Liberty Bank Enters Kansas City Market with Opening of Three Branches

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan. 28, 2008) - Liberty Bank and Trust, a depository institution headquartered in New Orleans, La., entered the Kansas City market today with the opening of three branches in both Kansas and Missouri. One of America's five largest African-American-owned financial institutions, Liberty Bank, is a corporate partner of Fortune 500 companies, and a major supplier of financial services to all levels of government and government agencies. With its entry into Kansas City, Liberty Bank and Trust operates 15 branches in Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Kansas and Mississippi.

Founded in 1972, Liberty Bank combines a vision of community uplift with a commitment to fundamental banking principles. During the past 35 years under the leadership of President and CEO Alden J. McDonald, Jr., the longest tenured African American financial executive in the country, Liberty Bank's assets have grown from $2 million to more than $380 million.

"We are excited to launch 2008 by entering the Kansas City market," said Alden J. McDonald, Jr. President and CEO. "With convenient locations in Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan., Liberty Bank eagerly anticipates the opportunity to provide exemplary customer service and dynamic financial solutions for citizens throughout the region."

The mission of Liberty Bank and Trust is to provide cost effective delivery of high-quality, innovative, customer-driven products and services to diverse markets with a focus on disadvantaged minority communities who traditionally have been undeserved. Liberty Bank will begin serving the metropolitan area at three area locations including 1314 N. Fifth Street and 4850 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan. and 1670 E. 63rd Street in Kansas City, Mo.

Liberty Bank and Trust is processing ALL Checks and Debit/ATM Card Transactions accepted in exchange for sales and services that were issued by Douglass National Bank branded check and Debit/ATM cards. Additional information is available for retailers and depositors by contacting Liberty Bank at (913) 321-7200.

Liberty Bank offers a full spectrum of banking solutions to each of its' customers, individuals, business and institutional. From deposit accounts to investment instruments to credit cards, financial management and electronic banking, Liberty Bank customers will enjoy a variety of products that will assist them in achieving their financial goals.

For more information on Liberty Bank and Trust, visit www.libertybank.net.