Heritage Bank of Commerce Announces Promotion of Joseph C. Wilson to Senior Vice President/Commercial Team Leader

Business Wire, July 27, 2000

Business Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2000

Heritage Bank of Commerce today announced the promotion of Joseph C. Wilson to Senior Vice President/Commercial Team Leader. Wilson has been with the bank since its inception in 1994.

Wilson's extensive banking career began in 1977 and included positions at Crocker National Bank in San Francisco, Bank of America in Santa Clara, and California Business Bank in San Jose.

"As part of the original team that opened the Bank in June, 1994, Joe helped build the Bank's Commercial Lending Department from the ground up," stated Brad Smith, Chairman and CEO. "He has done an outstanding job of growing the Bank's commercial loan portfolio and his leadership and unfailing commitment to quality service has been instrumental to our ongoing success," continued Smith.

Wilson graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Finance from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and resides in San Jose with his wife Dee Dee and their children.

Heritage Bank of Commerce is a subsidiary bank of Heritage Commerce Corp, a bank holding company established February 17, 1998. Heritage Commerce Corp is also the parent company of Heritage Bank East Bay, headquartered in the city of Fremont, with an office in Danville, and Heritage Bank South Valley, headquartered in the city of Morgan Hill.

The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "HTBK."

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Company is conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. For a discussion of factors, which could cause results to differ, please see the Company's reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company's press releases. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.