PRESS RELEASE
December 31, 2009

THE BANK OF BENNINGTON AWARDED 5-STAR
SUPERIOR RATING FOR 77 th CONSECUTIVE QUARTER

BENNINGTON – The Bank of Bennington is proud to announce it has once again achieved the 5-Star Superior rating from Bauer Financial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, based on theBank’s financial condition for the quarter ending December 31 st, 2009. The bank has earned and sustained the 5-Star Superior rating for 77 consecutive quarters. Fewer than 6% of the banks in the nation can claim this distinction.

Karen Dorway, President of Bauer Financial, Inc. said, “By earning this distinction, [the] bank has demonstrated the epitome of safety and soundness…to achieve this honor, [The Bank of Bennington] has exhibited the best in such areas as capital adequacy, asset quality and stability, and has done so every quarter for over 19 years!”

The Bank of Bennington was established in Bennington in 1917 and serves the local community with branch offices in Bennington, Manchester and Arlington, VT and a loan production office in Albany, NY. The bank offers a wide range of products and services to consumers and businesses while maintaining prompt, friendly, and professional customer service.

More information about the bank may be found at thebankofbennington.com website or by contacting the bank at (802) 442-8121. # # #