Appalachian Community Bank contributes ‘Fund for Educational Advancement’

Appalachian Community Bank is pleased to announce the contribution of its “Fund for Educational Advancement.” Over $5,000 has been set aside for the purpose of funding this important program this school year. Appalachian Community Bank has a vested interest in the education of the children of Union County, and to further assist in the educational opportunities afforded to our children, the Bank has established the Fund for Educational Advancement. The fund is established for each school on an annual basis, in an amount set by the Bank based upon school population, and is made available to assist in the funding of special projects and/or activities for which there are limited or no other funds available.

The funds available to each school may be applied for to fund either a major project or

multiple applications may be submitted to fund more than one project. Requests for funds were submitted to the school principal for initial screening, and then forwarded to the evaluation committee for consideration. In order for a project to be considered for funding, it was required to meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) Target student population at risk of dropping out of school; 2) Foster the learning environment for the students; or 3) Be creative and innovative in its approach to learning.

The directors and staff of Appalachian Community Bank are committed to a bright economic and social future for the citizens of our community. We strongly believe that making an investment in our youth will help bring positive results. President Jason Karnes said, “We look forward each year to

continuing to work with the school system in this partnership.”

About Appalachian Bancshares Inc.

Appalachian Bancshares Inc., based in Ellijay, Ga., is the holding company of Appalachian Community Bank, a state-chartered bank organized under the laws of the State of Georgia. Appalachian Community Bank also operates under the trade name of Gilmer County Bank. Appalachian Bancshares has assets of $743 million and through Appalachian Community Bank provides a full range of community banking services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, real estate developers, contractors and farmers, through its North Georgia banking offices in Ellijay, East Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Dawsonville and McCaysville. The bank also operates loan production offices located in Ducktown, Tenn., and Murphy, N.C. The common stock of Appalachian Bancshares is traded on the Nasdaq National Market, under the symbol APAB. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.acbanks.net.