First Charter Donates Land for New Lincoln Economic Development Association Headquarters

First Charter (NASDAQ:FCTR) announced the donation of land to the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA). The land, located at 502 East Main Street, Lincolnton will become the new home of Lincoln Economic Development Association’s (LEDA) headquarters. Bob James, First Charter president and CEO noted, "As a community bank, we understand the vital role local businesses and organizations play in building strong communities. We are pleased to have this opportunity to support the growth of Lincoln County through the contribution of this land.” With the 2006 opening of First Charter’s new downtown Lincolnton banking facility at 402 East Main, the company was able to relocate their drive thru facility from a stand alone building across the street, to an adjoining component of the branch building. The combined branch and drive thru facility has provided a more convenient and efficient banking experience for customers. The signature First Charter branch design of the facility also eliminated the need for the stand-alone drive thru that previously operated across the street from the branch. LEDA currently occupies a Lincoln County owned facility that is located at the corners of Congress and Academy Streets. The organization’s new offices will free up much needed space for the county as well as provide growth opportunity for LEDA. The new headquarters will allow LEDA to more efficiently serve Lincoln County’s existing industrial base as well as prospective businesses. Junior Howard, LEDA Chairman added, "This is an exciting opportunity for LEDA to be able to better serve Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton with this new facility. We are very thankful and appreciative to First Charter for their commitment to economic development in the city and county.” "We are very excited to have the LEDA as new neighbors,” commented Micah Lee, senior vice president and Lincolnton city executive with First Charter. "Two new attractive facilities located at the visual gateway to downtown Lincolnton make a strong statement to the county that local businesses, such as First Charter, and our economic development leadership are committed to the growth of our community.” Corporate Profile First Charter Corporation (NASDAQ: FCTR), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a regional financial services company with assets of $4.9 billion and is the holding company for First Charter Bank and Gwinnett Banking Company. First Charter operates 59 financial centers, four insurance offices, and 139 ATMs in North Carolina and metro Atlanta. First Charter also operates loan origination offices in Asheville, North Carolina and Reston, Virginia. First Charter provides businesses and individuals with a broad range of financial services, including banking, financial planning, wealth management, investments, insurance, and mortgages. For more information about First Charter, visit the Company’s Web site at www.firstcharter.com or call 800-601-8471.