Oneida Financial Corp. develops new subsidiary

Oneida, NY, March 18, 2008 - Oneida Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: ONFC)  is pleased to announce the creation of a new, wholly-owned subsidiary, Workplace Health Solutions, Inc. (“WHS”).  WHS is designed to develop a series of proactive medical services to help mitigate and prevent work related injuries. Michael R. Kallet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oneida Financial Corp. commented, “The WHS model is designed to compliment the other ONFC subsidiaries with an overall philosophy of innovative risk management services.”

WHS provides solutions for businesses where employees face physically demanding tasks as part of their work environment. WHS will assist in providing an informed hiring process, a comprehensive medical network, and an immediate intervention in work related injuries. Frank Calo, President of Workplace Health Solutions, Inc. stated, “All employees should be treated like professional athletes when they are injured; timely treatment and diagnostic services with the intention of returning a healthy employee to the workplace in an efficient manner.”  WHS will also coordinate the independent medical examination process that will assist the insurance carrier in better understanding treatment plans, and provide workplace information with the goal of improved timeliness and outcomes associated with claims management.

In January 2008, ONFC hired Frank Calo as President of WHS.  Frank spent several years as President of a statewide company specializing in occupational health as well as workers compensation services.  In February 2008, Mary Hartquist joined the WHS team as Vice President.  Mary brings several years of experience in employer return to work solutions. Previously Mary worked for one of the largest independent medical examination providers in New York State.

Workplace Health Solutions, Inc. joins Oneida Financial Corp.’s other wholly owned subsidiaries including; The Oneida Savings Bank, a New York State chartered FDIC insured stock savings bank, State Bank of Chittenango, a state chartered limited-purpose commercial bank, Bailey, Haskell & LaLonde Agency, an insurance and financial services company and Benefit Consulting Group, an employee benefits consulting and retirement plan administration firm.  Oneida Savings Bank was established in 1866 and operates twelve full-service banking offices in Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties.