January 2, 2006-Florence SC-First Reliance Bank announces today that it has promoted Tom Ewart to the position of Chief Banking Officer. Tom joined First Reliance Bank as a senior level executive in 2003. President and CEO Rick Saunders noted, "The value that Tom Ewart brings to our organization goes far beyond the balance sheet. He is an asset not only to our organization but the community as well. His position and respect is well earned." His responsibilities include assisting CEO and the leadership team with corporate strategy and planning. Also, targeting and developing new markets as well as leading the success in our existing markets. During Ewart's tenure as a senior banking officer, the bank has doubled in sized each year for the past two years. In addition to his duties at the bank, Ewart has served as the Past President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce and is the past President of the Florence Rotary. He is Treasurer and Vice-Chairman for the Girl Scouts of the Pee Dee and Chairman of the Board of Visitors for Coker College. He is a past member of the South Carolina State Board of Education and a current member of the Board of Trustees for Coker College, Francis Marion University Foundation Board, Progress Economic Development Board and the Boys and Girls Club State Alliance Board as well. He also serves as Campaign Chairman for the Florence Area United Way.

Mr. Ewart graduated from Newberry College with his BA and Golden Gate University with his MBA. He also graduated from The School of Banking of the South. He has been honored with the Sam Walton Leadership Award and recognized as Board Member of the Year for the State of South Carolina Boys and Girls Club.

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.