First Midwest Bank Announces Disaster Relief Program to Aid Clients and Neighbors Impacted by Recent Flooding

ITASCA, IL--(Marketwire - September 29, 2008) - First Midwest Bank ("First Midwest"), the wholly owned subsidiary of Itasca-based First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBI), today announced a disaster relief program designed to help individuals and families affected by the recent flooding throughout so many communities, which includes special loan options for those in need.

"We are very concerned about the impact this disaster has had on our clients and communities," said Bradley D. Vosberg, Senior Vice President and Regional Retail Sales Manager. "Countless families have been affected by the flooding, and we feel it's our responsibility to help those around us."

Those who have been impacted can visit or call one of the following locations (1.800.322.3623) for assistance and to take advantage of the disaster relief package offered at First Midwest:

Illinois
Alsip            Country Club Hills  Des Plaines  Monee         Park Forest
Blue Island      Crest Hill          Joliet       Morris        Plainfield
Bolingbrook      Crestwood           Lockport     Oak Lawn      Seneca
Chicago Heights  Crete               Midlothian   Palos Heights Tinley Park

Indiana
Crown Point      Griffith            Hobart        Schererville
Dyer             Hammond             Merrillville  St. John
Gary             Highland            Munster       Winfield

First Midwest Bank is the premier relationship-based banking franchise in the growing Chicagoland banking market. As one of the Chicago metropolitan area's largest independent banking companies, First Midwest provides the full range of both business and retail banking and trust and investment management services through 101 offices located in 63 communities, primarily in metropolitan Chicago. First Midwest was recently recognized by the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workforce Flexibility in the greater Chicago Area.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Brian O'Meara Marketing Director (630) 875-7260 www.firstmidwest.com