Hispanic-Focused Security One Bank to Open May 8 in Fairfax County; Locally Owned Bank is First to Target Hispanic Community.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. -- After a successful capital campaign to raise $15 million, Security One Bank will open its doors May 8 in Fairfax County. The bank will operate as a full-service community bank, serving all small businesses and consumers with a special focus on the underserved Hispanic market.

Security One's headquarters and first branch are at 5860 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, which is in the Baileys Crossroads community. The bank (www.securityonebank.com) is leasing 3,390 square feet of space initially.

"After 15 months in the process of organization, I feel extremely proud to present the first community bank headquartered in the metropolitan region that will provide specific programs and services to the Hispanic community," said William Soza, chairman of the Board of Directors of Security One Bank. He continued, "With this focus, the personal and business banking needs of our metropolitan region will be met with general inclusiveness."

"The Hispanic community is a significant and growing part of Fairfax County, and the Hispanic business community is thriving here as well. Security One Bank is an important component in strengthening these communities," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

"My commitment is to make Security One Bank the best community bank in the region, and to meet the challenge of being the bridge to provide the local Hispanic community with mainstream financial services," said Carl Dodson, President and CEO of Security One Bank.

The 2000 Census found that more than 33 percent of the residents around Baileys Crossroads are of Hispanic origin. The most recent Economic Census found that 7,302 Hispanic-owned businesses operated in Fairfax County in 2002, a 47.2 percent increase since 1997. Eleven of the 500 largest Hispanic-owned companies in the United States are based in Fairfax County, according to Hispanic Business magazine.

Business growth helps Fairfax County, minutes from Washington, D.C., fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and library, public safety, social services and park systems that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers diverse real estate options, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a business community based on technology and professional services, and a well-educated workforce.

About the FCEDA (www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org)

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA's Capital Attraction Program links technology entrepreneurs with potential investors. Another program supports the growth of minority and woman-owned businesses. The FCEDA maintains overseas marketing offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.