Commerce Bank Names Butto Top Executive for Reading Region; Bank continues to drive growth in Berks County

Business Wire, Dec 21, 2005

EAST PENNSBORO TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, NA, the sole banking subsidiary of Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ:COBH), today announced Joseph N. Butto as regional vice president for the bank's Reading Region. He will oversee all deposit and lending operations in Berks County.

Butto, a resident of Mohnton Borough, Berks County, previously was a senior vice president with Citizens Bank. He has more than 20 years of financial services experience.

"Joe's depth of experience, combined with his admiration of Commerce Bank's celebrated customer service culture, will be a tremendous asset," said Commerce Bank Chairman, President and CEO Gary L. Nalbandian. "We are confident that his leadership will exceed customer expectations and help fuel Commerce's exciting pace of growth in Reading."

Butto serves on the board of directors for Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County. He earned his bachelor's degree in business management from The Pennsylvania State University.

Butto joins Commerce as the bank begins its third year in the Reading market.

"As Commerce has grown in the region, the bank has become synonymous with convenience and unsurpassed service," Nalbandian said. "Our team is eager to deliver the unique Commerce experience to more customers in more Berks County communities."

Commerce currently has four stores in Berks County located in Cumru Township, Exeter Township, Muhlenberg Township and Wyomissing Borough. A fifth store is planned for Spring Township, which could open as early as summer 2006.

Commerce is well known for delivering a truly different banking experience. The bank's retail approach emphasizes convenience, providing customers with financial services whenever, wherever and in whatever way they may want them. Commerce's hallmark products and services include seven-day banking, free personal checking, free instant-issue ATM/Visa check card, free interactive Penny Arcade coin-counting machines, free online banking and 24/7 bank-by-phone.

In addition to retail banking, Commerce offers a diverse portfolio of commercial banking services including term loans, commercial mortgages, commercial leasing and lines of credit, and cash management services.

Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, "America's Most Convenient Bank," opened its first office in Camp Hill, PA, in June of 1985. In the 20 years since, the bank has cultivated a unique retail model that has produced continuous strong growth. The bank has doubled its number of branches in Pennsylvania in recent years, growing a network of 28 stores in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon and York counties.

Commerce Bank/Harrisburg currently has assets of $1.5 billion. For more information about Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, visit the bank's web site at commercepc.com.