Gregory D. Shumate Joins Board of One Georgia Bank, I.O.; Newly Proposed Community Bank Slated to Open in March 2006.

ATLANTA -- Noted Gwinnett County, Georgia resident, Gregory D. Shumate, joins a group of top-level business and community leaders from metro Atlanta as they launch a new banking resource unlike any other in the market. One Georgia Bank, I.O. is organized around a common vision for a community bank to serve the flourishing business market in Midtown and other metro Atlanta markets and aims to fill the service gap in the banking community created by major bank consolidations. The bank's strategy for success includes establishing a critical mass of between $15 million and $25 million in capital and a focus to serve small and middle market businesses.

Shumate is senior vice president and southeast regional manager of Opteum Financial Services, one of the nation's fastest growing and technologically advanced residential mortgage lenders. With more than 20 years' experience, he helped create the platform for success upon which Opteum's first branch opened in Atlanta in early 2002. Since then, the company has grown to more than 400 associates and 16 branches. Shumate has focused his efforts on hiring the most entrepreneurial and successful professionals which has helped Opteum achieve the rank of fifth largest mortgage lender in Atlanta in 2005, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

An accomplished manager and producer, Shumate is one of only two people to receive the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia (MBAG) Gold Award for 15 consecutive years. He was a top five volume leader for ten years and has personally closed more than $1 billion in loans. In addition, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named Shumate as one of the region's most influential leaders in financial services.

"One Georgia Bank is an ideal venture for metro Atlanta's fast growing business market and diverse population," said Shumate. "The bank is destined for long term success because the successful, self-made entrepreneurs and civic leaders behind it are committed to reaching out to their constituencies to attract a broad base of investors, customers and businesses in the region."

The lifelong resident of Gwinnett County is well-known for his leadership in the community. He attends Snellville United Methodist Church and is an active member in the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Board of Realtors, Gwinnett Council for Quality Growth, Walton Board of Realtors, Walton Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. He also serves on the board of directors for George Walton Academy. Shumate is an active supporter of the Hi Hope Service Center, American Cancer Society, Georgia Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and Unity Place at Bay Creek Park. He is a graduate of Georgia State University and currently resides in Grayson, Georgia.

According to Willard "Chuck" Lewis, proposed bank president and CEO, "Greg's exceptional success and leadership make him a strong addition to our board's extraordinary talent, experience and diverse make-up. He also shares the group's deep commitment to community service. We're proud to have him as a member of the board."

One Georgia Bank, I.O. will be headquartered in Midtown, a rapid growth market for the business and professional communities, and expects to open in March 2006 with plans for another metro Atlanta branch to follow. Its primary focus is "relationship banking" and will include business lending, commercial real estate, deposit vehicles, consumer checking services, investment products and consumer loans.

The proposed bank's other members of the board include: Sam Banjee, Maxine Burton, Arthur B. Edge, IV, Jeff Kerker, Ronald Kirschner, Lewis, Stephen A. Opler, Sunny K. Park, Gordon M. Sherman, Betty Lentz Siegel and Philip L. Swindall. In addition to being a co-founder W.E. "Billy" Lovett is the proposed bank's marketing director.

Operationally, the organizers are committed to customer service with a high-touch, high-tech approach enabling the bank to be extremely competitive and quickly gain market share. Also, the group is committed to recruiting a superior staff, establishing a winning culture and incorporating Six Sigma quality management.

One Georgia Bank's goals and objectives are to provide businesses and individuals with the highest standard of relationship banking in the market. A core offering of state-of-the-art products and services will attract deposits and loans and provide an attractive rate of return to shareholders. The bank will attract, train and retain a highly competent, motivated team dedicated to providing outstanding customer service.