Monroeville, Pennsylvania. APRIL 24, 2008. Standard Bank (“Standard” or the “Bank”) announces a program to guarantee that customer’s direct deposit funds will be available on the prescribed day – no matter what. The guarantee will apply to customers with re-occurring Social Security or SSI direct monthly deposits. The objective of the program is to eliminate any anxiety or concern about whether the payments will be processed on time. If the government payments are delayed for any reason, Standard will deposit the funds into customer accounts.

The program is an addition to the Bank’s partnership with Go Direct – a campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks to inform people who receive federal benefits about the advantages of direct deposit and help them sign up for it.

Louanne C. Hout, VP & Manager of Marketing commented, “We know that many people have considered direct deposit but still have some lingering concerns about not getting that regular monthly check. Guaranteed direct deposit at Standard will make life safer and easier for customers, especially seniors. And, since Standard now guarantees that the payment will be in the account and immediately available to customers – there’s no reason not to sign up. Switching to direct deposit is a small but important way that people who get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks can simplify their lives. It means that bad weather or busy personal schedules will not be a factor in getting the money to the bank anymore.

Hout added, “Anyone is welcome to stop in any Standard Bank Community Banking Office to receive personal sign-up assistance. We will be providing special assistance during Customer Appreciation Days in May. We will be glad to help you – guaranteed!”

Gwen D. Lewton, VP & Security Officer stated, “Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, and helps protect against fraud and identity theft. Furthermore, direct deposit provides people with immediate access to their money from virtually everywhere, which can be vitally important in the case of a natural disaster or a major life change.”

Lewton added, “If there is ever a technical problem with receipt of the funds, we will guarantee the payment as long as it’s already set up and being directly deposited into a Standard Bank account. If you or those close to you are still receiving Social Security or other federal benefits by check, we urge you to look into switching to the safest, easiest option – direct deposit – that’s guaranteed by Standard Bank!”

Established in 1913, Standard is a Pennsylvania chartered savings bank with assets of $340 million. Standard operates ten offices serving individuals and small to mid sized businesses in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Bedford Counties, in Pennsylvania and Allegany County in Maryland. Standard is a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Mutual Holding Company, which has not issued any stock. There is no common stock traded on any exchange.