STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 08, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairfield County-based Patriot National Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:PNBK) has expanded its stock ownership family by granting each of its employees, as of December 31, 2015, an ownership stake in the community bank.

Each Patriot Bank employee has been granted 100 shares of stock in the publicly traded company, ensuring that they now have an even greater incentive in the success of the bank and exceeding its customer expectations.

In fall 2015, investment banking and advisory firm Sandler O’Neill + Partners named Patriot one of the nation’s top performing small-cap banks. It was the only bank in New England to receive this designation among 435 publicly traded U.S. banks and thrifts evaluated across the United States.

“When our customers walk into any Patriot location, they are now greeted by owners of their local community bank. Customers are entrusting their financial futures to bankers who have a personal investment in the bank’s success,” said Ken Neilson, Patriot Bank President & CEO.  

Patriot employees express gratitude and excitement in their newly elevated ownership status.

“It feels wonderful to own a part of the company I work for! Patriot’s mission of ‘showing by doing’ comes alive with this new benefit for employees. Patriot is recognizing our commitment, hard work and desire to be a part of ensuring a bright and successful future for the bank. I appreciate that,” said Stamford-based banker Judith Corprew.

“I have been with Patriot since day one and the people here are like family to me. I could not have been more excited when I heard the news! I am very happy that all employees now own a little piece of the place where they work and spend most of their day,” said Stamford-based banker Carmen Estevez, who joined Patriot in 1994.

“I have been entrusted by Patriot with an ownership stake, and that faith and commitment in me and all our employees speaks volumes in management’s vision for the future of the Bank. I certainly feel more responsible for and invested in the performance and success of my Bank and fellow employees, which will also positively impact our customers and the communities we serve,” said Darien-based banker Christopher Johnson.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be acknowledged and compensated at the same time. The best part is, my daily efforts will help the company succeed financially, which in turn will help me. Patriot is building a long-term roadmap for the future by making sure our teammates—the foundation of the Company—are on board and on track,” said Bedford-based banker Andrew Fairchild.

About Patriot National Bancorp, Inc.

Patriot National Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Patriot Bank, N.A. which provides consumer and commercial banking services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses and professionals. The Company's lending activities are conducted principally in Fairfield and New Haven Counties in Connecticut and Westchester County in New York. Patriot Bank, N.A. currently operates 10 full service branches, 8 in Connecticut and 2 in New York. Both Patriot Bank, N.A. and Patriot National Bancorp, Inc. are headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Patriot National Bank was founded in 1994.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/632776f4-6660-4362-ad50-d85f99fe3d10