Press Release

SOLVAY BANK OPENS CICERO SMART*BRANCH

Syracuse, N.Y. May 21, 2010 - Solvay Bank officially opened its eighth location today in a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the new Cicero location at 7895 Brewerton Road in Cicero. Paul P. Mello, President and CEO of Solvay Bank, had the honor of cutting the ribbon in a ceremony that was attended by the Solvay Bank Corp. Board of Directors as well as Cicero Town Supervisor Judy Boyke, New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe, and Onondaga County Legislators Casey Jordan and Lynn Jennings.

The innovative Cicero Smart*Branch is the first of its kind in Central New York and is a new concept for Solvay Bank. "Our Smart*Branch utilizes cutting edge technology with unique branch staffing while still embracing the superior personal service that is our reputation" said Mello. Customer transactions are completed using cash recycler machines, new technology that allows cash deposits to be processed more efficiently and securely by automatically counting cash and then storing it in a secure safe right at the location where the transaction occurred. These recyclers are housed in "pod" transaction stations replacing the traditional teller line that is present in most bank branches. Additionally, branch staff has the ability to utilize laptop computers in a secure wireless environment while meeting with customers in relaxed seating areas. The branch is staffed with Banking Solutions Representatives (BSR's) that are specially training to not only handle transactions but also open accounts and accept consumer loan applications. "We're excited to unveil a new staffing concept that allows all customer needs to be completed by the same Banking Solutions Representative. The BSRs are specially trained to take transactions, reset a PIN number or open a new account. No more going from the teller line over to a customer service representative waiting area," said Mello. "We're excited to unveil our Smart*Branch in the Cicero community. It is our belief that this combination of technology, efficiency and face to face service will be welcomed by our customers."

The Smart*Branch kickoff festivities continue this coming weekend with the Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, May 29th. The event will feature Syracuse University Men's Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim and former player Gerry McNamara from 10 am until noon along with food, fun and prizes from 9am through 1pm.

Founded in 1917, Solvay Bank is 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 seven branches conveniently located in Fairmount, Camillus, Liverpool, North Syracuse, downtown Syracuse, Westvale, and Cicero. Solvay Bank also owns a full service general insurance agency, Solvay Bank Insurance Agency, Inc. The Solvay Bank Web site can be found at www.solvaybank.com.

For more information on the Cicero Smart*Branch, please contact Karen Zarach, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Strategies at (315) 484-2213.