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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/28/2010

Contact: Inger Berg 215-855-3002 i.berg@npuw.org

FIRST NIAGARA & UNITED WAY, BUILDING A STRONG PARTNERSHIP IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA As part of First Niagara’s continued commitment to the communities it serves, the bank is making a $33,000 donation to the North Penn United Way. This donation comes as part of a larger donation the bank is making to nine Southeast Pennsylvania United Ways, totaling $85,000. First Niagara values its relationship with the United Way, and is committed to continuing and strengthening this long-standing partnership, as it enters Eastern Pennsylvania. First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Niagara Bank, N.A., has $21 billion in assets, 255 branches and $14 billion in deposits. First Niagara Bank is a community-oriented bank providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across New York and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.fnfg.com.