First Reliance Bancshares : Robby Hill Joins First Reliance Bank Board

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Pamela Rhoads [phone]

Email:[e-mail]

FIRST RELIANCE BANK WELCOMES ROBBY HILL TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hill Brings Expertise In Information Technology

January 3, 2020, Florence, S.C. - Robby Hill is now a member of First Reliance Bank's Board of Directors. Hill brings strong perspective and expertise in the information technology arena which is a fast changing area in the banking industry. He has more than 20 years of business experience, primarily as CEO/President of HillSouth a privately-held technology consulting firm.

"We are proud to have Mr. Hill as our newest board member," said Rick Saunders, president and CEO of First Reliance Bank. "Our Board has a good mix of knowledge and experience. Mr. Hill brings a lot of strength and knowledge in the technology and cyber security space, and will be able to add valuable insights into how we deliver digital and virtual banking services using a customer-centric focus. First Reliance Bank works hard to convey that 'there's more to banking than money,' and I'm confident that he will help us to improve our efforts to communicate our brand."

Hill began his career by starting a technology consulting firm, HillSouth in 1999, in Florence, SC. As CEO he chiefly maintains and strengthens key relationship with the company's top business partners and clients and he works to drive top-line growth at the company. He leads a team of professionals to excel in the ever-changing technology industry and deliver complex information technology management services.

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2170 W. Palmetto St.

Florence, SC 29501

P: 843.674.3275

www.firstreliance.com

Member FDIC

PRESS RELEASE

Hill - Pg. 2

Hill is active as a Planning Commissioner, City of Florence, SC, and was previously a

Councilman 2012-2016. He is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, Board member of

Florence Area Rotary Club, Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross, past chair and co-

founder of Young Professionals of Florence, Board Member and Committee Chair, Greater

Florence Chamber of Commerce, previous board member of the South Carolina Chamber of

Commerce Chairman, past chairman of Leadership and Entrepreneurship Advisory Council for

Coker College and past board member, Florence Downtown Development Corporation.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK

Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB), is based in Florence, South Carolina and has assets of approximately $658 million. The Company employs more than 140 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers lives better, its founding principle. Customers of the company have given it a 90% customer satisfaction rating well above the bank industry average of 81%. First Reliance is also one of three companies throughout South Carolina to receive the Best Places To Work in South Carolina award all 14 years since the program began. We believe that this recognition confirms that our associates are engaged and committed to our brand and the communities we serve. In addition to offering a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, First Reliance offers two unique community-customers programs, which include: Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities and Check N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. We also offer a full suite of digital banking services, a Customer Service Guaranty, a Mortgage Service Guaranty, and are open on most traditional holidays.

Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's web site at www.firstreliance.com.

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2170 W. Palmetto St.

Florence, SC 29501

P: 843.674.3275

www.firstreliance.com

Member FDIC