Citizens Business Bank Receives National Honors for Industry-Leading Internet Presence; RSM McGladrey Inc., Recognizes Bank for Outstanding Web Site in Second-Annual Study.

Business Editors

ONTARIO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2001

Citizens Business Bank (AMEX:CVB) was recently honored as an industry leader in RSM McGladrey Inc.'s second-annual "Outstanding Web Site Awards for Community Banks," co-sponsored by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and TheBankingChannel.

This year's awards program culminated earlier this month with an Awards Ceremony & Roundtable during the Independent Community Bankers of America Annual Conference & Techworld in Las Vegas. During the event, Citizens Business Bank was presented with the Overall Winner Award and the Best of Class Award for banks with $1 billion to $3 billion in assets.

"Truly successful Internet delivery models are continuing to emerge for community banks and Citizens Business Bank can be cited as an example," said Dean Schumann, senior manager for the financial industries practice of RSM McGladrey's Integrated Technology Solutions and director of this year's awards. "They provide their customers with online access to their bank via a Web site that excels in information, customer service, design, quality and connectivity."

Nancy Sinclair, Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing, summed up the beliefs of many banks using this alternate delivery channel by noting: "In today's market, Internet banking is not optional, it's essential. Citizens Business Bank's Internet Banking Services provide a convenient means of bringing the bank to our customers. If we can accomplish this goal with a creative and informative site, our visitors are enticed to come back."

The Citizens Business Bank Web site offers Internet Banking Services including account balances and statement information, bill payment, cash management services for businesses of all sizes, positive pay, investment services, e-commerce solutions, product information and two-way communication. The newly installed portal capability allows visitors to personalize the site with stock quotes, news features, weather and business tools. The bank's plans for 2001 include check imaging and electronic document delivery.

RSM McGladrey's "Outstanding Web Site Awards" are open to community banks with assets under $3 billion. For this year's program, more than 700 Web sites were reviewed and subsequently judged by a panel of RSM McGladrey Internet and banking industry experts. A complete report detailing the research findings and highlighting all of the recognized Web sites is available free of charge at: www.outstandingwebsites.rsmmcgladrey.com.

RSM McGladrey is one of the nation's leading accounting, tax and consulting firms serving mid-sized companies and financial institutions. RSM McGladrey serves clients from 100 offices nationwide and is linked with more than 70 independently owned CPA firms in the United States and Puerto Rico through the McGladrey Network. In addition, RSM McGladrey is the U.S. member of RSM International, the seventh-largest accounting and consulting organization in the world with 600 offices in more than 75 countries.

Citizens Business Bank is the largest bank with headquarters in the Inland Empire area of California. It is widely recognized for its commitment to its customers and communities as well as its strong financial performance. Citizens Business Bank serves businesses, professionals and individuals through 30 conveniently located offices in San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Citizens Business Bank's award-winning site is www.cbbank.com.