Nov. 7, 2006

Putnam Savings Bank Receives
"Community Bank of the Year" Award
from America's Community Bankers
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November 7, 2006: Putnam Savings Bank has always been a strong community partner. Among the many local charitable organizations it supports is the Northeastern Connecticut Chapter of Habitat for Humanity (HFH). The Bank's local involvement with Habitat for Humanity, as well as the volunteer efforts of Chairman & CEO Thomas Borner and his wife, Kathy, has been recognized nationally by America's Community Bankers (ACB). At ACB's recent convention held in San Diego, Putnam Savings Bank received a "Community Bank of the Year" Award from the trade group. "It is truly an honor to receive this award;" said Kim Michael, Corporate Communications for ACB, "the competition was fierce."

Mr. Borner, who accepted the award on behalf of Putnam Savings Bank, said, "This is just such a wonderful tribute. Working with Habitat throughout the country has been such a labor of love for Kathy and me. We have seen firsthand the impact Habitat has had for many deserving families. Now with the Bank's involvement, we are extremely gratified to know that we are helping to create the American dream of homeownership locally as well. It is nice to be recognized for our efforts, but the true reward is seeing the pride in the faces of the family who move into a Habitat home."

The Borners have worked on a number of America's Community Bankers' Habitat builds throughout the country, most recently on the San Diego project. "The partnership between Putnam Savings Bank and Habitat for Humanity is a natural," says Tom. "One of the primary functions of community banking is housing, and I can't think of a better way to demonstrate our commitment to building stronger communities."

With help from a $25,000 contribution from The Putnam Savings Foundation, land donated by a local resident, and great deal of hard work, one deserving family will soon move into a brand new Habitat for Humanity home in Danielson, Connecticut. Volunteers for the Northeast Chapter of HFH are nearing completion on a one-family home on Commerce Avenue, and it is anticipated that the home will be completed in early 2007. Over 20 of the Bank's employees worked on the project during a summer workday; in addition, Senior Vice President Lynn Brodeur serves as the group's president and Board of Corporators' Member James Rivers serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast HFH.

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast CT has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity since 1995. Their mission is to draw families in need and communities together to build decent, affordable housing. Habitat is committed to the development and uplifting of families and communities, not only to the construction of houses. In their non-discriminatory selection process, all homeowners contribute "sweat equity" and work as partners with the affiliate and other volunteers to accomplish Habitat's mission, both locally and worldwide.

America's Community Bankers is a national trade organization with over 1,000 bank members, whose mission is to "shape the future of banking by being the innovative industry leader strengthening the competitive position of community banks" across the country. They actively support HFH nationally and internationally.

Putnam Savings Bank Chairman and CEO Thomas Borner and his wife, Kathy, at a recent Habitat for Humanity build project in San Diego, California.