For Immediate Release - First Bank names Carey Soud, President

(Clewiston, Fl) At the annual First Bank stockholders meeting, Miller Couse, Chairman & CEO, announced on behalf of the board of directors the appointment of Carey Soud to President. Mr. Couse also stated that he was not retiring but would be busier than ever as he assumes responsibility of Chairman for the Florida Bankers Association and will continue as Chairman & CEO of First Bank.

After the announcement, Mr. Soud shared, "I am thankful to Miller, the Board, the employees and our customers for the opportunity to continue the 86 year tradition of First Bank in aggressively meeting the financial needs of the growing list of communities we serve. Our God has been pleased to smile on the way we conduct our business". Carey then went on to say, "That treating people as we would all like to be treated is what makes First Bank's customer service something worth telling your friends about, so come see us!".

Soud joined the First Bank family in August of 2004 as a commercial lender after working for many years in the citrus industry of SW Florida. A graduate of Liberty University, he received his MBA from University of South Florida and is a CPA. Carey and his wife, Julie live in LaBelle and have three children, Matt, Kristin and Jason. The family attends Riverside Church in Fort Myers.