BOSTON, MA - November 13, 2008 - The U.S. Department of the Treasury has awarded Wainwright Bank & Trust Company (NASDAQ: "WAIN") and Affirmative Investments, Inc. a $25 million allocation in the sixth round of the federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) program. Of the 239 organizations that applied earlier this year, Wainwright is one of 70 selected.

The NMTC program awards tax incentives to private sector investors who provide investment capital to entrepreneurs and businesses that create economic growth and jobs in distressed neighborhoods.

"Especially in the current economic climate, this award will enable us to further our nationally-recognized socially progressive lending activities," said Jan A. Miller, President and CEO of Wainwright Bank. "We will partner with CDCs and private developers to provide financing for projects in four highly distressed Boston neighborhoods: Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury."

"New Markets allow us to provide critical capital to investments in low-income neighborhoods that could not happen without the program," said David Ennis, President of Affirmative Investments. Wainwright applied for the NMTC allocation jointly with Affirmative Investments.

About Wainwright Bank

With $1 billion in assets and 12 branches throughout Greater Boston, Wainwright is widely recognized as the country's leading socially progressive bank. It has committed over $700 million in loans to socially progressive development projects including affordable housing, environmental protection, health clinics, homeless shelters, inner-city schools and many others. The Bank was named the "ultimate high-purpose company" in a recently published best selling book by award-winning author, Christine Arena, entitled "The High-Purpose Company".

About Affirmative Investments

Headquartered in Boston, and serving clients nationwide, Affirmative Investments provides comprehensive financing and development services to community-based and mission-driven sponsors that expand housing opportunities, stimulate economic development and deliver critical services that directly and positively impact low-income people and low-income communities. Affirmative Investments has facilitated the financing and development of more than $900 million of affordable housing representing over 5,300 units since its founding in 1983.

Wainwright Bank & Trust Company

Wainwright Bank & Trust Company

Wainwright is a leading socially progressive commercial bank with over $1 billion in assets primarily serving consumers, businesses and nonprofits with 12 branches throughout Greater Boston. Over 50% of the Bank's commercial loan portfolio is committed to community development initiatives including affordable housing, homeless shelters, HIV/AIDS services, food banks, community health centers, inner-city schools and environmental protection to name a few. The bank has provided over $700 million in these types of loans since its founding in 1987. Wainwright's commitment to supporting social justice issues has been widely recognized including being named one of the 11 Best Lenders to Women in the U.S. and one of the Top 20 Sustainable Stocks in the world.

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