FREMONT, California - August 9, 2005 - The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, today recognized Fremont Bank as Webby Worthy, a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement.

Hailed as the "Online Oscars" by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

"The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet," said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. "Fremont Bank Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

The 9th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 4,000 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Webby Worthy.

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-words-or-less acceptance speeches.

About The Webby Awards and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS)
The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, are the leading international forum for honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; IDG; Fortune and FSB; 2advanced Studius; The Online Publishing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Rackspace Managed Hosting.

The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group.

For more information: visit www.webbyawards.com and www.iadas.net.

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