Another First for Citizens Trust Bank: Citizens Trust Bank Named an Approved Lender for the State Small Business Credit Initiative

ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Department of Community Affairs announced Citizens Trust Bank as the first, approved Georgia bank to participate in the State Small Business Credit Initiative program (SSBCI).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120828/CL64060 )

The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (the "Act") became law in the fall of 2010.  The Act created the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which was funded to strengthen state lending programs that support small businesses and manufacturers.  As any approved lender, Citizens Trust Bank will leverage the Bank's private lending efforts for each public dollar awarded by the State. The State Small Business Credit Initiative is expected to infuse up to $15 billion nationwide in lending to small businesses.  Participation in the loan program encourages the spirit of entrepreneurship, private lending, job expansion, and neighborhood revitalization for economic growth in the State.

"Small business and the spirit of entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of the community. It's important to keep that spirit alive in order for our community to continue to grow and thrive," said Cynthia N. Day, president & CEO of Citizens Trust Bank. "Our participation in the State program is a natural extension of our approach to increase small business loan potential and enhance our proactive support to the business community."

"Through the program, business owners can expand their access to capital, facilitate business growth and promote job creation in local communities across the state," added Day.  For more information about the GA State Small Business Credit Initiative, contact a Citizens Trust Bank financial relationship professional at 678.406.4000.

About Citizens Trust Bank
Citizens Bancshares Corporation is the parent holding company that provides a full range of commercial and personal banking services to individual and corporate customers.  Citizens Trust Bank, formed in 1921, is committed to enabling their customers and the community to realize dreams of economic empowerment.  As a leader in the financial services industry, Citizens Trust Bank prides itself on offering a full range of quality products and services. Since its inception, the Bank has remained dedicated to the growth and development of communities through superior products and extraordinary service.  Citizens Trust Bank has financial centers throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, and in Birmingham and Eutaw, Alabama. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, its common stock is offered over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web at www.CTBconnect.com.  Citizens Trust Bank – A relationship you can bank on.

SOURCE Citizens Trust Bank