COOPERATIVE BANK TO OPEN PORTER’S NECK OFFICE JANUARY 3, 2006

December 12, 2005 -- Frederick Willetts, III, President of Cooperative Bank announced that the bank will open its new office at 8286 Market Street on Tuesday, January 3, 2006.  This is a relocation of the Ogden office which will close at the end of the business day on December 30, 2005.

Danielle Slocum, Assistant Vice President/Manager and staff will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on February 8, 2006 at 2:00 P.M.  This event will kick-off a six week Grand Opening Celebration with drawings for prizes and gifts for just dropping by.  A $10.00 donation for each new account opened will be given to either the Domestic Violence Shelter or Good Shepherd Ministries in New Hanover County.

 Chartered in 1898, Cooperative provides a full range of financial services through 20 offices in Eastern North Carolina.  The Bank’s subsidiary, Lumina Mortgage, Inc., is a mortgage banking firm, originating and selling residential mortgage loans through four offices in North Carolina, and an office in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

 For Additional Information:
Frederick Willetts, III, President, CEO