CINCINNATI, July 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ: FFBC) has published its 2015 Community Development Report.  It can be accessed at www.bankatfirst.com/home/community-development.html. The report focuses on the five key areas for community development: 1. Access to banking services, 2. Lending in the community, 3. Investing in the community, 4. Volunteerism, 5. Financial education.

"Being a community bank is much more than focusing on the success of our clients.  It is the success of the community, the local businesses, the residents who need financial help and the organizations fighting for their cause that fuel First Financial in its effort to be a true community leader," said Claude Davis, First Financial CEO. "We take great pride in being a community bank and are passionate about helping our local residents and businesses take advantage of each opportunity to succeed."

Access to Bank Services
First Financial increased and maintained access to financial services by opening and maintaining banking centers in low- and moderate-income areas. We strive to continue to develop financial services and products that are affordable and convenient to all community members. We are also proud to support local initiatives focused on helping our neighbors who are unbanked or underbanked.

Lending in the Community
First Financial has developed loan programs to attract new businesses and retain current clients in low- and moderate-income areas. We are proud to offer loans to nonprofit organizations serving housing and community development needs in these areas. Examples of local lending include Beasley Place in Cincinnati, Weinland Park Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, and the Minority Business Assistance Council Microloan Program in Dayton.

Investing in the Community
First Financial continues to invest in organizations located in low- and moderate-income communities through investments, sponsorships and donations.

Volunteerism
At First Financial Bank we help communities through financial investments and ongoing volunteer efforts by our associates. Together, we enhance economic opportunities, build strong neighborhoods, and support the foundation for quality growth and development in the places we live and work.

Financial Education
First Financial focuses on contributing to and supporting organizations that provide financial literacy and educational support for the economically disadvantaged.

For more information about the Community Development Report, visit www.bankatfirst.com/home/community-development.html

About First Financial Bancorp
First Financial Bancorp is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company had $8.2 billion in assets, $5.5 billion in loans, $6.2 billion in deposits and $826.6 million in shareholders' equity. The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, N.A., founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its five lines of business: commercial, consumer, wealth management, specialty finance and mortgage. The commercial, consumer, specialty finance and mortgage units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. First Financial Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $2.3 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2016. The Company's strategic operating markets are located in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky where it operates 101 banking centers. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations is available at www.bankatfirst.com.

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SOURCE First Financial Bancorp