FNSC First National Bancshares (SC) (MM)

SPARTANBURG, S.C., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First National Bank of the South is setting out to make a powerful connection with the community with the launch of its new branding initiative. First National's brand is centered around the tagline, "We can do that," a refreshing promise explaining the bank's commitment to surprise and delight clients with quick responses and unconditional loyalty. The brand message is delivered by First National's new mascot, Jack. Appropriately named, he's a Jack Russell Terrier who demonstrates the bank's can-do attitude in a naturally energetic, loveable and entertaining way. "It's a warm, encouraging brand message that we want everyone to hear," First National's President and CEO, Jerry L. Calvert, remarked. "We want our customers to expect consistent responsiveness; a personal banking experience; a financial partner who's accountable and committed to serving needs; and extra courtesies that distinguish us from our competitors." The bank is also launching a new Web site, http://www.fnbwecandothat.com/, to complement its optimistic brand message. More than just an account resource, it's an interactive place to connect clients with bankers and the new mascot. The brand will continue to be communicated through upcoming advertisements that show the essence of the principles carried out every day by the bank. "This is our opportunity to build a stronger emotional connection with clients," Calvert says. "These ads really bring to life First National's reputation of being very focused, attentive and energetic with a strong worth ethic." First National Bank of the South is a subsidiary of First National Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FNSC), an $853 million asset bank holding company based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. First National Bank of the South provides a wide range of financial services to consumer and commercial customers with 12 full-service branches in five South Carolina counties. A 13th office is expected to open its doors in the Fort Mill/Tega Cay community of York County in early 2009. Additional information is available online at http://www.fnbwecandothat.com/. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements concerning our future loan and deposit growth, plans, objectives, expectations, performance, credit quality, loan losses, events and the like, as well as any other statements, including those regarding potential effects of the merger, that are not historical facts and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: changes in worldwide and U.S. economic conditions, the effects of changes in interest rates, volatile credit and financial markets, a further downturn in the economy or real estate markets, branch construction delays, greater than expected non-interest expenses or excessive loan losses, deterioration in real estate values, and uncertainties associated with the acquisition of Carolina National Corporation, including the integration of operations and the cost of combining the banks, whether the transaction will be accretive to First National's shareholders, business disruption following the merger including adverse effects on employees, the quality of Carolina National's assets that First National acquired, the ability of First National to retain customers of Carolina National following the merger, acceptance of First National's products and services in the Columbia markets. For a more detailed description of certain factors, many of which are beyond First National's control, that could cause or contribute to our actual results differing materially from future results expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, please see First National's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are based on management's estimates and assumptions with respect to future events and financial performance and are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Therefore, we can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by either company will be achieved. First National does not intend to and assumes no responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statement contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. DATASOURCE: First National Bancshares, Inc. CONTACT: Jason Land, +1-864-594-5682, , for First National Bancshares, Inc. Web site: http://www.fnbwecandothat.com/

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