FREMONT, California - March 7, 2005 - Senator Liz Figueroa (D- Fremont) announced Gloria Villasana Fuerniss as "Woman of the Year" for Senate District 10.

"The Woman of the Year Award allows me the opportunity to honor a woman of truly exceptional achievement in my district and Gloria Villasana Fuerniss certainly fits that description," said Senator Figueroa.

Ms. Fuerniss of Fremont successfully combines her work as Vice President of Corporate Banking for Fremont Bank, where she has been employed since 1970, with numerous volunteer activities in her community. Her work on behalf of local businesses includes active participation in the Union City Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County.

"Gloria Fuerniss is a unique individual who is able to balance her time and energy with family, work and service to community. Neither her family, business associates or community members know that they are not getting the best of her, said Mike Wallace, President and CEO of Fremont Bank. We are so proud that Gloria is being recognized as the "Woman of the Year" by Senator Figueroa, an honor so well deserved."

She was elected to the Ohlone Community College Board of Trustees in 1980 and retired in 1997 as Trustee Emeritus after 17 years of service. She has continued to serve the college since 1976 as a member of the Ohlone College Foundation. In addition to her work with Ohlone College, her volunteer service includes fundraising events for St. Rose Hospital, Moreau High School, Boy Scouts of America, and Washington Hospital. She exemplifies the importance of forging partnerships between businesses and community organizations and continues to share her expertise to improve the quality of life in her community.

The "Woman of the Year" ceremony began in 1987, when then Assemblywomen Sally Tanner and Bev Hansen noticed that the Legislature had no events scheduled for March, Women's History Month. As a forum for honoring remarkable women throughout California, Hansen and Tanner arranged to invite one woman from each Senate and Assembly district to come to the Capitol and be honored for their accomplishments. The women were recognized as "Woman of the Year" in a formal ceremony on the floors of the Senate and Assembly. This yearly event is sponsored and organized by the Legislative Women's Caucus.

On Monday, March 14, 2005, Ms. Fuerniss will be escorted by Senator Figueroa on the Senate floor as she and the other women are acknowledged by Senator Don Perata, ProTem of the Senate, and Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair of the Women's Caucus. First Lady Maria Shriver will address the honorees there and at a reception to be held at the California State Museum from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. where Ms. Shriver will present the Woman of the Year exhibit.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank and its divisions are committed to providing its communities with high-quality, personalized banking services in convenient neighborhood locations. Fremont Bank has built a reputation as one of the most progressive community banks in California.

Fremont Bank was founded in 1964 on the cornerstone value that continues to fuel its success today: fast, friendly, honest service. Customers can still count on receiving this exceptional level of service - a rarity in today's marketplace. For more information, call (800) 743-INFO.

Press Contacts:
Laura Owen
Public Relations, Fremont Bank
Phone: (800) 743-INFO
Email: PublicRelations@fremontbank.com