First Citizens Bank Honors Buncombe Area with Prestigious President's Award

April 24, 2002

RALEIGH, N.C. - First Citizens Bank recently presented its prestigious 2001 President's Award to the Buncombe Area in recognition of its outstanding performance and attention to service in the region.

Approximately 120 associates work at the 18 branches in the area that includes Buncombe, Haywood, Madison and Yancey counties.

First Citizens President Frank B. Holding Jr. presented the award to Buncombe Area Executive Bob Roberts at a recent corporate meeting.

"The Buncombe Area excelled throughout 2001 in many areas including teamwork, service quality, profitability, deposit growth and community involvement," said Holding. "Bob Roberts and his team have worked tirelessly to build a level of excellence that serves as an example for us all."

Executive Vice President Allen Woodward, who heads the bank's Western North Carolina region, congratulated Roberts for his area's efforts to understand and meet customers' financial needs.

"The Buncombe Area's success during the last year is a direct result of its ongoing commitment to serving its customers and the community," said Woodward. "Every associate has been focused on putting customers first and building long-lasting banking relationships."

Woodward credited the area for its innovative sales and service approaches. High morale and outstanding community service also distinguished the area.

"Winning this award is a tribute to our dedicated team of associates who are finding new ways every day to provide superior customer service," said Roberts. "They work to ensure that we're not just meeting, but exceeding, customer expectations. Service excellence is what sets us apart, and it's one reason First Citizens is here to stay."

Members of the Buncombe Area management team are:

• Bob Roberts, area executive
• Keith Pope, relationship banking manager
• Clyde Hagan, market executive
• Scott Pritchard, market executive
• Doug Tallent, market executive
• Chris Riley, manager of Private Client Group
• Diane Edwards, area operations manager
• Florence Scarborough, area operations manager

A dinner will be held on July 16 for all associates and local board of directors members in the Buncombe Area.

The President's Award was established in 1959 to recognize excellence in many aspects of banking, including profitability, growth, service quality and contributions to the community.

First Citizens operates 348 branches in 204 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, the bank has $11.75 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank is committed to providing superior financial services to individual customers and small to mid-sized businesses. For more information about First Citizens Bank and its services, visit www.firstcitizens.com or call toll-free 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732).

For more information, contact:
Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens Bank