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BankMeridian Completes Capital Campaign

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Hilton Head Island, SC, March 22, 2006 - BankMeridian has raised more than $31.5 million in capital, the largest de novo bank capitalization ever in South Carolina. Pending final regulatory approval, BankMeridian will open a temporary office on Hilton Head Island at 32 Palmetto Bay Road and plans to transition to a permanent office at 1036 William Hilton Parkway in the third quarter of 2006. The Bank simultaneously will open its location at 1320 Main Street in Columbia, in the second quarter of 2006.

BankMeridian is a full- service bank with a unique business model that focuses primarily on providing superior service for small to mid-size businesses and professionals. “This boutique approach,” according to David Renaker, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, “allows us to create an environment for the business and professional client where high touch banking and exceptional personalized service will be our standard. Local bankers will customize the financial solution that is best for each client in a comfortable non traditional bank setting. Even the most complex financial situations will be handled quickly by local decision makers fulfilling a niche that we feel is currently underserved in the banking community. Each interaction is conducted in a relaxed office setting, providing the client individualized attention versus standing in lines at an impersonal teller counter.”

Tom Peeples, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented on the Bank saying “We have a terrific group of organizers and a strong management team. We are very pleased with our investor group and particularly proud we were able to sell the stock ourselves, saving our shareholders significant investment banking and marketing fees.” Speaking on expansion, David Renaker, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, states “while the bank expects to expand to other markets, we do not have a timeline for expansion. We are a relationship driven bank and if we do what is right for our clients, opportunities to expand will come naturally.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice C. Burt
BankMeridian
Chief Marketing Officer
(803) 753-7707