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Ameris Bank Names Barry Starling Market President.

March 4, 2009

Greenville, SC, Ameris Bank is pleased to announce that Barry Starling has joined the Ameris Bank team as Market President for the company's locations in Greenville, SC. His new responsibilities will include overseeing the bank's production for the South Carolina Upstate. Starling will work closely with South Carolina President Richard Sturm.

In making the announcement, Sturm stated, "Barry is an experienced banker with an in-depth understanding of the Upstate market. We're excited to have him as part of the Ameris Bank family."

A graduate of Western Carolina University with a BS in accounting, Starling has more than 24 years experience in banking, finance, and accounting. He comes to Ameris Bank from First National Bank of the South where he was a Senior Vice President.

"Ameris Bank's strong commitment to community banking makes it truly unique," Starling stated. "I'm proud to be a part of that commitment."

Barry, his wife Crystal and their children Daisy and Finn reside on Greenville's east side.

Ameris Bank is headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, and has locations in Georgia, Alabama, northern Florida and South Carolina. The company is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol ABCB. For more information about Ameris Bank, please visit us on the web at www.amerisbank.com.

For more information contact:
Ann-Stanton Cannarella
(803) 733-2687