First Citizens Bank to Present Gift to New Century Scholars Program

Sylva office to present donation on customer appreciation day, Feb. 14

February 4, 2002

SYLVA, N.C. - First Citizens Bank will present a gift of $500 to the New Century Scholars Program at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 14, at the bank's Sylva office, 609 W. Main St. The presentation is the centerpiece of the bank's customer appreciation day activities.

"First Citizens Bank is proud of the relationships we've made in Jackson County and the financial services we provide," said the bank's Area Executive Kevin Wells. "This gift and our activities on Feb. 14 are a way to say 'thank you' to the community. First Citizens is here to stay, and we will continue to deliver our customer-friendly brand of banking for many years to come."

On Valentine's Day, First Citizens' Sylva office will celebrate the theme, "Customers are the heart of our business." Throughout the day, customers can enjoy coffee, pastries and cake. Visitors to the branch can register to win one of five boxes of Valentine's candy. Customers will also receive a valentine thanking them for banking with First Citizens.

At 2 p.m., Brenda Patterson, the bank's Sylva market executive, will present the $500 donation for the New Century Scholars Program to Becky Medford, executive director of the Southwestern Community College Foundation.

"First Citizens is privileged to provide this gift that will help children succeed in school and become better prepared to meet the challenges of the future," Patterson said. "It is a symbol of our ongoing commitment to this community. Our bank and our associates believe it's important to be a good corporate citizen and a good neighbor."

The New Century Scholars Program is a collaborative effort among the public schools in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and Southwestern Community College. The program targets "high potential" students at the end of sixth grade and provides extra support to those students through their middle grades and high school years. Students who complete the program are awarded a tuition scholarship for two years at Southwestern Community College.

Founded in 1898, First Citizens operates 348 branches in 203 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, the bank has $11.86 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 firstcitizens.com or call toll-free 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732)

For more information, contact:
Frank Smith
(919) 716-4121
First Citizens Bank