FLORENCE, S.C., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — First Reliance Bank (OTC Bulletin Board: FSRL) announces today that it has been named as on of the Top 25 Fasting Growing Companies in SC by the SC Chamber of Commerce for an unprecedented fourth time. No other company has ever accomplished this since the inception of the award. In addition to this honor, the seven-year-old bank based in Florence, SC was also honored as one of the Top 15 Places to Work in SC in 2006. This award was also managed through the SC Chamber. Rick Saunders, President and CEO of First Reliance reacted to the news by saying, “These two honors represent the hard work and dedication our staff has shown from our beginnings on a hot afternoon in August of 1999. We all shared a vision of service, unique products and delivering those products and services in such a way that would make us the bank of choice for customers, stakeholders and employees. We have been able to deliver on each of those tenets by rewarding investors (initial investments of $10,000 would be worth over $30,000 in seven years) and loyal employees (independent surveys done by researchers of employees determined the finalist for Top 15 Best Places to Work.) However, I am far more excited about what is yet to come, rather than trophies and plaques on our shelf. We have the kind of team that would make anyone in my position excited.”
Employees gave thousands of hours of volunteer time in their communities and the bank was recently rewarded for their investments in several communities they operate including Lexington, SC where they received the top honor for a business called the Keys to Success award. In 2006, First Reliance announced a purchase of property in Florence, SC where they intend to build a large corporate headquarters. Additionally, it is expected that they will hire an additional 100 employees in the Florence area. The bank has three building projects underway. “Investment, both financially and emotionally, in the communities we serve is paramount to achieving our corporate vision. We value our position as a first-rate corporate citizen,” added Saunders.
First Reliance Bank was founded in 1999, has assets of over $450 million and employs 150 highly talented people. The bank serves the midlands, low country and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. The bank has been recognized for its success including being the only bank ever to be named to The Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies(TM) in South Carolina four times – 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 (SC Chamber/Elliott Davis). In 2006, the bank was recognized as one of the Top 15 Best Places to Work in South Carolina by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. First Reliance Bank operates in five locations with Totally FREE Checking, Totally FREE Business, FREE coin machines, National NO FEE ATM Network, $500 Mortgage Service Promises and 8-8 Extended Hours in their Florence location. There’s More to Banking Than Money(TM) and Easy-to- Do-Business-With(TM) standards have earned the young bank a customer satisfaction rating of 95% (Performance Solutions-February 2006-Audited). First Reliance Bank is traded as FSRL.OB.
For more Information:
D. Lee Daugherty, VP Corporate Brand Image
First Reliance Bank
2170 West Palmetto Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 674-3285 Direct
(843) 662-0787 Fax
ldaugherty@firstreliance.com
SOURCE First Reliance Bank
Contact: D. Lee Daugherty, VP Corporate Brand Image of First Reliance Bank, +1-843-674-3285, or Fax, +1-843-662-0787, or ldaugherty@firstreliance.com
