First Midwest Bank Launches New Mortgage Lending Program

ITASCA, IL--(Marketwire - July 20, 2009) - First Midwest Bank ("First Midwest"), the wholly owned subsidiary of Itasca-based First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBI), today announced that beginning today it will be expanding its current lending programs. In conjunction with their existing Reverse Mortgage business, First Midwest Bank is introducing First Mortgages, which will provide traditional home mortgages and re-financing for home owners.

"We are pleased to be in a position that allows us to provide additional mortgage services in the communities we serve," said Janet M. Viano, Group President Retail Banking. "During these challenging economic times and beyond, we are wholly committed to investing in our clients and helping them achieve financial success through the appropriate and smart use of credit for a home purchase, loan re-finance or debt consolidation."

With the addition of First Mortgages, First Midwest Bank will once again boast a comprehensive offering of mortgage options. "In our current environment, many consumers may encounter difficulty finding financial institutions able to extend credit to them," Viano added. "First Midwest Bank is a strong and trusted community bank. We continue to offer a full range of borrowing options. The launch of this program underscores our willingness to lend."

First Midwest Bank clients and neighbors are encouraged to see a Banker at one of our many community banking centers or call 800.716.6449 to inquire about any of First Midwest Bank's mortgage options.

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 bank holding companies, First Midwest provides the full range of both business and retail banking and trust and investment management services through some 100 offices located in 62 communities, primarily in metropolitan Chicago. First Midwest was recently recognized with an Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workforce Flexibility in the greater Chicago area.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Brian J. O'Meara Executive Vice President, Marketing Director 630.875.7260 www.firstmidwest.com