BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Like clockwork, a bluish 1965 Mustang would pull up and park outside Monroe Bank’s Operations Center in Bloomington. Lately, though, people in the area have caught sight of a brand new red Mustang with white racing stripes. Surprisingly, both cars – the classic model and the racy new one - belong to 59-year old Bloomington-born resident Donna Jo Thompson, who celebrates her 40th work anniversary at Monroe Bank on Tuesday, July 12, 2005. “Donna Jo is quite the character and everyone here just loves her – especially our customers,” says Cristal Eads, Donna’s supervisor. “She is fun to be with and fun to work with.” Besides having a passion for Mustangs, Donna Jo is also an avid I.U. sports fan!

While Donna thinks it business as usual, her colleagues will be surprising her with a morning “beach party”, a theme they know she will really like! Donna Jo will be honored for her long-term and dedicated service to the Bank. Comments Monroe Bank’s President and CEO, Mark Bradford, “We understand the importance of experienced staff and we have a long history of recognizing milestone anniversaries. Donna Jo is a role model, and we appreciate her dependability and commitment.”

While Monroe Bank has an official gift for 25 years of service, Donna Jo’s 40 years of service is unusual these days and has provided her colleagues with the opportunity to identify a customized gift exclusively for her. Continues Eads, “We have analyzed Donna Jo’s likes and passions, and I believe we have the perfect gift for her!”

Donna Jo graduated from Unionville High school and immediately joined Monroe Bank – which was then Monroe County State Bank. At that time, Donna Jo was involved in many operations that were performed manually. Over time, she has witnessed the automation of many bank functions as the banking industry has become more efficient and sophisticated.

Currently, Donna Jo manages Monroe Bank’s main telephone line. “We know how important first impressions are and we are particular about our professional and friendly customer service. We are glad – and fortunate - to have Donna Jo at this point of contact with our customers. We also value her greatly as a colleague,” adds Eads.

About Monroe Bancorp
Monroe Bancorp, headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, is an Indiana bank holding company with Monroe Bank as its wholly owned subsidiary. Monroe Bank was established in Bloomington in 1892 and offers a full range of financial, trust and investment services through its 17 offices in Central and South Central Indiana. The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® National Stock Market under the symbol MROE.