First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. completes acquisition of First Clover Leaf Financial Corp.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2016
Media Contact: Laura ZuHone                               Investor Contact: Aaron Holt
VP, Director of Marketing                                         AVP, Shareholder Relations
217-258-0675                                                        217-258-0463
lzuhone@firstmid.com                                             aholt@firstmid.com

First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. completes acquisition of First Clover Leaf Financial Corp.

MATTOON, IL — First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBH) (“First Mid” or the “Company”) announced today that the acquisition of First Clover Leaf Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: FCLF) (“First Clover Leaf”) has been completed.  The acquisition represents approximately $537 million in deposits and $450 million in performing loans in seven full-service banking centers in Illinois and Missouri, operating as First Clover Leaf Bank.

There are no immediate changes for First Clover Leaf customers. The conversion of accounts from First Clover Leaf to First Mid is expected to happen early next year, with plans to provide information to customers well in advance of any changes that may affect them.

“We are very excited to expand our St. Louis metro east presence,” said Joe Dively, First Mid Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to maintaining strong relationships and involvement in these communities and the opportunity to bring expanded services to our First Clover Leaf customers.”

With the completion of this acquisition, First Mid will have 53 banking centers and 66 ATM’s across Illinois and Missouri.  This growth expands its overall service area and offers customers banking capabilities in 37 Illinois communities.

Chartered in 1865, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust is recognized as one of America’s top performing banks, having earned a five-star Bauer Financial rating, been recognized as a top 100 community bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence, as well as being named Small Business Administration (SBA) 2016 Central/Southern Illinois Community Lender of the Year.

About First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, N.A. (“First Mid Bank”), Mid-Illinois Data Services, Inc., and First Mid Insurance Group. Our mission is to fulfill the financial needs of our communities with exceptional personal service, professionalism and integrity, and deliver meaningful value and results for customers and shareholders.
First Mid Bank was first chartered in 1865 and has since grown into a more than $2.8 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services through a network of 53 banking centers in 37 Illinois communities. Our talented team is comprised of over 600 men and women who take great pride in First Mid Bank and the Company, their work and their ability to serve our customers. More information about the Company is available on our website at http://www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH”.

Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements about First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. for which the Company claims protection of the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. Actual results could differ materially from the results indicated by these statements because the realization of those results is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including those described in Item 1A – “Risk Factors” and other sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not undertake any obligations to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

First Clover Leaf Bank Opens Full-Service Branch in St. Louis

Press Release

APRIL 6, 2016                                                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:
Jamie Foster
jfoster@fclb.com
(618) 656-6122

Edwardsville, IL – First Clover Leaf Bank (FCLB) is pleased to announce the expansion of the bank’s services into the St. Louis, Missouri market.  A new full-service branch located at 225 S. Meramec Street, Clayton, Missouri, opened April 1, 2016. The office originally opened in 2015 as a Loan Production Office led by Vice President Gant Harper, Commercial Lender with the Business Banking Group.

The Clayton location is unique in that it provides concierge banking services, meaning the bankers will travel to clients by appointment. The branch is open for walk-in traffic from 8:30 am until noon or anytime by appointment. Personal banking services and business banking services, including commercial loans are provided at this branch. Additionally, notary public services are available.

“As First Clover Leaf Bank continues its expansion, St. Louis is a logical extension of our franchise.  We are excited to provide FCLB’s unique personalized banking services to the area,” stated Dave Kuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Clover Leaf Bank.

Natasha Kunkel, Clayton Branch Supervisor, is prepared to assist customers with all of their banking needs and will lead the bank’s concierge efforts. “I am excited to be part of the expansion of FCLB into the St. Louis market,” stated Natasha Kunkel. “The ability to provide concierge services is very unique in banking, but will allow our clients even greater access to our bank.”

The staff at the Clayton location is eager to get involved in the community and provide the kind of traditional community bank service that has become First Clover Leaf Bank’s trademark. Steve Cooper, Senior Vice President of First Clover Leaf Bank, stated, “I am excited to bring First Clover Leaf Bank’s style of community banking of high touch customer service and high quality banking products to the St. Louis community.”

The Clayton, MO office is First Clover Leaf Bank’s seventh branch location. To schedule an appointment or speak to one of the new Clayton banking team members, please call 314-932-7508.

About First Clover Leaf Bank

First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products.  First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking.  Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.

Further information about the company is available at:  http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

###

Marc Kamp & Robb Treat Named as 2015 St. Louis Five Star Home Professionals

April 29, 2015

For Immediate Release

Edwardsville, IL – First Clover Leaf Bank would like to congratulate Marc Kamp and Robb Treat on being selected as 2015 St. Louis Five Star Home Professionals. Five Star Home Professionals are comprised of a group of service professionals including: Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Professionals, and Home/Auto Insurance Professionals. Marc and Robb were selected in the mortgage professional category. This category recognizes mortgage professionals that have delivered outstanding service and client satisfaction during a mortgage transaction. Thousands of recent homebuyers and consumers were contacted by the First Star Professional Research team. Respondents rated their recent mortgage experience on criteria such as overall satisfaction and the likely hood of recommending their mortgage professional to a friend.

Marc Kamp is a Mortgage Loan Originator, Vice President at First Clover Leaf Bank. He is passionate about helping customers reach their dream of home ownership. He stated, “The mortgage division at First Clover Leaf Bank allows me to offer solutions to new customers wanting to reach their dreams of homeownership for the first time and existing homeowners wanting to move up. First Clover Leaf Mortgage offers consumers a variety of mortgage products which include conventional products and a variety of specialty products so I can find the right product for each individual mortgage need.”
Robb Treat, Team Lead of the First Clover Leaf Bank Mortgage group, commented, “What we want to do here at First Clover Leaf Bank is build a life-long relationship with all of our customers. We’ll accomplish this providing each of our clients with the outstanding service they expect while offering value-added services to enhance their experience.”

Residing in Edwardsville for over 25 years with his wife Kay, Marc is very active at St. Boniface Church, as well as an active participant in the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus. Marc is also an Ambassador for the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors for the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors and an Illinois High School Association Baseball official. Marc has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and has extensive knowledge of the mortgage industry through career experience as a Home Mortgage Consultant and Branch Sales for various mortgage companies over the last 25 years.

Robb Treat has also resided in Edwardsville for the last 20 years. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Southwest Illinois since 2012. Robb is also an active participant of the Edwardsville Wrestling Club, a non-profit entity, serving as President. Robb received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has gained extensive knowledge of the mortgage industry working as a Mortgage Loan Officer and Branch Manager for several mortgage companies over the last 20 years.

---

About First Clover Leaf Bank
First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.

Further information about the company is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

First Clover Leaf Bank and the Green Team Produce an Epic Ice Bucket Challenge

First Clover Leaf Bank Green Team, Edwardsville, IL, August 28, 2014 – The First Clover Leaf Bank Green Team met the ALS Ice Bucket challenge with great enthusiasm by raising over $1500 and performing an ice bucket challenge to remember.

The Green Team’s mission is to support and give back to local not-for-profit groups.  It was not a surprise that when the bank’s executive management team challenged the Green Team to raise $500, they went above and beyond to raise $1300 for a total donation of $1550.  Along with money the Green Team raised, management had agreed to donate an additional $250.

To complete the challenge, an ice bucket challenge of epic proportions was orchestrated.  Keller Construction agreed to lend a front loader holding over 300 gallons of water and ice to deliver an ice bucket challenge that the Green Team members and bank management won’t forget anytime soon.  To add icing on the cake, any Green Team member that donated $20 was entered into a drawing to be able to select a Sr. management team member to receive a bonus bucket of ice cold water.  Sharon Leischenring, the winning team member, selected Chad Abernathy to receive that bonus bucket of ice water.

The Green Team and First Clover Leaf Bank management are proud to support ALS and its research mission.  President and CEO Dave Kuhl said, “Last week when I challenged the Green Team to the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS and to raise $500, I never dreamed they would raise over $1,300 in such a short time.  Our bank and our communities are blessed to have a group of caring, generous individuals like the Green Team who give enthusiastically of their time and resources to great causes.”

The Green Team from First Clover Leaf Bank is an all volunteer group of employees that shares their time and talents to benefit the local community.  For the past eleven years, this generous, energetic group has enriched the lives of area residents through its support of not-for-profit organizations.  The Green Team Members constantly strive to strengthen our hometown by contributing to important causes.

---

First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.

Further information about the company is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

First Clover Leaf Bank Selects Visionary Wealth Advisors to Facilitate New Wealth Management Services

EDWARDSVILLE, IL – First Clover Leaf Bank today announced an affiliation with Visionary Wealth Advisors to provide bank customers with financial planning and wealth management services. The new services will be offered under the name First Clover Leaf Wealth Management, and will be available to clients at each of its six branches, under the guidance, management and support of Visionary Wealth Advisors.

First Clover Leaf Wealth Management, through Visionary, will operate as a Registered Investment Advisor, offering independent advice, with no proprietary funds and no pressure or incentive to recommend any specific funds. Typically community banks and national banks offer financial planning services under a broker/dealer platform, selling proprietary funds to customers on a commission basis.

“We chose Visionary Wealth Advisors as our partner because we prefer the RIA model, and want our customers to have unbiased financial advice. We feel that follows the spirit of our community bank and is in our customers’ best interest,” said David Kuhl, First Clover Leaf Bank CEO.

Visionary Wealth Advisors was founded in March 2014 by Brett Gilliland and Tim Hammett, both seasoned veterans in the financial planning industry. They founded Visionary largely because clients at their previous broker/dealer practices were wanting more options, and the RIA model opened up virtually unlimited investment opportunities. Visionary Wealth Advisors has $220 million in assets under management, 21 advisors, and offices in Edwardsville and St. Louis.

“This arrangement is a natural fit,” said Gilliland. “I’ve always had a passion for helping people. I grew up in banking – my father, uncle and grandfather were all bankers. I had a vision for how we could make our services work for banking customers. First Clover Leaf Bank wanted to provide financial planning and advising, but wanted to do it in the right way. We met and realized very quickly that we would be ideal partners.”

Clients of First Clover Leaf Wealth Management will have access to all the services and amenities of Visionary Wealth Advisors, including retirement and estate planning, investment management, small business retirement plans and college planning. Visionary provides the decision-making process on all investments, support staff, investment software, handles compliance, and all back office services. First Clover Leaf Wealth Management advisors will offer advisory services under the Visionary model of challenging clients to dream big and achieve beyond what seems possible.

“First Clover Leaf Wealth Management makes financial planning services more convenient and accessible to our customers,” said Bill Barlow, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “Our Business Banking customers and any customer with significant assets to invest will benefit from having this level of wealth management services at their own bank. But even people who just want to start a retirement fund or want to set some financial goals, can receive sound financial advice and invest wisely.”

Several members of the bank’s management team were already long-time clients of Scott Carson, who was the founder of Meridian Financial Group before his recent merge with Visionary Wealth Advisors. And, many First Clover Leaf Business Banking customers were already clients of other advisors at Visionary. While the bank met with and considered several wealth management firms in the area, the RIA platform and real knowledge of Visionary’s principles and ethics guided the final decision. “Many of us at the bank have already experienced the benefits of working with Visionary advisors. That made us very excited to work with this firm and it gives us great confidence in recommending them to our customers,” said Barlow. “We know from personal experience they’re good people and will do an excellent job for our customers.”

For more information visit VisionaryWealthAdvisors.com and FirstCloverLeafBank.com.

First Clover Leaf Bank Announces A Second Location in St. Clair County, Now Open in Swansea

For Immediate Release

Edwardsville, IL – First Clover Leaf Bank is pleased to announce the second expansion of the bank’s footprint into St. Clair County. A new full-service branch located at 4101 North Illinois Street, Swansea, Illinois, on Highway 159, opened July 1, 2014. As soon as you enter this new branch location, you will notice a lot of local, familiar faces such as Amie Toberman, Alix Flach, Jo Fischer and Brian Gibson who are all part of the new team at the Swansea branch.

“As First Clover Leaf Bank continues its expansion, St. Clair County, and Swansea, IL in particular, are logical extensions of our franchise. We are excited to provide FCLB’s unique personalized banking services to the area,” Stated Dave Kuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Clover Leaf Bank.

Amie Toberman, Swansea Branch Manager, and local resident, heads up the branch’s retail staff, which is comprised of a very experienced team: Alexandria (Alix) Flach, Branch Supervisor; Sarah Holle, Personal Banker; and Stephanie Garry, Lead Teller. “I am excited to be part of the expansion of FCLB into the St. Clair County market,” stated Amie Toberman, Assistant Vice President and Swansea Branch Manager. “I am looking forward to growing the FCLB brand and being part of a true community bank.”

The staff at the Swansea location is eager to get involved in the community and provide the kind of traditional community bank service that has become First Clover Leaf Bank’s trademark. Chad Abernathy, Senior Vice President of First Clover Leaf Bank, stated, “I am excited to bring First Clover Leaf Bank’s style of community banking of high touch customer service and high quality banking products to the Swansea community.”

The Swansea Branch is First Clover Leaf Bank’s sixth branch location. To schedule an appointment or speak to one of the new Swansea banking team members, please call 618.416.7895.

About First Clover Leaf Bank

First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.

Further information about the company is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

###

First Clover Leaf Bank is Celebrating Its 125th Birthday

July 9, 2014
For Immediate Release

First Clover Leaf Bank is celebrating a milestone birthday in July 2014.  The 125th birthday celebration will kick-off on Friday, July 25th with a live taping of Show Me St. Louis on KSDK sponsored by First Clover Leaf Bank.  A birthday party will be held at Annie’s Custard in Edwardsville as well as celebrations in all First Clover Leaf Bank lobbies along with a $125 Gift Card giveaway.

The parties start with a Show Me St. Louis Segment that will be themed “The Great Escape to Edwardsville”.  First Clover Leaf Bank is honored to be the sponsor of this popular TV segment.  The segment is dedicated to highlighting the community and businesses that have played such an integral part of the bank’s history and success.  The live taping of the Show Me St. Louis segment will take place at Annie’s Custard located at 245 South Buchanan Street in Edwardsville, IL from 10 am – 11 am on Friday, July 25th.  A cake celebrating the bank’s milestone birthday will be served to guests.  As an extra treat, guests attending the Birthday event at Annie’s will also be treated to a complimentary scoop of ice cream.

The parties will continue at each of the First Clover Leaf Bank locations.  Stop by any of the First Clover Leaf Bank branch lobbies and get a cupcake, refreshments and for the younger guests, a logo balloon.  While you are there, don’t forget to sign up to win one of three $125 Gift Cards.

Dave Kuhl, President and CEO reflected on the last 125 years and stated, “In today’s world of bank mergers and acquisitions, it is unusual to find a local bank that has served the same communities for 125 years.  First Clover Leaf Bank is proud that we have been a part of the Madison County community and have been providing important financial services to so many generations of customers.  As we celebrate our past, we also look forward to a future filled with promise for the bank and its customers.”

The history of the bank began on the afternoon of July 18, 1889 in the County Judge’s Room at the Courthouse in the City of Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois.  It was here where a meeting of the new subscribers for the capital stock of Clover Leaf Loan convened for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors, creating company by-laws, and adopting a charter.  Soon following, the first loan was made to a customer to purchase property on North Buchanan in the then substantial sum of $500.00.

During its early days, Clover Leaf Loan continued to support the community by making loans to the early settlers in the area.  Clover Leaf Loan merged with Home Building and Loan Association in 1945.  Shortly thereafter, the offices were moved to 148 North Main Street in Edwardsville where they remained for over 25 years.  The next big move came in December 1974, when the recently renamed Clover Leaf Savings moved into the 200 E. Park Street location.  This remained the main office until June 2005 when the new facility at 6814 Goshen Road was completed.

The next exciting chapter in the history of the bank came in 2006 with Clover Leaf Saving’s merger with First Federal Savings and Loan.  First Clover Leaf Bank was born out of the combination of these two respected institutions who together represented over 200 years of banking.  The changes kept coming with the expansion of our first location outside of Edwardsville. The Wood River branch opened its doors in June 2008.  The branch was opened with great enthusiasm for expanding our community bank model into a new territory.  Shortly following in October of 2008, First Clover Leaf Bank and Partners Bank combined into the community bank you know today. We opened our Highland branch in 2011 and recently expanded our footprint by opening a Loan Production Office in O’Fallon in January of 2014 and a new full service branch in Swansea on July 1, 2014.

As can be seen from our history, the bank has developed into a full-service community bank, offering a broad array of retail and commercial products.  First Clover Leaf Bank stands by its commitment to our communities and reflects basic core business values of trust, loyalty, integrity, commitment and respect.  These values are the foundation that the bank has built upon allowing it to become the strong, solid bank that it is today.

---

About the Company
First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.
Further information about the company is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

First Clover Leaf Bank’s Green Team will Host Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser to Benefit The American Cancer Society Relay for Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First Clover Leaf Bank Green Team, Edwardsville, IL, April 1, 2014 – The First Clover Leaf Bank Green Team will host a Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Friday, June 6, 2014 to benefit the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon American Cancer Society Relay for Life event.

For the last 13 years the First Clover Leaf Bank Green Team has participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Event in Edwardsville, Illinois. This year, our goal is to raise in excess of $5000 for the Green Team’s Relay for Life Team. It has been a very humbling experience being a part of the Ed/Glen Relay for Life. Marge Brown, event chairperson stated, “The employees of First Clover Leaf Bank and their friends and families, never fail to show up and do it big! They are so helpful in every event the Green Team supports. First Clover Leaf Bank is blessed to have such a dedicated and community minded group of people.” This event is the biggest Relay for Life fundraiser hosted by the First Clover Leaf Bank Green Team.

The wine tasting fundraiser is going to be held in the Oak Room at St. Boniface Church. Bin 51 has gathered a fabulous selection of vendors for this event. Attendees will be able to sample from a selection of over 65 wines, spirits and beers. The food sponsor for this event is Bella Milano. They are graciously providing a selection of popular appetizers from their menu. To complete the evening there will be live entertainment and a silent auction.

The Green Team from First Clover Leaf Bank is an all volunteer group of employees that shares their time and talents to benefit the local community. For the past thirteen years, this generous, energetic group has enriched the lives of area residents through its support of not-for-profit organizations. The Green Team Members constantly strive to strengthen our hometown by contributing to important causes.

To purchase tickets for the Wine Tasting Fundraiser, contact Marge Brown at First Clover Leaf Bank (618) 656-6122 or email at mbrown@firstcloverleafbank.com.

---

About the Company

First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.

Further information about the company is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

First Clover Leaf Bank Announces Senior and Executive Level Promotions

For Immediate Release

Edwardsville, IL – First Clover Leaf Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of Lisa Fowler, Dee McDonald and Steve Cooper. First Clover Leaf Bank has a clearly defined vision for their future and it all starts with a strong management team. These three promotions are the beginning steps in a focused effort to reach the vision and mission set by the bank.

First Clover Leaf Bank is uniquely positioned to grow the organization and provide new products and services to its customer base. “We have recognized that to achieve our aggressive goals, we need an organizational structure that mirrors our strategy. The promotion of these three individuals is one small step in positioning the bank for the future.”

Lisa Fowler has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. Lisa began her career in banking in 1984 in the retail and consumer lending areas. In the last 14 years with First Clover Leaf Bank she has been a key executive with the organization and this latest promotion reflects her continued value to the bank. Lisa commented on her new role with First Clover Leaf Bank, she stated, “My role over the last three years at the bank has changed due to the successful growth the bank has experienced. While I will always enjoy and continue to maintain all the client relationships that I have developed through the years, I am also excited to be moving into a role that will assist the bank in maintaining the strength and quality required in our loan portfolio and be more closely involved in developing the structure for the bank that will allow us to continue to grow for years to come.”

Darlene (Dee) McDonald has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Dee has been in the role of Chief Financial Officer at First Clover Leaf Bank for the past 13 years. Dee’s experience in banking spans more than 27 years. Her experience along with her expertise in the banking field makes her a valuable management team member to First Clover Leaf Bank. Dee reflected on her time at First Clover Leaf Bank, ” I’ve been fortunate to be a member of a great leadership team for the last 13 years, and I am excited about the expanded role I will play in the future of First Clover Leaf Bank.”

Stephen Cooper has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender for Madison County. The recent addition of the St. Clair County lending team created a need for a team leader for the Madison County lending team. Steve Cooper was more than up to that challenge. He shared his vision about his promotion, “I am looking forward to helping the bank achieve its growth goals. I am excited to lead the experienced Madison County lending team members as we expand the bank into new communities. We will strive to produce the best possible financing packages to meet our customer’s needs.”

This team of executives, along with the rest of the First Clover Leaf Bank management team and employees, is ready for the new and exciting challenges that lie ahead. The bank may be expanding, but our philosophy of delivering “true community banking” stands strong. Come experience what a true community bank has to offer.

Further information about the bank is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com

---

About First Clover Leaf Bank
First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.
###

First Clover Leaf Bank Adds Four Commercial Lenders to Business Banking Group and Announces the Opening of a New Loan Production Office in St. Clair County

Press Release

January 22, 2014
For Immediate Release

Edwardsville, IL – First Clover Leaf Bank is pleased to announce the expansion of their commercial lending division into St. Clair County with the addition of a new Loan Production Office in O’Fallon, Illinois. The new Loan Production Office or LPO will offer commercial loans, mortgages, home equity loans, and consumer loans. The lending team, made up of familiar local faces and is conveniently located to serve the Southwestern Illlinois region, will be located in the Green Mount Corporate Center. Brian Gibson, Jolene Fischer, Abel Anderson and Rob Pickerell III, comprise the new St. Clair County Business Banking Team.

“This team brings not only a wealth of lending experience, but also an extensive knowledge of the St. Clair County market,” states Bill Barlow, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “Our lenders are empowered to build a strong working relationship with our clients and the community. We strive to provide outstanding service, strategic loan products and value-added services to each of our business relationships. Our lending team is ready to serve not only St. Clair County, but the entire Southwestern Illinois market and show them what a true community bank has to offer.”

Leading the St. Clair Business Banking Team is long-time St. Clair County resident Brian Gibson. Brian shared his plans for the St. Clair lending team, “Our goal is to bring traditional community banking to St. Clair County. Banking based on simple principals; treat our customers like family members, provide exemplary customer service and offer high quality products and services that meet our customers’ needs.” Brian has worked in the St. Louis and Metro East markets during his 20 year career. Brian’s previous career experience as a CFO of a local business helps him bring additional value to his customers, he stated, “My background allows me to have a unique perspective when talking with business owners, because I have been on their side of the desk”. Brian shared his thoughts on the future with First Clover Leaf Bank, “Our team is looking forward to merging the best practices and resources of First Clover Leaf Bank with our experience, knowledge and familiarity of the St. Clair County market. I am confident that together we can provide an exceptional customer-focused banking experience.”

Lending Team members Jolene Fischer, Abel Anderson and Rob Pickerell III, bring a superior background of customer service, business banking knowledge and community spirit to the team as well. When asked to share her excitement about joining the Business Banking Group at First Clover Leaf Bank, Jo stated, “This is the bank I have been looking for, a place where my background, experience and skills can be put to good use. Most importantly, this is a place that focuses on putting the customer and community first.” Abel and Rob couldn’t agree more. They too place an emphasis on providing excellent and personalized business banking experiences. The team’s years in the commercial banking business and long resumes of local community involvement fit well with First Clover Leaf Bank’s philosophy of providing true community banking.

Dave Kuhl, President and CEO of First Clover Leaf Bank stated, “We have long recognized the St. Clair market as a vibrant and growing community and are excited to add four talented commercial lenders to our team to support this thriving market. First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to pursue opportunities in solid growth markets utilizing local professionals such as Brian, Abel, Jo and Rob.”

The new lending team is ready to serve the St. Clair County, Metro East and Southwestern Illinois markets and business owners. The offices located at 475 Regency Park, Suite 150, O’Fallon; Illinois will be open on February 1, 2014. To schedule an appointment or speak to one of the new St. Clair County lending team members, please call 618.656.6122.

About First Clover Leaf Bank
First Clover Leaf Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Clover Leaf Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FCLF). First Clover Leaf Bank is headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, and devotes special attention to personal service and offers a full line of retail and commercial products. First Clover Leaf Bank is a strong advocate for community banking. Through a long term growth and expansion plan, First Clover Leaf Bank will continue to serve the Madison County Market and surrounding Metro East Communities.

Further information about the company is available at: http://www.firstcloverleafbank.com
###