March 29, 2006 Lexington, SC - First Reliance Bank renewed its commitment to the midlands by breaking ground on a new $4 million regional office in Lexington today. In addition to serving as a regional office, it will also contain a full service branch in the first floor. Richard McIntyre, Market President, "This building represents not only our commitment to the area, but also incorporates the latest in design in order to further our Easy To Do Business With™ promise to our customers." The building located on Hwy 378 at 801 North Lake Drive, is centrally located and will offer amenities not currently found at other financial institutions in the area. Rick Saunders, President and CEO, "We look forward to offering the convenience and service that has been our trademark in every location, including our temporary site adjacent to the construction. When the new building opens we will introduce our 8-8, The New Bankers' Hours™ to the midlands. This service has been received very well everywhere we have deployed it. Our goal is to provide more service than customers expect. This facility, combined with the talented team that Richard has put together here, will accomplish that and much more."

The Lexington temporary branch first opened for business in June 2004, and has since grown to over $68 million in deposits. The new facility will cover over 12,000 square feet on two levels. "We look forward to having a greater investment in the community where we live and work. We also plan to have more announcements about additional locations coming very soon." says McIntyre.

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.