University Bank won a Stevie Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program in The 2005 American Business Awards in New York City last night.

Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post, The American Business Awards are the first national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in the workplace. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word 'crowned', the awards were presented during ceremonies at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The ceremonies were hosted by CNN personality Ali Velshi, videocast live on the Internet, and broadcast nationwide on Business Talk Radio nationwide. Donald J. Trump received the first Lifetime Achievement Stevie Award.

More than 100 Stevies were presented in over 40 categories including Best Overall Company, Best Executive, Best Support Staffer, and Best Corporate Web Site. More than 1,200 nominations from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration. University Bank was one of four finalists in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program category for up to 100 employees and was chosen as a winner for the Bank's innovative programs geared toward economically-challenged neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.

"Winning this prestigious award has been a wonderful experience," says University Bank president David Reiling. "Each day we make it our mission to be the best socially responsible business we can be. This honor proves that you can in fact do well by doing good."

Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs selected Stevie winners from among the Finalists. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in February and April.

The elegant Stevie trophy was designed by R. S. Owens, the same company that makes the Oscar. and the Emmy.

"Tonight we honored outstanding companies and the individuals and teams within them," said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards, the organization that runs The American Business Awards. "The American Business Awards have grown so quickly because there was a need for a program such as this, to shine a spotlight on executives and businesses that too often go unheralded. Congratulations to all of our 2005 Finalists and Stevie Award winners."

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists and Stevie Award winners are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

About University Bank
The $115 million University Bank was designated a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury in 2001. The CDFI Fund works to expand the capacity of financial institutions to provide capital, credit and financial services in underserved markets. A member of Sunrise Community Banks, University Bank's mission is to be the leader in improving our urban community. For more information, or to make a deposit, visit www.universitybank.com.

About The Stevie Awards
Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post (April 27, 2005), Stevie Awards are conferred in three programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, and The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

University Bank

University Bank

The $115 million University Bank was designated a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury in 2001. The CDFI Fund works to expand the capacity of financial institutions to provide capital, credit and financial services in underserved markets. A member of Sunrise Community Banks, University Bank's mission is to be the leader in improving our urban community.

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