Five Star Bank Announces Today’s Opening of Downtown Buffalo Financial Solution Center

─ Ribbon Cutting Event on February 16^th 
─ Two Buffalo Agencies will receive donations

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2017 -- Five Star Bank (“Five Star” or the “Bank”), subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISI), opens its new financial solution center at 40-50 Fountain Plaza in downtown Buffalo today.

Five Star Bank’s financial solution center concept was designed to meet evolving customer banking needs. It accommodates a wide spectrum of customer preferences with no teller lines, no barriers between bank associates and customers, and hands-on support. Customers have the ability to choose their banking experience by accessing available on-site technology devices, mobile banking demonstrations and a staff of Certified Personal Bankers (CPBs). CPBs are trained to provide a complete banking experience, whether processing a transaction, opening an account or providing advice to help customers make an informed financial decision. Commercial banking, mortgage, insurance and wealth management advisors will also be available on site to offer Five Star solutions.

“This is an ideal location for us to expand in the Buffalo market and we look forward to serving the needs of downtown residents, businesses and workers,” said Martin K. Birmingham, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We expect this branch opening to serve as an excellent foundation for our continued growth in Buffalo and all of Western New York.”

Buffalo Regional President and C&I Lending Executive Ted Oexle stated, “Today’s opening is especially exciting for me as a lifelong Buffalo resident. This new financial solution center and the financial services advisors based here will meet a wide-range of customer needs in a warm and friendly environment.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the branch on Thursday, February 16, at 10:00 am. Government and neighborhood representatives will join Five Star executives and members of the Board of Directors at the event, which is open to the public.

Five Star Bank is dedicated to providing leadership and support for the many communities it serves. In accordance with this guiding philosophy, the Bank will be donating $2,000 to two local Buffalo agencies focused on housing solutions at the ribbon cutting on Thursday: West Side Neighborhood Housing Services Low Income Housing Program and Belmont Housing Resources for WNY Low Income Housing Program.

About Five Star Bank
Five Star Bank provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking and lending services to individuals, municipalities, and businesses through a network of more than 50 offices and 60 ATMs throughout Western and Central New York State. More information on Five Star Bank is available through the company’s website at www.five-starbank.com, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

Five Star Bank is a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc. (“FII”), a publicly-traded company. FII provides diversified financial services through its subsidiaries Five Star Bank, Scott Danahy Naylon and Courier Capital. FII and its subsidiaries employ approximately 700 individuals. The company’s stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol FISI. Additional information is available at www.fiiwarsaw.com.

Five Star Bank Contact:                                                
Shelly J. Doran                                                             
(585) 627-1362 or [email protected]