Bridge Bancorp Inc. Announces Stock Repurchase Program

Bridgehampton, NY February 16th, 2000

Bridge Bancorp Inc.,  the holding  company for The  Bridgehampton  National Bank
announced that its Board of Directors  approved a stock  repurchase  today.  The
Company  has  purchased  20,000  shares  on the open  market,  which  represents
approximately .6% of the Company's 4,257,597 outstanding shares.

Thomas J. Tobin,  President and Chief Executive Officer stated that the Board of
Directors  and  management  are  committed  to  growing  long term value for the
Company  stockholders  and believe the  repurchase of common stock  represents a
sound  investment  of Company  funds.  The  repurchased  shares will be used for
general corporate purposes.