June 30, 2008 - Florence SC – First Reliance Bank has selected Hilliard Lyons (member NYSE/SIPC) as its investment services partner to provide the bank's customers with access to financial planning and investment counseling in all of the markets in which we operate. Access to enhanced investment services will help customers manage their assets and plan their financial futures more effectively.

"Hilliard Lyons is one of the nation's oldest and most respected investment firms, operating in 10 states with over 400 financial consultants," said Rick Saunders, President and CEO of First Reliance Bank. "After extensive evaluation, Hilliard Lyons was the clear choice as the best partner for our customers and our bank. Partnering with Hilliard Lyons will further our commitment to be Easy To Do Business With™ by providing our customers access to a wide product portfolio, a financial advisor in their local market, and a team of financial consultants who specialize in different areas." "But beyond these technical capabilities they share our philosophy of providing high-quality customer service and for treating customers with integrity, which is where financial success starts," he said. "We are excited about this partnership and our continued ability to bring our valued customers investment expertise unsurpassed by any other community bank. We believe this partnership represents a positive and progressive step forward for our customers, our bank, and for Hilliard Lyons."

About First Reliance Bank

First Reliance Bank, founded in 1999, has assets of approximately $598 million, and employs over 145 highly talented associates. The bank serves the Upstate, Midlands, Piedmont, Low Country, Grand Strand, and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. The bank has been recognized for its success including being named to the Dave Thomas Foundation's List of "Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces" and the only company ever to be named to The Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies™ in South Carolina four times including 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 (SC Chamber/Elliott Davis). In June 2007, the bank was added to the Palmetto 25, a list of S.C.'s largest publicly held companies. In 2006 and 2007, the bank was also recognized as One of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina by the SC Chamber of Commerce. First Reliance Bank offers Totally FREE Checking, Totally FREE Business, FREE Coin Machines, a Nationwide NO FEE ATM Network, and a 5 Way Mortgage Service Promise. It also offers 8-8 Extended Hours in all of their Florence, Mt. Pleasant, and Lexington locations and is open on most traditional bank holidays. Its Its Easy to Do Business With™ standard has earned the young bank a customer satisfaction rating of 94.7% (Performance Solutions-December 2007-Audited). First Reliance Bank is traded as FSRL.OB.