Exhibit 99

National Penn Acquires HomeTowne Heritage Bank

         National Penn Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: NPBC) ("National Penn"), parent
company of National Penn Bank, announced today the closing of the transaction to
acquire HomeTowne Heritage Bank. HomeTowne Heritage is a $165 million bank
headquartered in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, operating three community offices in
Lancaster County.

         HomeTowne Heritage Bank will retain its name and operate as a division
of National Penn Bank and immediately expand to include National Penn Bank's
community office located in New Holland, Pennsylvania. Additional community
offices within Lancaster County are planned. Wayne R. Weidner, chairman and CEO
of National Penn, said, "The performance of HomeTowne Heritage Bank over its
first four years is very impressive. The addition of this bank is highly
complementary to National Penn's existing franchise."

         "Hometowne Heritage Bank's presence in Lancaster County and deep-seated
commitment to awareness of customers' needs is a natural fit with National Penn
Bank's philosophy. This addition will provide us an excellent opportunity to
increase market-share in Lancaster County," stated Glenn E. Moyer, president and
CEO of National Penn Bank.

         HomeTowne Heritage Bank's present directors will be appointed to a new
HomeTowne Heritage Bank divisional board of directors. The current chairman of
the HomeTowne Heritage Bank board, Leslie K. Witmer, will become a director of
National Penn Bank. In addition, Mr. Witmer will serve as chairman of the
HomeTowne Heritage Bank divisional board of directors. HomeTowne Heritage Bank's
president and CEO, William K. Poole, will become president and CEO of the
HomeTowne Heritage Bank Division.

         HomeTowne Heritage Bank shareholders will receive $13.697 in cash for
each share of HomeTowne Heritage Bank common stock. Options for HomeTowne
Heritage Bank common stock will be exchanged for options for National Penn
common stock. HomeTowne Heritage Bank shareholders will soon receive a letter
from National Penn explaining what steps must be taken, including all necessary
documentation, to receive the cash payment for their shares.

         "We are very enthusiastic about this partnership with National Penn
Bank. National Penn has a longstanding reputation for honesty, integrity and
performance. We share those values and National Penn's vision," said HomeTowne
Heritage Bank president and CEO, William K. Poole. "The support of National Penn







will make it possible for us to readily expand our efforts to serve the business
and agricultural community of Lancaster County. We have earned an excellent
reputation for our willingness to serve the local community with simple, yet
competitive products. Our affiliation with National Penn, particularly the
resources that National Penn brings to the table, will strengthen our ability to
fully meet the credit needs of both current and prospective customers through
additional product offerings, services, and delivery channels," Mr. Poole
continued.

         Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. served as financial advisor to National
Penn, and Griffin Financial Group LLC served as financial advisor to HomeTowne
Heritage Bank. Ellsworth, Carlton, Mixell & Waldman, P.C. provided legal counsel
for National Penn, and Stevens & Lee, P.C. provided legal counsel for HomeTowne
Heritage Bank.

         Following the merger, National Penn will have $3.4 billion in assets
and will operate 66 community offices in southeastern Pennsylvania through
National Penn Bank and the FirstService and HomeTowne Heritage Bank Divisions.
Trust and investment management services are provided through Investors Trust
Company and FirstService Capital; brokerage services are provided through Penn
Securities, Inc.; mortgage banking activities are provided through Penn 1st
Financial Services, Inc.; insurance services are provided through FirstService
Insurance Agency; and equipment leasing services are provided through National
Penn Leasing Company. National Penn Bancshares, Inc. common stock is traded on
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "NPBC." Additional information about
the National Penn family is available on National Penn's Web site at
www.nationalpennbancshares.com.

         This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning
future events. Actual results could differ materially due to the following risks
and uncertainties -- deteriorating economic conditions; increased competition;
interest rate movements; market volatility in the securities markets;
legislative or regulatory developments; merger-related synergies, savings and
integration issues; technological changes; and other risks and uncertainties
discussed in National Penn's reports filed from time to time with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. National Penn cautions readers not to place undue
reliance on these statements. National Penn undertakes no obligation to publicly
release or update any of these statements.




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