HOPEWELL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK
P R E S S   R E L E A S E

HOPEWELL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCES
FOUR OFFICER PROMOTIONS

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N. J., Feb. 27 / -- The Board of Directors of Hopewell Valley Community Bank has announced four officer promotions, effective immediately.  In the first, Andre J. Caldini has been promoted to Vice President.  Mr. Caldini began working for the Bank in June, 1999, as an Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, involved in all areas of lending and business development.  Mr. Caldini specializes in the origination of loans through the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) government guaranteed loan program.  Mr. Caldini holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management/Finance from Widener University.  Mr. Caldini is an officer of the Princeton Elks Lodge #2129, and is Treasurer of LeTip International, Princeton Chapter.

R. Christian Pfefferle has been promoted to Assistant Vice President.  Mr. Pfefferle began working for the Bank in February, 1999, as Assistant Treasurer and Branch Manager of the Bank’s Pennytown Office.  In November, 1999, he was promoted to the position of Branch Manager of the Bank’s new headquarters on Route 31 in Pennington, which serves communities in Pennington, southern Hopewell Township, and surrounding areas in Lambertville, Ewing, and Lawrence.  Mr. Pfefferle is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Finance from Thomas Edison State College.  Mr. Pfefferle recently completed his second year as General Chairman of the 2001 Hopewell Harvest Fair held annually in Hopewell Borough.  He is also a member of the Hopewell Kiwanis Club.

Maureen Hoppe has been named an Assistant Treasurer.  Ms. Hoppe began working for the Bank in February, 1999, as Head Teller of the Bank’s Pennytown Office.  In November, 1999, she was promoted to the position of Branch Manager of that office, which serves communities in Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, and surrounding areas in West Amwell, and Flemington.  Ms. Hoppe is a twenty five year resident of the Hopewell Valley, is a licensed real estate agent, and has more than 10 years of experience in the banking industry.  She is a candidate to become a volunteer for Angel’s Wings, Inc., and is a member of the Hopewell Business Association.

Lourdes Pagan has been named an Assistant Treasurer.  Ms. Pagan has been with the Bank since September, 1999, as Assistant Branch Manager of the Bank’s headquarters on Route 31 in Pennington.  Ms. Pagan holds a Management Certificate from Mercer County Community College and has more than 12 years of experience in the banking industry.

Hopewell Valley Community Bank opened for business in February, 1999, and has three branch offices located in Mercer County.  A new full service branch just recently opened at 3800 Quakerbridge Road in Hamilton, New Jersey.  Current assets are more than $73 million and the FDIC insures deposits up to $100,000.  Hopewell Valley Community Bank is the only Mercer County based commercial bank with a FIVE STAR rating from independent industry evaluation firm BAUERFINANCIAL Reports.

James Hyman, President & CEO of the Bank, noted that, “This is the first round of officer level promotions we have had since the inception of the Bank.  These individuals are all valued members of our Bank and have helped to make Hopewell Valley Community Bank a success.  2001 became a hallmark year for the Bank as we attained continuous profitability, completed expansion into the Hamilton market, and continued to establish ourselves as a meaningful part of the financial community in Mercer County”.

Chairman of the Board, Patrick L. Ryan, stated that, “The Board is proud of the work these people have given to the Bank, their dedication and commitment to the success of the organization.  The Bank’s management and Board are steadfast and unswerving in their belief that a full service community based banking institution can successfully compete against larger banking organizations.  The Bank is locally owned and operated, with a primary mission to be responsive to local needs.  The Bank will remain focused on providing differentiated, customized community banking services as the centerpieces of its overall strategy for continued success and enhancement of shareholder value."