The East Carolina Bank serves 16 eastern North Carolina towns, coastal villages and agricultural communities. With humble beginnings in a barbershop in Engelhard, NC, the bank opened its doors in 1920. It has the distinct honor of being the bank that did not close during the disastrous stock market troubles of 1929. It is said because of the remoteness of the area, the bank never received President Roosevelt's proclamation in time to close.

The natural beauty of the region can not be underestimated. Scattered throughout its national seashores and refuges are abundant wildlife, bike trails, fishing villages and beautiful beaches. The area is also home to tourist attractions such as Ocracoke Island, Kitty Hawk, Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony, Hatteras Lighthouse, and Lake Mattamuskeet.

But for the tourism, the area is rural, sparsely populated, and dependent on unpredictable weather forces for the success of its farming and fishing base. Nevertheless, there is an interdependence of families and friends. A spirit which is often talked about in America, but it is lived here, daily. With small acts of kindness visible differences can be created.

The East Carolina Bank has prospered in this environment. A key part of its Mission Statement stresses having the bank's values directly reflect those of the community and being a part of its social fabric. ECB desires to be a good neighbor and to pitch in and help when it can.

In 1996, under the leadership of Arthur H. Keeney, III, President and Chief Executive Officer, the bank began to implement a strategic plan to improve career opportunities for our employees, provide superior returns for it's shareholders and ensure the delivery of Excellence in Community Banking to individuals, small business and agricultural customers in eastern North Carolina.

Part of this initiative includes the expansion into new markets, developing alternative delivery channels for select financial products/services by utilizing the latest technology, and in 1998 forming a bank holding company, ECB Bancorp, Inc., which is traded on NASDAQ's SmallCap Market under the symbol "ECBE".

The bank's management and employees take an active role in their communities by volunteering and otherwise giving of their time and expertise. The bank's staff is committed to helping our customers and each other. Teamwork is an integral part of the bank's culture.

ECB contributes to many causes from scholarships and youth activities to economic development and civic involvement. Most businesses, schools and civic organizations in the bank's market territory are small, therefore the bank has decided to assist as many organizations as possible.

In 1998, the bank was honored as one of the ten "Most Generous Companies in America" by Newman's Own, Inc. and George Magazine. The award was presented to the bank at a ceremony in New York City by Paul Newman and John F. Kennedy, Jr.

The East Carolina Bank reflects the character of it's region and anticipates doing so for many years. 

Investor Relations

Corporate Profile

ECB Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Engelhard, North Carolina, whose wholly owned subsidiary, The East Carolina Bank (ECB) is a state chartered, independent, community bank founded in 1919. The bank's primary business is the marketing of financial services to consumers, small businesses and agricultural customers. ECB's financial services include banking, delivered as the customer wants it to be: in person, by telephone, electronically through ATMs or on the World Wide Web at www.ecbbancorp.com. Besides traditional banking services, ECB offers Insurance and a variety of cash management products targeted to help even the smallest business manage their time and money. ECB's mission is to find innovative ways to meet our customer's ever-changing needs. The bank currently operates 17 full-service branches and 15 automated teller machines in eastern North Carolina, including its newest offices in New Bern (Craven County) and in Hertford, NC (Perquimans County). ECB Bancorp, Inc.'s (The East Carolina Bank) common stock is listed on NASDAQ's SmallCap Market under the symbol "ECBE".

ECB Bancorp, Inc.
The East Carolina Bank
35080 US Highway 264
PO Box 337 Engelhard, NC 27824
(252) 925-9411
(252) 925-8491 (fax)
Email: ecbonline@ecbbancorp.com

Financial Information

Analysts and investors seeking financial information about ECB Bancorp, Inc. may write to Gary M. Adams, Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer at The East Carolina Bank, PO Box 337, Engelhard, NC 27824.

Quarterly Earnings Information

Quarterly Earnings Information can be obtained by writing to Gary M. Adams, Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer at The East Carolina Bank, PO Box 337, Engelhard, NC 27824.

Shareholder Account Inquiries

Shareholders needing information on stock-transfer requirements and lost certificates may write to The East Carolina Bank, PO Box 337, Engelhard, NC 27824, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Annual Report and Annual Disclosure Statement

Our annual shareholder report and annual disclosure statement are available by writing to Gary M. Adams, Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer at The East Carolina Bank, PO Box 337, Engelhard, NC 27824.

Form 10-KSB

Copies of ECB Bancorp Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained without charge by writing to Gary M. Adams, Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer at The East Carolina Bank, PO Box 337, Engelhard, NC 27824.

Shareholder Information Exchange

NASDAQ's SmallCap Market Symbol (ECBE)

Stock Transfer and Registrar

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company
PO Box 29522
Raleigh, NC 27626

Independent Certified Public Accountants

KPMG LLP
Suite 1200, 150 Fayetteville Street Mall
PO Box 29543
Raleigh, NC 27626-0543