January 2, 2006-Florence SC-First Reliance Bank announces today that it has promoted Ricky Cox, to the position of City Executive for the Florence Region. Mr. Cox joined the bank in 2002. President and CEO Rick Saunders noted, "Ricky came to us with enthusiasm and a passion that has affected everyone and every position he has held in our organization. He has a staunch track record of exceeding every goal ever presented to him. His rise through our organization is a source of pride for the bank and he has truly earned this position. I have enjoyed watching his development and his success as a true business professional and leader. I feel fortunate to have a front row seat to see what new heights he will reach in this new role." His new responsibilities will include oversight and management of business and retail banking, with focus on continuing expansion of the Florence Region. Mr. Cox's most recent duties were as that of a Business Banker. He was promoted to Vice President in 2005. He also chaired the new branch implementation team and various other steering committees. Mr. Cox was awarded the 2003 Employee of the Year Award. In addition to his responsibilities for the bank, Mr. Cox is an active participant in several community organizations, including Kiwanis, Leadership Florence 2005-2006, and the Board of Trustees for the Garden City Chapel and Retreat Center, Volunteers with the Pee Dee Area Big Brothers organization and is an active member of The Church of Sandhurst.

Mr. Cox a 1998 "cum laude" graduate of Francis Marion University with a BBA in Management, Ricky continued his education earning his MBA in Business Administration from Francis Marion in December of 1999. Mr. Cox is a also a 2002 graduate of the National Commercial Lending School of the American Bankers Association held at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, in 2005, Ricky graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

About First Reliance Bank: First Reliance Bank was founded in 1999 and has assets of over $400 million. The bank serves the midlands, low country and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. The bank has been recognized for its success including being the only bank ever to be named to The Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies™ in South Carolina three times including 2005 (ElliottDavis.) First Reliance Bank operates in five locations with Totally Free Checking, Totally Free Business, free coin machines, $500 Service Promises and 8-8 Extended Hours in their Florence location. Their There's More to Banking Than Money™ and Easy To Do Business With™ standards have earned the young bank a customer satisfaction rating of 94% (Performance Solutions-November 2005-Audited.) First Reliance Bank is traded as FSRL.OB. For further information, please contact Helen O'Loughlin, Media Relations at 843-674-3029 or visit www.firstreliance.com.