CITIZENS FINANCIAL BANK VOTED BEST BANK FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE IN NORTHWEST INDIANA

MUNSTER, IN – May 4, 2010 - Citizens Financial Bank has been named the Best Bank for Customer Service in the annual Best in Northwest Indiana reader’s survey conducted by the Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly.

Rick A. Richards, Editor of NWIBQ explains, “ For the past few months, readers of NWIBQ have been casting their votes for the Best of Northwest Indiana. Citizens Financial Bank was voted Best Bank for Customer Service in the write-in category as well as one of the Best Companies to Work For. He continues, “ All of the businesses on this list have one thing in common: They’ve been a part of the Northwest Indiana business community for decades and believe in treating employees and customers as family.”

Thomas F. Prisby, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Financial Bank said, “We are very pleased with our selection as the Best Bank for Customer Service by the readers of NWIBQ. Citizens has been serving the communities and businesses of Northwest Indiana for more than 75 years.” He continues, “We strive to provide Personal, personal banking and Personal, business banking to all our clients, communities and businesses. Our employees are part of the Citizens’ family. Every employee is a valuable part of our organization and is treated with the respect they deserve.” He concludes, “I am very proud to have Citizens Financial Bank named one of the Best Companies to Work For in Northwest Indiana.” These awards recognize our sincere efforts to achieve our goals.”

Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly got its start in 1991 as Northwest Indiana Business, an economic development business news publication. Today, NWIBQ continues the tradition as a thriving regional business magazine, with ongoing partners including the Northwest Indiana Forum and other business leaders serving on the editorial and advisory board. Primary distribution is in the northwest region of Indiana and adjoining counties, including expansion this year into the Michiana and South Chicago business districts serving a readership of over 29,500. www.nwibq.com

Citizens Financial Bank, a $1.1 billion dollar bank, serves the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses through its network of 23 Banking Centers located throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Citizens Financial Bank was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Munster, Indiana. www.mybankcitizens.com