First Choice Bank Donates $10,000 in Honor of National Employee Appreciation Day

CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Nasdaq Capital Markets: FCBP) -- First Choice Bancorp, the holding company of First Choice Bank (collectively, “First Choice”), announced that in honor of National Employee Appreciation Day today, First Choice has donated $10,000 to three non-profit organizations helping to fight hunger in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.

“Our employees recognize how fortunate we all are to have been able to work during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robert Franko, President & CEO. “Our amazing staff has spent countless hours and expended a tremendous amount of energy over this last year helping our clients’ businesses to survive. In honor of their dedication to helping others and on behalf of every one of our employees, First Choice has made a donation to local organizations that are working hard to help others who have not been so lucky.”

The three charitable organizations, each receiving a $3,333 donation, include Los Angeles Regional Food Bank () in Los Angeles county; Food Finders () in Orange County; and The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank () in San Diego County.

First Choice Chairman Peter Hui stated, “From the very beginning, one of First Choice Bank’s core values has been to service our communities and to give back to the less fortunate in our neighborhoods. We are so proud of the selflessness our employee partners have shown, especially during the pandemic.” Lisa Hoffmaster, Fund Development Director at Food Finders, added, “We are honored that First Choice Bank employees chose to use National Employee Appreciation Day to recognize others in need and donate to our organization. It is the dedicated employees like those at First Choice that make the partnerships that Food Finders has in the business community possible.”

About First Choice Bancorp

First Choice Bancorp, headquartered in Cerritos, California, is the sole shareholder of and the registered bank holding company for, First Choice Bank. As of December 31, 2020, First Choice Bancorp had total consolidated assets of $2.28 billion. First Choice Bank, also headquartered in Cerritos, California, is a community-based financial institution that serves primarily commercial and consumer clients in diverse communities and specializes in loans to small- to medium-sized businesses and private banking clients, commercial and industrial loans, and commercial real estate loans. First Choice Bank is a Preferred Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender. First Choice Bank conducts business through eight full-service branches and two loan production offices located in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties. Founded in 2005, First Choice Bank has quickly become a leading provider of financial services that enable our customers to grow, maintain strength, and achieve their business objectives. We strive to surpass our clients’ expectations through our efficiency, personalized services and financial solutions and professionalism and are committed to being “First in Speed, Service, and Solutions.” First Choice Bank is a strong believer in social justice and equality and is proud of its cultural- and gender-diverse workforce. As of December 31, 2020, more than 74% of the Company's total workforce identified as ethnic minorities and more than 66% of its workforce and more than 50% of its senior management identified as female. First Choice Bancorp stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “FCBP.”

First Choice Bank’s website is .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company including, without limitation, plans, strategies and goals, and statements about the Company’s expectations regarding revenue and asset growth, financial performance and profitability, loan and deposit growth, yields and returns, loan diversification and credit management, shareholder value creation and tax rates. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including the risk factors described in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company's earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ.

CONTACT

First Choice Bancorp

Robert M. Franko, 562.345.9241

President, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer

First Choice Bancorp

Khoi D. Dang, 562.263.8336

Executive Vice President & General Counsel

First Choice Bank

Mag Wangsuwana, 562.263.8340

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer