Contributed byCongaree Bancshares

Congaree Bancshares, Inc. began a public stock offering May 1, 2006 and will continue until July 31, 2006. A minimum of 1,400,000 shares and a maximum of 2,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $10 per share will be offered. A minimum of 150 shares and a maximum of 50,000 shares will be available for purchase by individuals. Congaree Bancshares is offering the shares of common stock to fund the startup of a new community bank, Congaree State Bank (in organization).

Congaree State Bank (in organization) will be headquartered at 3618 Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia and plans to serve the banking needs of citizens primarily in Lexington and Richland Counties. The full-service bank will offer a variety of financial services including lending and deposit services and online banking. The goal of Congaree State Bank (in organization) will be to offer personalized service through a community banking environment which will be led by seasoned bankers who have strong ties to Lexington and Richland Counties.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

To receive a prospectus related to the offering by Congaree Bancshares, Inc., please contact Derek Cunningham at 803-926-8909.