FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paradise Valley Bank Announces Gary Hickel as CEO/President
Veteran Banker to Lead New Proposed Community Bank

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. (November 17, 2008)... Michael Kotin, Chairman of Paradise Valley Bank, in organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Hickel as the bank's chief executive officer and president.

In making the announcement, Kotin stated, "Gary has an amazing track record as a banker and friend to the business community. We are very pleased to have such an experienced and successful banker on our team."

"I am very pleased to have this opportunity to form another de novo bank in Arizona and I can't imagine a better place to do that than Paradise Valley," said Hickel, who was recognized earlier this month for his strong business ties and community involvement as one of the ten Arizona bankers recognized by Arizona Business Magazine's Centers of Influence Awards. "In my 35 years in banking here in Arizona, I have been fortunate to work with a number of successful banks but none was as exciting as starting a bank from scratch. This is my second such venture and I am certain it will be every bit as rewarding as the first, especially in light of our great location in one of the most prestigious areas in the Valley."

Hickel is a veteran Arizona banker with more than 35 years of experience leading Valley banks. He most recently served as the chief executive officer and president of BankUSA, $200 million in assets, which is part of a $14 billion dollar family-owned banking company. Prior to his 3 year tenure with BankUSA, Hickel served as the senior vice president and west regional manager for Harris Private Bank. He was also the founding president of Valley First Community Bank.

Hickel was the recipient of President Bush's Volunteer Service Award for 2005. This award recognized Hickel's more than 4,000 hours of community service, primarily for children's organizations, including the YMCA, Phoenix Thunderbirds, Lions Club, Rotary and ASU Sun Angels. Hickel is a member and past Council officer of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, a past chairman for the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA, and a current board member of the Metro YMCA. He is also a graduate of the Valley Leadership Program (Class VII).

Under Hickel's leadership, the banks he led have offered financial support to companies of all sizes and have been deeply involved in community outreach. Hickel is an advocate of forming community advisory boards to provide insights into the Valley's diverse business community. Hickel's banks have also been recognized for their charity.