GBTS Gateway Finl Hldgs (MM)

- Bank Insurance & Securities Association Recognizes Gateway for Excellence Among Community Based Institutions - ELIZABETH CITY, N.C., April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In recognition of an ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding service and placing client needs first, Gateway Investment Services (GIS) was named Community Based Institution Program of the Year by the Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISA). Gateway Investment Services, through a partnership with UVEST Financial Services, makes available investment solutions to meet a range of financial planning needs. The award was presented at a ceremony held during BISA's 2006 annual convention in March. "Gateway Bank is committed to providing a superior customer service experience and delivering a full suite of financial solutions for their clients," said Heywood Sloane, managing director of BISA. "As a result, the products and services made available through Gateway Investment Services have become an integral part of the bank's offering. The financial consultants at Gateway Investment Services share this focus and vision, ensuring a client- centered approach to each investment consultation." The BISA Awards of Excellence program consists of four annual awards, including Community Based Institution Program of the Year. Nominations are provided by BISA member firms but may include both member and non-member programs. The BISA Board determines the award winners each year upon consideration of all aspects of the nominated program within the context of the institution's market, size, and mission. Program nominations are judged based on the sponsoring institution's demonstrated excellence and leadership within both its peer group and the bank insurance & securities industry. "Gateway Investment Services is honored to receive this recognition from BISA for our efforts to make comprehensive and needs-driven investment services available to clients of our community bank branches throughout North Carolina and Virginia," said David Twiddy, president and chief operating officer of Gateway Bank. "This award is a testament to the dedication of our financial consultants whose daily efforts to identify needs and meet those needs with effective solutions help secure the financial futures of our valued clients." About UVEST Since 1982, UVEST Financial Services (UVEST) has offered quality investment and insurance programs to financial institutions. A premiere provider of third-party brokerage, today UVEST delivers customized solutions in a consultative environment to over 300 financial institutions in more than 40 states. UVEST is dedicated to providing proven program management, product expertise, advanced technology, and superior customer service support, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. UVEST is a registered broker dealer and is a NASD/SIPC member firm. About BISA The Bank Insurance and Securities Association (BISA) is the nation's leading trade association dedicated to serving the needs of those responsible for marketing securities, insurance and other investment and risk management products through commercial banks, trust companies, savings institutions and credit unions. The membership includes financial institutions of all sizes, their broker/dealer, insurance, and mutual fund subsidiaries, and firms providing products and/or services to support these operations. About Gateway Financial Holdings, Inc. Gateway Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:GBTS) is the parent company of Gateway Bank & Trust Co., a full-service community bank with a total of 22 offices - 11 in Virginia: Virginia Beach (6), Chesapeake (2), Suffolk, Norfolk and Emporia; and 11 in North Carolina: Elizabeth City (3), Edenton, Kitty Hawk (2), Moyock, Nags Head, Plymouth, Roper and Raleigh. The Bank also provides insurance through its Gateway Insurance Services, Inc. subsidiary and brokerage services through its Gateway Investment Services, Inc. subsidiary. As of December 31, 2005, Gateway had assets of $882.4 million. The common stock of the Corporation is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol GBTS. For further information, visit the Corporation's Web site at http://www.gwfh.com/. UVEST and Gateway Investment Services are independent entities. Investment products are not FDIC insured, not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. DATASOURCE: Gateway Financial Holdings, Inc. CONTACT: Lynn Polizos of P+G Communications for Gateway Financial Holdings, Inc., +1-757-641-7357, or Web site: http://www.gwfh.com/

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