MINNEAPOLIS – (May 22, 2003) – Marquette Financial Companies, parent of Phoenix-based Community Bank of Arizona, N.A., has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Valley Bank of Arizona, which would be merged with Community Bank of Arizona (CBA).

The combination of Valley Bank and Community Bank of Arizona will create a combined organization with 10 locations and more than $490 million in total assets. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2003, subject to regulatory approval.

The acquisition will give CBA the opportunity to expand its presence in the valley with two key locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and to bring its unique blend of highly personalized service of a small bank combined with the resources of a large organization to business owners, executives, professionals and local community customers.

“Our plan is to make additional acquisitions and to open new offices in strategic locations to expand our services to our customers and prospective customers,” said Doug Hile, CBA chairman and CEO, who will oversee all bank operations from CBA headquarters in Phoenix.

“We’re pleased to be joining forces with another community-focused bank,” said Dan Govinsky, president and CEO of Valley Bank. “We’ll be able to offer our customers additional products and convenience, and we expect a smooth transition.” Govinsky will serve as a member of the senior management team for the combined organization.

Key to the bank’s strategy is its focus on serving business owners, professionals and executives, Hile said. “Closely held businesses and individuals in this market are not getting the personal attention or level of customization they deserve from other financial services firms. We bring the best of both worlds: relationship-focused, experienced bankers who are truly responsive to the needs of their customers, backed by the full menu of financial products and services that only a larger organization can provide,” Hile said.

CBA customers will benefit from the affiliation with Marquette Financial Companies, a financial services company with a diversified portfolio of banks and specialty financial service companies owned by the Pohlad family of Minneapolis, Minn.

Employees in both organizations will be critical to the success and growth of the combined banks, Hile said, adding that, “We see this as an exciting opportunity for employees in both organizations.”

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