April 26, 2005

First Niagara Partners with Genesee Land Trust

First Niagara Bank recently awarded $500 to Genesee Land Trust to support its Backyard Habitat Garden Tour.

“As a community bank, First Niagara proudly makes our support of charitable organizations a priority,” said Stephanie Rockwood, District Sales Manager, First Niagara Bank. “Supporting organizations like Genesee Land Trust, who have such a positive impact on the quality of life here, is a great opportunity for us to help make a difference. By embracing the significance of giving as part of our business philosophy, we believe we are making First Niagara a better place to work and the Rochester area a better place to live.”

Genesee Land Trust is a local land conservation organization that protects over 1600 acres in Greater Rochester. Now in its 15th year, the land trust is proud of its work preserving natural, recreational, scenic, historical, and farmland right in its own backyard. The Backyard Habitat Garden Tour is its most popular fundraiser which not only promotes habitat gardening but also supports the conservation efforts of the Trust. This year, the tour takes place on June 18th from 9 to 4PM. Ticket information can be received by calling 256-2130 or visiting www.geneseelandtrust.org.

Volunteers and staff are at the height of preparations for this year’s tour and were delighted with the news of First Niagara’s sponsorship. “On behalf of the board of directors, members and volunteers of the Genesee Land Trust, I thank First Niagara Bank for its generous gift in support of the Backyard Habitat Tour and the Genesee Land Trust,” said Gay Mills, executive director.

As a local non-profit organization, the Trust relies on memberships, grants, and partnerships with community leaders like First Niagara Bank.

First Niagara Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNFG) and has assets of $8.0 billion and deposits of $5.1 billion. First Niagara Bank is a community-oriented bank that provides financial services to individuals, families and businesses throughout New York State. The company specializes in banking, investments and insurance. For more information about First Niagara, visit our website at www.fnfg.com.

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Contact:
Margaret Potter
Assistant Director
GENESEE LAND TRUST
500 East Avenue, Suite 200
Rochester NY 14607
ph: (585) 256-2130
fax: (585) 271-4292
info@geneseelandtrust.org

Leslie Garrity, PR Manager
First Niagara Bank
(716) 625-7528