NEWPORT, R.I. (December 31, 2007) – BankNewport President and CEO, Thomas W. Kelly recently announced the winners of the 2007 BankNewport Employee Citizenship Awards. The program was established to encourage and recognize significant volunteer efforts on the part of BankNewport and OceanPoint Insurance Agency, Inc. employees. Recognition is provided through the awarding of a monetary gift to qualified organizations in the names of employees who are actively involved in those organizations.

The 2007 recipients will each present an award in the amount of $250 to the non-profit organization for which they volunteer. The recipients are:

Sandra J. Chapman, BankNewport’s servicing operations supervisor, is currently board president and co-treasurer of the Portsmouth Patriots Youth Football Association, and has been an active volunteer for over 17 years. Sandy’s award will be used to purchase new equipment for the team.

Margarida R. Chaves, BankNewport’s senior direct banking representative, is a parent volunteer for the Mount Hope High School Band, assisting with various performances and fundraising activities. Margarida’s award will be used to defray the cost of band uniforms and travel costs associated with band performances.

Matthew F. Clarke, manager and account executive with Meredith & Clarke/Ocean Point Insurance Agency, has been a volunteer for over six years with the Jamestown Community Farm, assisting with the planting, weeding and harvesting of vegetables, which are distributed to families in need throughout Newport County, South County and Greater Rhode Island. Matthew’s award will be used to purchase seed, fertilizer and fuel for the Farm’s tractors.

Mary Leach Murphy, assistant branch manager of BankNewport’s Jamestown office, is an active volunteer with the Davisville Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, assisting with the planning of annual events and fundraisers. Mary’s award will be used to upgrade playground equipment for the school.

BankNewport, founded in 1819 and currently holding $1 billion in assets, is an FDIC-insured savings bank. Along with its other OceanPoint Financial Partners - OceanPoint Insurance Agency, Inc., Smith Mack & Associates, Meredith & Clarke, and Narragansett Underwriting Group – BankNewport is proud to serve the financial needs of customers from banking and insurance offices located throughout southeastern New England.