First Commerce Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTCBB: FCCC), the parent holding company of First Commerce Bank (the “Bank”), reports its earnings for the quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited).

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 on a consolidated basis was $47,000 compared to $274,000 for the same period last year, a decrease of 83%. Net income for the first nine months of 2009 was $612,000 compared to net income of $1,729,000 for the first nine months of 2008, a decrease of 65%.

The Bank conservatively recorded provisions for loan losses of $2.4 million for the first nine months of 2009. “The increase in the allowance for loan losses is indicative of the protracted softening of commercial real estate values,” said Jack Feldman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our strengthening of the allowance for loan losses is in recognition of the continued weakness in real estate values in southern California in general, and in our market area in particular. The allowance for loan losses was $7.9 million at September 30, 2009, representing 3.07% of total loans.”

Mr. Feldman added, “The Bank continues to have strong liquidity with a large core deposit base, a conservative investment portfolio, capital ratios in excess of ‘well capitalized’ regulatory guidelines, and a seasoned management team.”

Total assets grew to $327.5 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $299.7 million at September 30, 2008, an increase of 9%. Net loans were $249.9 million compared to $239.8 million, an increase of 4%. Total deposits were $290.2 million compared to $260.2 million, an increase of 12%, with no reliance on brokered deposits.

First Commerce Bank is an independent community bank that operates through its main office headquartered in Encino, California, and has a regional office in Los Angeles, California. The Bancorp’s stock trades on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol FCCC.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.