IronStone Bank to Open First Office in Arizona

February 13, 2003

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - IronStone Bank will open its first Arizona office on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7001 N. Scottsdale Road in the Scottsdale Seville Shopping Center.

"At IronStone Bank, we have exceptional service, strong products and associates who know the business and the community," President Jay Parker said. "People want a bank that puts its customers first and delivers on its promises. That's what IronStone Bank is all about."

Tom Marx, who has 33 years of banking experience, is IronStone Bank's area executive for the Scottsdale market. Brenda Wilkens will manage the new office.

The lobby will be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office features a walk-up ATM and a night depository.

The Scottsdale Seville branch is one of two new IronStone Bank locations in Arizona that have received regulatory approval. The bank plans to construct a new building at Northsight Boulevard and Raintree Drive near the Scottsdale Municipal Airport. The office is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2003.

IronStone Bank opened three offices in Austin, Texas, last year and plans to open additional offices in Arizona and the San Diego and Orange County areas of California.

IronStone Bank delivers exceptional service and comprehensive personal and business banking products. Consumers can get Free Checking accounts with overdraft protection and will not be charged IronStone Bank fees for using other banks' ATMs. Businesses can choose IronStone Bank's Business Quest checking account with an Investment Sweep and a no-fee business credit card.

IronStone Bank associates are dedicated to building long-lasting relationships with families, small to mid-sized businesses, professionals and the medical community. The bank is a division of Atlantic States Bank, a federally-chartered thrift institution with 38 offices in Georgia and Florida. Atlantic States is a subsidiary of Raleigh, N.C.-based First Citizens BancShares Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA), one of the 100 largest financial holding companies in the United States with $12.23 billion in assets.

In addition to the Scottsdale Seville office, customers can access financial services through the bank's Customer Contact Center toll free at 1-866-IB DIRECT (1-866-423-4732) and through the Internet at ironstonebank.com.

Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens Bank