1st Century Bancshares's Customers Performance

The target market for our products and services is family and closely held middle market business, professional service firms, high net worth individuals, real estate investors and entrepreneurs with basic borrowing needs between $250,000 and $5,000,000 and/or with the need for non-credit services, including operating account services and cash management needs. Loans in excess of our borrowing limits to one customer or related entities are participated out to other financial institutions as a way of accommodating customers with higher borrowing needs. Our market territory is characterized by a sizeable number of small businesses in proportion to the number of large employers. Service firms, merchandising, distribution and support industries make up the vast majority of firms and the employment base. Within the professional services markets, we have made loans to and attracted deposits from law firms, medical practices and individual physicians, business management and accounting firms, real estate professionals, managers and investors and other family and closely held corporations. We also supply credit and depository services to meet the personal needs of their principals, families and employees.

We develop business through personalized and direct marketing programs, utilizing experienced banking officers. We rely greatly on our ability to access our investor and founder base, along with referrals from satisfied clients. In addition, we have a very strong commitment to civic, community and business groups important to our client base.

The general market area we serve is loosely defined as La Cienega Boulevard to the east, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Los Angeles International Airport to the south. This is a highly diversified market with most businesses operating in the service industry, and also includes a concentration of high net worth individuals.