FIRST RELIANCE BANK EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT NAMED PRESIDENT OF MORTGAGE BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF THE CAROLINAS, INC.

Kenneth R. Cox, Brings 23 Years Of Industry Expertise And First Reliance Bank’s "BETTER" Philosophy To Carolinas Association

FLORENCE, South Carolina, November 18, 2011 - Kenneth Cox, executive vice president of Mortgage Banking at First Reliance Bank, has been named president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas, Inc. He will be utilizing his vast experience and First Reliance Bank's "customer first" philosophy of providing a "BETTER" banking experience to lead the association. During his tenure, he has seen how the application of these ideas have been crucial in upholding the association’s mission to champion strong consumer advocacy while providing legislative representation, education, training, networking and information to ensure that mortgage bankers in the Carolinas are properly equipped to face today's mortgage banking world.

Cox has 23 years experience in the banking industry, including the past 6 1/2 years at First Reliance Bank. Known for offering an incredible customer experience, distinctive customer programs, and unmatched convenience, First Reliance Bank has a solid reputation of putting the needs of customers first. Mortgage loans are just one of the many products and services offered at First Reliance Bank.

"It's an honor to have one of our associates take the helm of this important association," said Rick Saunders, president and CEO of First Reliance Bank. "Ken is a great leader and truly cares about looking out for our customers' best interests. At First Reliance, we know that being able to own a home gives a family a sense of stability, and in today’s world of uncertainty, that's so important. We take a personal interest in our customers. These aren't just customers to us. They are our neighbors, friends, and family. I know Ken will put this philosophy to good use during his time as president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas."

The Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas, Inc. is a trade association for mortgage professionals doing business in the Carolinas. MBAC is one of the oldest and most influential mortgage banking organizations in the nation. It was organized in North Carolina in 1955, and became the only two-state mortgage banking organization in 1958. MBAC members include residential and commercial mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, wholesale lenders, savings & loan associations, commercial banks, credit unions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and companies that provide affiliated services to mortgage bankers.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK

First Reliance Bank, founded in 1999, has assets of approximately $500 million, and employs over 120 highly-talented associates. The bank serves the Columbia, Lexington, Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Florence markets in South Carolina. The bank has been recognized as "One of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina" by the SC BIZ for six consecutive years and was named 2009 Lender of the Year by the South Carolina Housing Authority. First Reliance Bank offers several unique customer programs which include a Hometown Heroes package of benefits to serve those who are serving our communities, Check 'N Save, a community outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked, a Moms First program, and an iMatter program targeted to young people. The Bank also offers a Customer Service Guaranty, a Mortgage Service Guaranty, FREE Coin Machines and 8-8 Extended Hours in all of their Florence, Charleston, West Columbia and Lexington locations and is open on most traditional bank holidays. Its commitment to making customers' lives better, and the idea that "There's More to Banking Than Money" has earned the bank a customer satisfaction rating of 99% (2010 results from an outside survey firm) and the number one market share in its headquarters City of Florence, S.C. First Reliance Bank is traded as FSRL.OB. Information about the Company is available on the company’s web site at www.firstreliance.com.