First Financial Bancorp : opens Short Vine location

Cincinnati, OH - January 11, 2016 - First Financial Bank, which has its headquarters in Downtown Cincinnati, opened a banking center on Short Vine near the University of Cincinnati's campus on Monday.

Leaders of the area's second-largest bank are excited to be a part of the revitalization of the Short Vine neighborhood and offer the community a much-needed banking option surrounded by new housing and restaurants, businesses and thriving medical institutions.

'Being in the heart of this area - on Short Vine - suits us well. While it adds to our convenient locations for our local clients, it also enhances our position as a key player in the development of the communities we serve,' said Paul Silva, First Financial Bank Market President.

The Short Vine location will give First Financial 27 banking centers in Greater Cincinnati, adding to the more than 100 throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The Bank, which opened its first location in Hamilton in 1863 and employs the majority of its more than 1,400 associates in this area, recently celebrated 100 consecutive quarters of profitability.

'We are proud of our success and pride ourselves on helping our clients be financially successful,' Silva said. 'We've positioned ourselves well in this market and have something unique to offer; having the products and services offered by larger regional banks, but being small enough to maintain the community bank feel.'

Having a presence in this neighborhood continues First Finanical's commitment to community to go along the bank's three areas of giving: economic development, financial literacy and neighborhood development, Silva said.

'We have one person to go to who can assist with everything our clients need and at our new location that will be the Banking Center Manager Ben Cornist,' Silva said. 'Ben is well known in this community and is excited to lead our community efforts in this area.'

Cornist and his team will operate the new banking center and expect to play a meaningful role in the community.

'My team and I will be passionate and intentional about being involved and engaged in the community in a way that enhances communication, volunteering, and networking to make a difference,' Cornist said. 'We are also seeking partnerships for providing financial education workshops to maximize the development of financial awareness.'

Located on Short Vine between Charlton and Daniels Streets, clients will find a full complement of retail, residential mortgage, commercial banking, and wealth management services as well as teller and ATM service. This new facility also incorporates several elements that reflect the company's commitment to sustainability, including energy-efficient building materials, lighting controls and solar powered efficiencies.

To celebrate the grand opening of First Finanical's Clifton banking center, the company is planning a ribbon-cutting in February and a reception this March.