BOCA RATON, FL -- As Florida-based First Southern Bank celebrates its 25th Anniversary this fall; it is continuing its pledge to contribute to the growth of the state of Florida and to provide Floridians with premier banking services, competitive products and superior, personal service.  With fifteen locations in three of the state’s largest markets – South Florida, Orlando and Jacksonville - the highly capitalized bank is committed to expanding its services to provide local businesses with strategic financial solutions designed to meet all of their lending needs.
 
Established on September 14, 1987, in Boca Raton, as a state chartered bank, First Southern Bank has always prided itself on having strong ties and relationships with the local businesses and communities it services, and is looking forward to commemorating its silver anniversary with its clients.   As part of its 25th Anniversary Celebration, the bank will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Susan Whelchel of Boca Raton at its West Boca Raton Office on September 19th.  It will also be implementing its 25th Anniversary September Celebration throughout the month by hosting Client Appreciation Fridays (9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28), during business hours, at all of its offices throughout the state of Florida.
 
Additionally, during the celebratory month, First Southern Bank will be holding its Go Green Sweepstakes for clients to enter a drawing to win one of three Amazon Kindle Fires.  Entries for the Sweepstakes will be available at First Southern Bank offices between September 4, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. EST and September 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. EST.  No purchase is necessary. Three winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries on about October 5, 2012.  Please visit your local First Southern Bank office for the Go Green Sweepstakes official rules.
 
“For 25 years, First Southern Bank has been committed to supporting local businesses and communities, and as we continue our expansion, we are dedicated to contributing to the growth of the markets we serve,” said First Southern Bank President and CEO Lynne Wines.   “At First Southern, we will continue to customize our products and services to fit our clients’ needs. Our job is to make their lives easy so they can focus on their businesses and be successful.”
 
First Southern Bank was founded by Brian J. Sherr, Vice Chairman of First Southern Bancorp’s Board of Directors, and a number of other local South Florida professionals.  The bank opened twenty-five years ago with just one office location on Glades Road in Boca Raton, and today, First Southern Bank has grown to 15 offices throughout the state.  The bank currently has twelve board members.  On December 31, 1987, the bank’s total assets were $7,500,000 and total deposits were approximately $3,250,000.   As of June 30, 2012, total assets were $978,880,000 and total deposits were $815,324,000.
 
With more than 30 years of leadership in the financial services industry, Lynne Wines is spearheading the bank’s efforts to distinguish First Southern Bank as a trusted and respected leader in community banking by building the best banking team in Florida, lending to the community and providing competitive products.  Having joined First Southern Bank in July 2011, Wines is one of the state’s most well-known, respected and accomplished banking executives.  As the previous President/COO of CNL Bank and President/CEO of Union Bank, she has earned a reputation as being a skilled business leader, team-builder and strong supporter of the communities in which she has worked and lived.  Ms. Wines was named by U.S. Banker magazine as one of the “25 Most Powerful Women to Watch.”
 
As part of its commitment to growth, First Southern Bank recently announced a number of key hires and promotions throughout the state including two well-known and respected banking executives in the Orlando and Jacksonville markets.  Joe Losch is responsible for all of the bank’s operations and growth in the rapidly expanding Central Region and Matt Greene is Market President of the North Florida Region.
 
First Southern Bancorp (OTC Bulletin Board: FSOF) had total consolidated assets of $1.2 billion at June 30, 2012. The Company provides comprehensive banking products and services through its First Southern Bank franchise. First Southern’s strong capital positions it as one of the most secure banks in the United States. The bank serves Northeast, South and Central Florida with 15 locations in St. Johns, Broward, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Seminole and Volusia counties.  For more information, please visit www.firstsouthernbank.com.