LaVale, MD – Standard Bank (“Standard” or the “Bank”) announced a renewed community commitment with a special Grand Re-Opening Celebration that was held, on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at its LaVale Office. The office, located at 1275 National Highway, has been significantly expanded and given a fresh new look that provides added comfort and convenience for customers. To kickoff the celebration, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at 11:15 AM featuring Dave Mathews, Business Development Coordinator, and Senator John Hafer, a number of local prominent business leaders, valued customers and Bank staff.

Dave Mathews commented, “We are very excited to provide our customers with a completely updated banking environment. We made these changes to meet the needs of our customers. Most importantly, the improvements in this office strongly reflect Standard Bank’s commitment to the LaVale Community.” Mathews added, “The same friendly faces with new products and technology are now able to provide better convenience, comfort and service to our customer.”

Cindy Schartiger, Office Manager, stated “Expanding and remodeling of the office offers new amenities to help provide better customer service. Outside, a new ATM and enhanced drive up facility was added. There is now a conference room area and new consultation areas inside, where customers can relax as they meet with their own personal banker. An investment service center is also available.” Schartiger added, “We were very pleased with our customer’s reactions. It has been a little inconvenient during construction, but we believe our customers will agree that the additions and changes were worth the wait.”

The LaVale office décor was carefully planned to maintain a hometown feel. The design includes special prints of local interest to the Western Maryland area by Local Artists: Charlie Amos, Judy DeHart, James Grove and Alexis Levine. A special limited edition print, “Cumberland Steeples” by Charlie Amos, was given away at the Grand Re-Opening. Mr. Amos was present at the event. Also, WCBC Radio was broadcast live from the office. Food and refreshments were provided along with surprise customer gifts. Special deposit and loan offers are being featured as the celebration continues throughout the month of May.

The Bank’s local Advisory Board Committee Members are John Balch, Joy Carpenter, Dean Crabtree, Dave Mathews, Nick Scarpelli, John Schartiger, and Garland Whitacre. Mr. Whitacre commented, “The renovation shows we are growing. Standard is committed to our community with hometown solutions that work to fulfill customer needs. We are definitely here to help.”

Established in 1913, Standard is a Pennsylvania chartered savings bank with assets of $340 million. Standard operates ten offices serving individuals and small to midsized businesses in Alleghany County Maryland and Allegheny, Bedford and Westmoreland Counties, in Pennsylvania. 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. Standard is a Member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.