Press Release

SOLVAY BANK NAMED A TOP 200 COMMUNITY BANK

July 28, 2009 - Solvay Bank was named to the list of Top 200 Community Banks in the nation, according to U.S. Banker by SNL Financial LC. Solvay Bank was number 130 on the list of community banks that were ranked by their average return on equity for the three years ending December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Scoring was done on community banks with less than $2 billion of assets at December 31, 2008. Solvay Bank's three year average return on equity was 11.90% with assets listed at $512,125 million.

"We are very proud of our Bank's performance and pleased to be named as one of the Top 200 Community Banks," stated Paul P. Mello, CPA, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are available for our customers and being a local presence gives us a keen understanding of the financial landscape of Central New York" said Mello.

According to the Independent Community Bankers of America, there are nearly 8,000 community banks with over 50,000 locations throughout the United States. Community banks account for 96% of all banks. Solvay Bank celebrates its 92nd anniversary this year, making it the oldest independent commercial bank headquartered and operating in Onondaga County, and is committed to providing its customers with the very best in financial products and customer service. Solvay Bank has a main office located at 1537 Milton Avenue in Solvay and six branches conveniently located in Camillus, Fairmount, Liverpool, North Syracuse, downtown Syracuse and Westvale. Solvay Bank also owns a full service general insurance agency, Solvay Bank Insurance Agency, Inc.