCFNB sponsored a luncheon seminar to educate area REALTORS® and builders on mortgage and insurance products available for homebuyers.

Beyond offering a variety of instruction, bank employees have volunteered at dozens of local nonprofits, offering expertise and raising dollars area-wide. The CCFNB management team and directors volunteer on the boards of more than 50 nonprofits and associations.

All this effort hasn’t gone unrewarded. In 2007, CCFNB was a recipient of the Community Service Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers for investing in the community.

“We are honored to have Columbia County Farmers National Bank among our owner-members,” said John R. Price, president and chief executive officer of FHLBank Pittsburgh, a congressionally chartered wholesale bank. “CCFNB’s passionate dedication to community shines through all that it does and makes a significant difference to the people of northeastern Pennsylvania.”

About the banks

Columbia County Farmers National Bank (CCFNB) is a full service, nationally chartered financial institution which prides itself on excellence in customer satisfaction. It is the single subsidiary of CCFNB Bancorp Inc. CCFNB provides service to customers through eight branch locations in Columbia County which include: Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Buckhorn, Lightstreet, Millville, Orangeville and South Centre, which covers a 25-mile market area. CCFNB’s Mission Statement is “Service Beyond Expectations.”

FHLBank Pittsburgh is a wholesale bank that serves the housing finance and community and economic development needs of its owner-member financial institutions. FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable access to low-cost funds, competitive pricing in the purchase of mortgage loans, correspondent banking, technical assistance, affordable housing grants and other programs so members can better serve their own communities. FHLBank Pittsburgh is privately capitalized and funded, does not use taxpayer dollars and enjoys a triple-A rating.  At March 31, 2008, it had 333 members in its district of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia and approximately $105 billion in assets. FHLBank Pittsburgh is one of twelve Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, established by Congress in 1932 to support the residential mortgage activities of local financial institutions.