Steven D. Drobysh Named 2012 New York State Financial Services Champion of the Year by SBA

MONTEBELLO, NY--(Marketwire - May 2, 2012) - Steven D. Drobysh, Managing Director, Business Banking at Provident Bank (NYSE: PBNY) in Orange County, was named the recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration's the New York State and Region II 2012 Financial Services Champion of the Year Awards.

In making the announcement, Jorge Silva-Puras, SBA's regional administrator for Region II, which encompasses New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, said Drobysh was selected for his awards based on his outstanding record and commitment to provide small business owners, throughout the Hudson Valley Region, with access to capital. The award is part of SBA's National Small Business Week celebration (May 20 - May 26).

"In just five years Steven Drobysh and Provident Bank have provided Hudson Valley small businesses with $60 million in loans to start and grow their ventures," said Silva-Puras. "These awards are symbolic of the dedication and commitment Steven has made to the local small business community. He is a true catalyst for economic development in this region; just think of the ripple effect and impact that his work has made on the local economy."

Mr. Drobysh was presented with his regional award at the bank's corporate office in Montebello, NY on April 26^th. He will also be recognized at the National Small Business Week 2012 Awards Ceremony on May 11, in New York City. Silva-Puras explained that after winning the New York State award, Drobysh also won the regional award, which allowed him to represent Region II in SBA's national competition for the Financial Services Champion of the Year award.

"I am proud to join the SBA in recognizing Steve Drobysh for this award," said Jack Kopnisky, President and Chief Executive Officer at Provident Bank. "Steve's ongoing dedication to the small business community is a stellar reflection of Provident Bank's commitment to serving the needs of businesses throughout our marketplace."

According to Raghavan, Drobysh was nominated for his award by Arnaldo Sehwert, Ph.D., regional director of the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center located in Kingston. "Steven Dobrysh has unequalled knowledge of the small business environment," said Raghavan. "He is the perfect state and regional champion, who understands how vital capital access is to the growth and expansion of our economy."

Photos of 4/26/12 award presentation available on request.

Headquartered in Montebello, N.Y., Provident Bank, with $3.2 billion in assets, specializes in the delivery of service and solutions to business owners, their families, and consumers in communities within the greater New York City marketplace through teams of dedicated and experienced relationship managers. Our franchise includes 36 Financial Centers. Provident Bank offers a complete line of commercial, business, and consumer banking products and services. For more information, visit the Provident Bank Web site at www.providentbanking.com.

Additional information on National Small Business Week can be obtained by visiting http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/awards/. Information about the programs and services that the SBA offers to small business owners can be found at www.sba.gov.

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