INDIANA, Pa., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First Commonwealth Bank (NYSE: FCF) has been named #1 Small Business Administration lender by dollar amount in Western Pennsylvania for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. First Commonwealth made 260 SBA-guaranteed loans totaling $32,059,024, up from last year's 215 SBA loans at $20,420,825.

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"This top ranking is a sign of our continued commitment to make our communities better places in which to live and work," said Sam Kirk, Senior Vice President of Lending at First Commonwealth. "Our SBA Lending area, led by SBA Lending Officer Patrick Nagle, has been focusing on reaching small businesses in all of our communities including several new markets for First Commonwealth. The results have been outstanding as reflected by this year's 21% increase in approvals and 57% increase in loan dollar amount from fiscal year 2003."

First Commonwealth Bank also ranked #6 in the country in SBA CommunityExpress loans. The CommunityExpress loan program's main objective is to support Low and Moderate income areas, as well as, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. Further, vital technical and management assistance is provided to these businesses through First Commonwealth's partnership with agencies available through the Small Business Development Center.

First Commonwealth is designated as an SBA Preferred Lender, which is only awarded to the most active and expert lenders in a given market area. Preferred Lender status ensures faster turnaround time on approvals. On average, a typical loan request takes approximately two weeks for SBA approval. However, as a Preferred Lender, First Commonwealth can complete the process in as little as one day. Other benefits associated with the Preferred Lender status include financing for longer terms, start-up businesses, and under-collateralized businesses.

"The U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program enables small business owners to have access to capital through their local bank, and First Commonwealth is a prime example of a lender which is making a difference in Western Pennsylvania," commented Don Carter, SBA Acting Director.

For more information or to apply, interested small businesses can stop at any First Commonwealth Bank community office or call First Commonwealth's Convenience Banking Center at 1-800-711-BANK (2265), Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation is a $6.3 billion financial services holding company headquartered in Indiana, PA. It operates through First Commonwealth Bank in 17 counties in western and central Pennsylvania with 105 branches and 106 ATMs. First Commonwealth has approximately 1700 employees. Financial services and insurance products are provided through First Commonwealth Insurance Agency, First Commonwealth Trust Company and First Commonwealth Financial Advisors. The Corporation also owns First Commonwealth Systems Corporation, a data processing subsidiary, First Commonwealth Professional Resources, Inc., a support services subsidiary, and jointly owns Commonwealth Trust Credit Life Insurance Company, a credit life reinsurance company.

U.S. Small Business Administration ---- Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the only independent agency of the federal government with the sole purpose of assisting small businesses to start, grow, and prosper. Through our extensive network of SBA Regional, Field, and Branch offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to the public throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. SBA is here to help you -- the existing or prospective small business owner. Our commitment is to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns; to preserve free competitive enterprise; and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

SOURCE  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
    -0-                             11/04/2004
    /CONTACT:  Jim Stevens, Senior Vice President, Marketing of First
Commonwealth, +1-800-711-BANK (2265)/
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    (FCF)

CO:  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
ST:  Pennsylvania
IN:  FIN
SU:  AWD

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