EXHIBIT 32.1 NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C ss. 1350, and accompanies the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, (the "Form 10-K") of North Country Financial Corporation (the "Issuer"). I, C. James Bess, President and Chief Executive Office of the Issuer, certify that: (1) The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and (2) The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Issuer. /s/ C. James Bess - ------------------------------------ C. JAMES BESS President and Chief Executive Officer (chief executive officer) March 24, 2004