FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2008

Sonoran Bank Receives Designation as a Minority Depository Institution

The MDI will create economic opportunities for multicultural communities

(Phoenix) - Sonoran Bank, N.A., one of Arizona's leading minority-focused commercial banking institutions, proudly announces its qualifying membership into the FDIC's Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) program, making it one of only two Arizona banks to receive the selective and prestigious designation. According to the FDIC, the MDI program strives to "promote the economic viability of minority and underserved communities" by encouraging minority ownership of financial institutions. As of March 2008, there were 214 MDI banks nationwide (3% of the total federally insured depository institutions).

The FDIC selects institutions based on the percentage of minority representation of its Board of Directors, percentage of minority stock holders, and demographic of the community it serves. Sonoran Bank meets that qualification, with a majority of its Board of Directors being minority individuals.

As a full-service financial institution, Sonoran Bank has created opportunities particularly for the flourishing population of multicultural business owners in Arizona. Its ability to build successful financial relationships within the minority community has attracted major diversity organizations such as the NFL, which chose Sonoran Bank as its depository institution during Super Bowl 2008.

"The MDI designation will give us access to tremendous resources that allow us to better serve our diverse clientele," said Frank Coumides, Senior Vice President of Lending for Sonoran Bank. "We will be able to connect with great organizations whose diversity goals align with ours, creating a new environment for minority business owners."

With nearly 200 years of combined experience, the Sonoran Bank team shares a common desire to help entrepreneurs excel in small business. Its Board of Directors has an extensive history of contributing to and preserving the wellbeing of the minority and Hispanic business communities.

Sonoran Bank serves emerging and existing Hispanic and Non-Hispanic businesses (for profit and not for profit). Based on a foundation of relationship banking, Sonoran Bank specializes in commercial banking services for small to medium sized businesses. With a mission to value and respect its customers and employees, Sonoran Bank provides each customer with superior service that creates trust and focuses on total financial relationships.

For more information contact Frank Coumides at (602) 393-6950 or fcoumides@sonoranbank.com.