CSX Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of its Partnership with Minority-Owned Banks

  JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 10, 2014 /3BL Media/ - CSX (NYSE: CSX) today renewed its partnership with a syndication of minority-owned banks led by Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta (CTB). The agreement marks the tenth anniversary of the relationship, part of the CSX commitment to working closely with businesses in the communities it serves.   "At CSX, we recognize and applaud the role of local entrepreneurs in promoting the health of our nation's economy and growing jobs in their communities," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer, CSX. "We are proud to continue this decade-long partnership with the Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta and its syndication, a prime example of a partnership helping make the diverse communities where we live and work more sustainable and prosperous."   Along with Citizens Trust Bank, the syndication includes Seaway Bank and Trust Company, City National Bank of New Jersey, Commonwealth National Bank, Mechanics and Farmers Bank, United Bank of Philadelphia, and Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company.   "A collaborative partnership such as our lasting relationship with CSX helps to establish and achieve common goals," said Cynthia N. Day, president and chief executive officer, Citizens Trust Bank. "This kind of insightful approach allows the promise to sustain the growth of the community, to continue to deepen existing relationships and attract future generations of banking customers."   CSX's commitment to promoting small businesses is also reflected across its supply chain through its minority supplier development program, which actively seeks to establish relationships with minority-owned businesses. In 2013, CSX was recognized as one of DiversityInc's Top 25 Noteworthy Companies, for its commitment to diversity throughout the company's operations.   About CSX CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).   About Citizens Trust Bank Citizens Bancshares Corporation is the parent holding company of Citizens Trust Bank that provides a full range of commercial and personal banking product and financial solutions.  For over 90 years, Citizens Trust Bank is committed to enabling their customers and the community to realize dreams of economic empowerment.  The Bank has remained dedicated to the growth and development of communities through its commitment to excellence.  Citizens Trust Bank has financial centers throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, and in Birmingham and Eutaw, Alabama. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, its common stock is offered over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web at www.ctbconnect.com. Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ctbstrong) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ctbank). Citizens Trust Bank - A relationship you can bank on.   Contact: Melanie Cost 904-359-1702