SARASOTA, Fla., July 30, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- First State Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:FSTF), a bank holding company based in Sarasota, Florida announced today the opening of its new branch in Venice, Florida the week of July 30, 2008. First State Financial Corporation is the holding company for First State Bank and is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. First State Bank currently operates eight other offices, three in Sarasota County and five in Pinellas County.
John E. "Jed" Wilkinson, President and CEO of First State Bank said, "I am very pleased with the opportunity to expand our Sarasota division into the vibrant Venice and southern Sarasota County area. Based upon the reception given to us in the planning stages of this expansion, I am confident that First State Bank's 'Second to None' service will be well received. First State Bank is a leader of community banks on the west coast of Florida, and this expansion will keep us at the forefront of our peers."
Paul Thatcher, Sarasota County Division President said, "We are excited to be in the Venice market as it presents us with a tremendous opportunity to poise First State Bank for growth in the south Sarasota area."
Further information regarding First State Financial Corporation and First State Bank may be obtained by contacting Mr. John E. "Jed" Wilkinson, President and CEO, 22 S. Links Avenue, Suite 100, Sarasota, Florida 34236. Telephone 941-929-9000. Email: jwilkinson@firststatefl.com
The information provided herein may contain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about First State Bank's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions by First State Bank's management, and on information currently available to such management. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "intends," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," or similar expressions, or future conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," and "could." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and First State Bank undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Management cautions that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially.