ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Citizens Bancshares Corporation (OTCBB:CZBS), parent company of Citizens Trust Bank (CTB) along with Operation New Birmingham (ONB) will be hosting a 'Bridge to Birmingham' luncheon today in an effort to spark relationships between Atlanta developers and Birmingham city planning officials. The luncheon is scheduled for 1:00pm at the One Ninety One Club and the media is welcomed to attend.
CTB officers and directors will introduce over 30 of Atlanta's top developers and builders to the revitalization efforts currently taking place in Birmingham and all across Jefferson County. This event is part of CTB's active involvement with ONB's Partnership for Growth, a plan to put Birmingham in a position to take its rightful place as the financial, cultural and economic center of Alabama.
"CTB is extremely excited about partnering with Operation New Birmingham at today's event," says Robert Nesbitt, CTB Alabama Division President. "As one of the cornerstones of the historic district, CTB has a vested interest in the city of Birmingham. This is our home where we live, work and play so we are meeting today to share our commitment with both ONB and Atlanta that CTB is willing, able and committed to Birmingham's history -- yesterday, today and tomorrow."
According to Operation New Birmingham's President Michael Calvert, "CTB and ONB share similar missions of economic empowerment and community reinvestment and want to expose the developers responsible for the progress and success of Atlanta's revitalization to the vast business opportunities that are currently available just a few miles down I-20. This endeavor is a win-win for all parties at the table."
Operation New Birmingham is a unique public-private partnership with a dual mission: To make the City Center the No. 1 choice for business, healthcare, living, the arts & entertainment, and to Promote communication, understanding and harmony among the diverse racial and ethnic groups in the Birmingham community. Founded in 1957, ONB is a Section 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization supported equally by a contract with the City of Birmingham and contributions from business, individuals and Jefferson County.
About Citizens Trust Bank
As the leader in the financial services industry, Citizens Trust Bank prides itself on offering a full range of quality banking products and services. Since 1921, the Bank has continued to fulfill its mission to promote financial stability and business development, stress the principles of thrift, and make home ownership a reality. Today, CTB remains dedicated to neighborhood and small business growth, development and advancement through community reinvestment.
Citizens Trust Bank is the third largest African American owned financial institution in the nation and has 84 years of history, assets of more than $340 million and nine offices throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia. CTB crossed state lines for the first time with one branch in Birmingham, and one in Eutaw, Alabama after the acquisition of Citizens Federal Savings Bank in early 2003. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, CTB offers its common stock over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web at http://www.CTBconnect.com