For immediate release

January 10, 2007

Contact:

Roger Frieze

Marketing Director

Ozark Mountain Bank

(417) 334-4355, ext. 4118

Donation will help build homes

Everyone has a dream and for some that dream is owning a home of their own. One local organization helps them realize that dream.

Employees at Ozark Mountain Bank were given the opportunity to wear jeans at work for a day in December in return for a donation. The funds collected were given to Mountain Country Homes of Hope (formerly Mountain Country Habitat for Humanity) to assist with construction of homes for low-income area families living in substandard or over-crowded conditions. Partner families participate in the program through sweat equity, homeowner classes, and a minimal down payment. Homes are sold at zero percent interest on a twenty year mortgage.

"On behalf of Ozark Mountain Bank, I am very pleased to present this check to Mountain Country Homes of Hope," Ozark Mountain Bank President and CEO Craig Richards said. "They do a tremendous job of helping low-income families own their own home and establish themselves in the community."

"Ozark Mountain Bank has a special place in our heart," Mountain Country Homes of Hope Executive Director Susan Martin said. "They have sponsored a house, donated land and have provided various other means of support. Our community is exceptionally blessed to have a business that is so community conscious and does what it can to support the area."

Anyone who would like to learn more about Mountain Country Homes of Hope or discuss making a donation may contact Martin at (417) 335-2015.

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Picture Caption: Ozark Mountain Bank President and CEO Craig Richards, left, presents a check to Susan Martin, executive director for Mountain Country Homes of Hope.