Bankmark Client Reaches Halfway Point in Capital Campaign.

CANAJOHARIE, N.Y. -- Bankmark announced today that its de novo client, Patriot Federal Bank (In Organization) has received enthusiastic support from the communities of Canajoharie, Amsterdam, Gloversville and Sharon Springs for its capital campaign, as demonstrated by the large number of attendees at a series of recent town-hall style meetings.

Gordon Coleman, President & CEO of Patriot Federal Bank (IO), stated that they have received a very positive response from these surrounding communities representing 50% of the offerings minimum capital requirements as stated in its prospectus materials. Further, the attendance at these meetings and subsequent subscriptions is really a strong statement as to the need of the new proposed bank, which will enter the market by acquiring the local branch of Trustco Bank, with deposits (as of 3/31/05) of $10,216,000.00, giving it a strong position from day one in serving the community and performing well for shareholders.

Ted Hoye, President of First Credit Corp., a local provider of financing for modular homes in Gloversville N.Y., has attended two such meetings and said, "I was pleased with the enthusiasm and response of the people in Montgomery and Fulton counties who are excited about the investment opportunity, and believe that consumers will welcome the presence of a new banking and financial services provider in our community."

Patriot Federal Bank (IO) has completed nine meetings in the last 30 days, seeing over 300 potential investors in the new bank. Many individuals are using funds in their IRA or self-directed retirement sources to make their investment, as these methods are both safe and simple. These investment methods also allow many more members of the community to participate with the Bank as investors without having to use ready cash.

Anyone interested in attending one of these town hall meetings can visit the Patriot Federal Bank (IO) website www.patriotfederalbank.com to see the current schedule of planned events. Investments into Patriot Federal Bank (IO) can be made only by obtaining a printed copy of the Offering Circular by contacting the bank or its representatives, or downloading it from this site and following the investment guidelines stated therein. Patriot Federal Bank (IO) reserves the right to refuse investments they feel would remove control of the bank from the hands of the community it is chartered in.

Forward-Looking Information - This press release contains forward-looking statements. It should be reviewed in conjunction with the Patriot Federal Bank (IO) Offering Circular, copies of which are available from Patriot Federal Bank (IO) upon request. Such publicly available information provides additional information regarding risks and uncertainties related to Patriot Federal Bank (IO) business that should be considered in evaluating "forward-looking statements."