Cornerstone Announces Termination of Consent Order

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board: CSBQ; CSBQP), the holding company of Cornerstone Community Bank (Bank), today announced the termination of the Consent Order, dated April 2, 2010, between the Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  The Consent Order, related to strengthening the Bank's capital position and improving asset quality, was lifted after regulators determined the Bank had met all regulatory requirements and successfully raised in excess of $12 million in capital through a Preferred Stock Offering (Offering). 

"This is a significant event for Cornerstone and testament to the hard work of our entire team, at all levels," said Cornerstone's President and CEO Frank Hughes. "While we're pleased that the regulators have recognized and acknowledged the progress made, we will continue to work diligently to improve our asset quality, clean up the balance sheet and continue on this path to greater profitability."

Cornerstone recently reported its sixth consecutive quarter of positive earnings and has paid the quarterly dividend on its Preferred Stock, based on those six quarters.  Launched in the third quarter of 2010, the Offering features a Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with a 10 percent annual, cumulative dividend.    

"We are fortunate to be located in such a thriving, progressive market as Chattanooga, where there is great opportunity for a strong community bank," said Cornerstone's Chairman Miller Welborn.  "Our goal is to continue serving our customers and building on Cornerstone's solid foundation for the future."

Founded in 1996, Cornerstone is a single-bank holding company, with $421 million in assets, serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA, with five full-service branch locations throughout Chattanooga and one loan production office in Dalton, Georgia. Locally owned and locally operated, Cornerstone specializes in providing a comprehensive range of customized financial solutions for businesses and individuals.

Certain of the statements made in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Cornerstone and its management regarding the company's strategic directions, prospects and future results, involve certain risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Cornerstone operates, governmental regulations, the company's competitive environment, cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in its operating results, and other risks.

SOURCE Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc.