Ameris Bancorp Announces Consolidation Of Banking Group Under A Single Executive

February 29, 2008

AMERIS BANCORP (NasdaqGS: ABCB), Moultrie, Georgia, Edwin W. Hortman, Jr., President & Chief Executive Officer, announced today that John Hipp will assume responsibility for the Company's recently consolidated banking group. Previously, the Company split its banking group into three regions, each with an assigned executive officer.

Mr. Hortman commented on new structure and said, "John's role in our new structure will bring added focus to several important areas, primarily those around risk management and leadership development. Given the environment in which we are operating, the time is right to unite our banking group under a single executive who will ensure that we are operating as one team with a single purpose."

Commenting on his new responsibilities, Mr. Hipp added, "I am proud to be the team leader of our Banking Group and to be associated with so many professional and dedicated employees. The Ameris ‘Community Banking Model', coupled with our size and technology gives us a significant advantage in our four-state footprint."

Ameris Bancorp is headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, and has 45 locations in Georgia, Alabama, northern Florida and South Carolina.

Ameris Bancorp Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "ABCB". The preceding release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate" and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

For more information contact:
C. John Hipp
Executive Vice President & Group President
(803) 733-2685