Republic Bancorp Inc. is honored to be ranked 25th on Fortune magazine’s list of “100 Best Places to Work in America” for 2000. Judging conducted by Fortune, Hewitt Management Consultants and the Great Place to Work® Institute was based on extensive surveys of company policies, practices and employee opinions. More than any other national survey of companies, the Fortune 100 Best is employee-driven with two-thirds of the scoring based on responses from 250 randomly selected employees. The remaining third of the score reflects evaluation of company materials and the Company’s response to an extensive human resources questionnaire.

These prestigious awards reflect our commitment to our employees — to continue growing Republic Bancorp as A GREAT PLACE TO WORK.

Compensation and Recognition

Our “Pay for Performance” compensation structure, which emphasizes incentive-based compensation, is attractive to people who are highly motivated — like our more than 535 commissioned Mortgage Loan Officers. We measure our employees’ work performance and contributions on a regular basis to provide consistent and meaningful feedback. This performance measurement system links employee compensation to our corporate objectives and both individual and team performance goals. As a result, employees are motivated to help the Company achieve its overall financial goals through teamwork and personal accomplishments.

Our performance orientation also attracts people who are motivated to give 100% to providing exceptional customer service. We recognize the importance of hiring talented individuals with positive “can-do” attitudes. Our Human Resources team continually works to create, organize and assess programs that will attract, motivate, develop and reward a diverse work force with these attributes.

Republic’s Pay for Performance compensation programs are based on providing exceptional reward and recognition opportunities for all employees. These include a broad offering of cash, stock and employee and family benefit programs available to all full- and part-time employees, such as:

• Annual profit-sharing bonus programs
• Incentive stock options
• Monthly awards of Company stock
• Customer and employee referral incentive programs
• Comprehensive, flexible employee and family benefit plans, including a 401(k) deferred savings program with a company matching contribution
• Innovative wellness programs
• “Great Idea” employee suggestion program
• Annual trips for top sales performers, managers and their guests
• Quarterly and annual recognition awards
• “Lightning Strikes” awards for on-the-spot recognition
• Flexible work schedules and generous paid time-off policies

Employee Development

From left to right: Nancy J. Weaver (standing), Vice President, Human Resources and Marketing, Market Street Mortgage Corporation; Sherry L. Pfaff-Doody, Vice President, Human Resources, Republic Bank/D&N Bank; Denise M. Kiepper, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Republic Banc Mortgage Corporation; Debra A. Hanses, SPHR, Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources, Republic Bancorp Inc.; Susan L. Prorak, Director of Corporate Training and Development, Republic Bancorp Inc. Not pictured: Michelle J. Dubblestyne, Senior Vice President, Regional Human Resources, Republic Banc Mortgage Corporation

Republic Bancorp supports the drive and energy of employees who want to grow with the Company. We have established numerous educational programs that underscore our commitment to the professional growth and development of our sales, banking and support staff. Our programs are designed to recruit and retain top performers nationwide, as well as help current employees develop new skills.

Each year, Republic employees receive an average of 30 hours of company-paid training and development. Some of our employee development programs include:

• “Promotion From Within” policy
• Career Planning workshops
• Individualized Career Path Action Plans
• Personal Banker and Branch Manager Training Certification programs
• Mortgage “U” training for new Mortgage Loan Officers
• Supervisory and Management Development workshops
• “Fast Track to Management” Training Program
• On-site Computer Skills Training
• Company-paid attendance at external conferences and seminars
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Annual “Earnings for Learning” Rewards for employee development efforts

Communication

Ultimately, our corporate culture thrives because of our commitment to consistent communication and prompt feedback at all levels throughout the Company. This type of communication allows us to share our goals and expectations with one another. For example, monthly accountability meetings allow employees to share their achievements and develop short- and long-term goals with their supervisors. Annual written performance reviews, which include employee and supervisory input, ensure that performance and career development goals are documented and shared with appropriate team leaders. Monthly corporate conference calls with Republic’s Chief Executive Officer, known as “TeleRap” sessions, provide employees with updates on the Company’s financial, sales and operating results, and recognize our “local heroes” throughout the country. In addition, each employee in a leadership position at Republic maintains an open door management philosophy.

Effective communication, our Pay for Performance compensation structure, extensive recognition and reward programs, and an ongoing commitment to employee development make Republic Bancorp “A GREAT PLACE TO WORK” for our employees. Learn more about employee programs and career opportunities with Republic by visiting our“Career Center” on our Web site at www.republicbancorp.com.