First Reliance Bank announces Branch Manager for new Main Street location

Expansion into downtown Columbia part of bank’s focus on transformational growth across the Carolinas

First Reliance Bank has hired Lindley Hamilton to manage its new location on Main Street in Columbia in anticipation of the grand opening later this year. She will serve as vice president, branch manager and oversee treasury services for the Columbia Main Branch.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Hamilton to First Reliance as we prepare to open our new Columbia Main branch,” said Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank. “Lindley is an experienced manager and will be instrumental in carrying our characteristic community and customer relations focus to this new location.”

First Reliance Bank announced plans to expand its presence in Columbia at 1901 Main Street in March and is on track to open the branch later this year. The branch will provide business banking, personal banking, mortgage banking and commercial loans. The bank presently has a team of senior executives and commercial bankers working on another floor in the building. Hamilton will join them while the branch on the first floor is renovated.

Hamilton brings nearly 15 years of experience in commercial banking, most recently serving as vice president in the client services division for a community bank in South Carolina. Hamilton is a graduate of Midlands Technical College and completed the South Carolina Banker’s School program in 2019.

First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:FSRL), the holding company for First Reliance Bank, reported record net income and earnings in 2020. “Our record performance last year is based upon conservative fiscal strategy and a continued commitment to our customers,” Saunders added. “We couldn’t achieve this without the commitment our associates have to deliver our purpose ‘to make the lives of our customers better.’ This is our recipe for success and growth across the Carolinas.”

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK

Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB), is based in Florence, South Carolina and has assets of approximately $775 million. The Company employs more than 178 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. Customers of the company have given it a 93% customer satisfaction rating well above the bank industry average of 81%. First Reliance is also one of three companies throughout South Carolina to receive the Best Places To Work in South Carolina award all 15 years since the program began. We believe that this recognition confirms that our associates are engaged and committed to our brand and the communities we serve. In addition to offering a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, First Reliance offers two unique community-customers programs, which include: Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities and Check N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. We also offer a full suite of digital banking services, a Customer Service Guaranty, a Mortgage Service Guaranty, and are open on most traditional holidays.

Additional information about the Company is available on the Company’s website at www.firstreliance.com.