Fresno First Bank Leads the Charge to Support Emerging Companies

FRESNO, Calif., June 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fresno First Bank, the operating bank of Communities First Financial Corporation (the “Company”) (OTCQX: CFST), today announced their commitment to Valley Innovators as a founding sponsor and shareholder.  Valley Innovators provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to obtain education, network, and pitch their business for cash prizes while receiving marketing exposure. Unlike most incubators and accelerators that host pitch contests, Valley Innovators won’t require an equity stake from founders in order to win the prize money.

“As a founding sponsor Fresno First Bank has shown true dedication to supporting early stage companies,” said Jennifer Lopez, CEO and Founder, Valley Innovators.  “I am delighted to be able to extend our entrepreneurial resources for financial literacy and mentorship through partners like Fresno First Bank.”

Steve Miller, President and CEO of Fresno First Bank is a founder of Valley Innovators and will serve as Chairman.  In addition, Steve Canfield, CFO of Fresno First Bank will also be a director of Valley Innovators.  As a platinum sponsor, Fresno First Bank will participate in several aspects of Valley Innovators’ entrepreneurial programs.  A few examples include participating in educational webinars and live events, founder mentorship, and providing a strong network of customers from its local community.  

“When I was overseas in South East Asia we developed a similar program, which had tremendous success and is still operating today. It has been a goal of mine to bring a similar program to the Central Valley.  As a community bank, Fresno First is always looking for ways to support entrepreneurial growth,” said Steve Miller, President and CEO of Fresno First Bank. “One of our core values is to build and maintain long-lasting customer relationships.  Supporting Valley Innovators enables us to support the financial needs of our customers from the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. These are the future corporations that will drive our markets and Fresno First wants to be their bank.”

To learn more about Valley Innovators’ entrepreneurial program and Fresno First Bank’s role in founder success, visit www.valleyinnovators.com.

About Valley InnovatorsValley Innovators is a mission-driven company focused on educating, mentoring, and providing access to capital to early-stage companies throughout California.  Programs include online and in-person educational sessions, networking, and the professional resources needed for founders to scale their business.  A pitch contest will be held annually where winners will receive cash prizes, marketing exposure, and other tools to help founders succeed.

Headquartered in Fresno, CA, Valley Innovators accepts entrepreneurs from all over the world.  More information about Valley Innovators can be found at www.valleyinnovators.com. 

About Fresno First BankFounded in 2005, Fresno First Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communities First Financial Corporation (OTCQX: CFST).  Fresno First Bank offers an array of banking products for individuals and businesses.  Through their relationship-based approach Fresno First has the ability to tailor and adjust services quickly to meet individual customer needs.

Headquartered in Fresno, CA, Fresno First Bank serves clients throughout the United States.  For more information visit – www.fresnofirstbank.com.

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer This release may contain forward-looking statements, which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. Nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial conditions; changes in interest rates or the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements; international developments; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contact:	Steve Miller – President & CEO
	Steve Canfield – Executive Vice President & CFO
	(559) 439-0200

Source: Communities First Financial Corporation

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