First Midwest Bank Announces New Program to Serve Money Service Businesses

ITASCA, IL--(Marketwire - September 23, 2008) - First Midwest Bank ("First Midwest"), the wholly owned subsidiary of Itasca based First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBI), today announced that it has developed a program to serve the unique banking needs of money service businesses (MSBs). Recognizing an underserved market segment, First Midwest's program is designed to provide clients with the tools and resources necessary to keep their accounts in compliance with federal regulations such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the USA PATRIOT Act.

"The tighter regulatory environment has caused MSBs to have difficulty in finding a bank that is prepared to meet their needs," stated Joleen McCarty, MSB Program Manager. "Our program gives an MSB client peace of mind that they are working with a bank that is committed to serving this market over the long term."

First Midwest's MSB Program is designed to minimize the administrative burden for the client while providing the services necessary to meet the regulatory requirements for banking MSBs such as ongoing account monitoring, registration/license confirmation and risk assessments. Starting with a staff dedicated to serving MSBs, the program includes superior client service and support, outstanding products to meet the changing needs of your business and the peace of mind that you are partnered with a bank that understands your business. Additionally, clients have access to the broad array of cash management products and services offered by the bank.

"The MSB program is the latest example of First Midwest's commitment to value creation by providing solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of our clients," according to Stephanie Wise, Executive Vice President Business and Institutional Services. "This program fits seamlessly within our comprehensive set of cash management solutions, and we are pleased to be able to bring this much needed service to money service businesses in this market."

First Midwest Bank is the premier relationship-based banking franchise in the growing Chicagoland banking market. As one of the Chicago metropolitan area's largest independent banking companies, First Midwest provides the full range of both business and retail banking and trust and investment management services through 101 offices located in 63 communities, primarily in metropolitan Chicago. First Midwest was recently recognized by the Alfred P Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workforce Flexibility in the greater Chicago Area.

Contact Information: CONTACT: William G. Maier Senior Vice President Cash Management Division Manager (630) 875-7356 www.firstmidwest.com