Citizens Trust Bank Earmarks $50 Million for Community Business Loans

Atlanta, GA- April 30, 2006 Citizens Trust Bank (CTB) has recently announced that they will be earmarking $50,000,000 for business loans. These funds will be a specific part of their endeavor to provide business capital to the small business community.

CTB is aware that many small to mid-sized businesses are not realizing their potential due to a lack of financial resources. The program is designed to assist in the empowerment and financial development of small businesses by providing funds to pursue their goals. This new program is aggressively supported with outdoor media, community newspapers, radio and TV advertising to ensure that the community as a whole is well aware of the availability of these funds.

President and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank, James E. Young said, "CTB is constantly looking for ways to empower the community. We are pleased to be able to reserve fifty million dollars and offer these funds to businesses in the form of expansion loans." He added, "It is our hope that people seeking to finance business plans will use these funds as the means to facilitate their entrepreneurial dreams."

This endeavor reaffirms CTB's commitment to the community by giving businesses the opportunity to finance their growth and build a relationship they can bank on.

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About Citizens Trust Bank

As a leader in the financial services industry, Citizens Trust Bank prides itself on offering a full range of quality products and services. Since 1921, the Bank has continued to fulfill its mission to promote financial stability and business development, stress the principles of thrift, and make home ownership a reality. Since its inception, Citizens Trust Bank has remained dedicated to the growth and development of communities through superior products and extraordinary service.

Citizens Trust Bank is the third largest African American owned financial institution in the nation with 85 years of history, assets of approximately $340 million and eight offices throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, and branches in Birmingham and Eutaw, Alabama. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, its common stock is offered over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web.

Website: www.CTBconnect.com