Stacey Sinford Recognized As Bar Harbor Bank & Trust's 2008 America's Promise Volunteer

(ELLSWORTH, ME) April 8, 2008 - Stacey Sinford, Merchant Services Specialist at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, received special legislative recognition on March 20 by the Maine House and Senate as the Bank's 2008 America's Promise Volunteer. "Stacey was nominated for this award by her co-workers, and they couldn't have chosen a better candidate," said Joe Murphy, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. "Stacey's giving nature is evident in all she does for her community and as a bank employee. We are grateful to have such a generous person on our staff, whose efforts are making a difference for Maine children and communities."

A resident of Ellsworth, Stacey Sinford is an active volunteer. She is co-secretary of the Ellsworth Lioness Club, a member of the City of Ellsworth Recreation Committee, a committee member for the MS Walk for Hancock County, on the planning committees for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital fundraising events, and a member of the Parent Teachers and Friends organization at the Knowlton School.

Some recent events on which Stacey has worked include the Ellsworth Lioness Father-Daughter Dance and the Ellsworth Recreation Committee's Winter Carnival, soliciting donations and making necessary arrangements. Her involvement with the MS Walk includes committee work as well as being the captain of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust's team of walkers. When Stacey isn't working full time or volunteering, she is at home with her husband and two daughters.

"Since 1999 Maine banks have been emphasizing their commitment to Maine's youth through their active participation in America's Promise and in financial education activities," said Joe Pietroski, President of the Maine Bankers Association. "Annually, employees of our membership, which encompasses banks throughout Maine, volunteer thousands of hours to positively impact the lives of thousands of Maine children and their families."

The 123rd State Legislature in their special joint resolution commended the members of Maine's Banking Industry and their employees for their volunteer efforts, financial education activities, participation in America's Promise, and other worthwhile community programs that support Maine's youth at critical times in their lives, allowing America's dream to take shape. Ten Maine bankers were specifically recognized in the joint resolution for their individual community volunteerism and as representatives of the spirit of contribution reflected in the community activities of Maine's banks and their employees.

America's Promise is a national not-for-profit organization that serves as a nationwide catalyst, urging public, private and nonprofit organizations to focus their combined talents and resources to improve the lives of our nation's youth. Depicted by a little red wagon, America's Promise has the slogan "We're Pulling Our Weight." The five fundamental resources supported by America's Promise are:

• An going relationship with a caring adult as a mentor, tutor or coach;
• Access to safe places and structured activities during non-school hours;
• A healthy start;
• A marketable skill through effective education; and
• An opportunity to give back through community service.

"Through the efforts of employees like Stacey Sinford at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, banks all across Maine are 'pulling their weight' to help improve the lives of children in their local communities," said Joe Pietroski.

Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a community bank with 12 locations along the coast of Maine. They offer a full range of financial services and products for families, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bankshares (AMEX:BHB). For more information call 207-288-3314 or go to www.bhbt.com.

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Left to right: Stacey Sinford, Merchant Services Specialist at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, is congratulated on her America's Promise Volunteer award by Governor John Baldacci.