2008 Press Releases

Peoples Bancorp Inc. Receives Preliminary Approval to Participate in U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Declares Fourth Quarter 2008 Dividend
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings
Peoples Bank Completes Sale of Banking Office in Grayson, Kentucky
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Declares Third Quarter 2008 Dividend
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Second Quarter Earnings
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Names New Chariman of the Board
Peoples Bank to Sell Banking Office in Grayson, Kentucky
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Increases Second Quarter 2008 Dividend
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Names New Chief Financial Officer
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Holds Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Declares First Quarter 2008 Dividend
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and 2007 Results
Peoples Bancorp Inc. Nominates Four Board Members For Re-Election

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. RECEIVES PRELIMINARY
APPROVAL TO PARTICIPATE IN U.S. TREASURY
CAPITAL PURCHASE PROGRAM
___________________________________________

December 3, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Cheif Executive Office
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio – The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) has called a Special Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held on January 22, 2009, to consider and vote on a proposal to adopt an amendment to Peoples’ Amended Articles of Incorporation to authorize Peoples to issue preferred shares.

The authorization would enable Peoples to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program established by the U.S. Department of Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Peoples is not currently authorized to issue preferred shares under its Amended Articles of Incorporation, which is a prerequisite for participation in the Capital Purchase Program.

Peoples has already received preliminary approval from the U.S. Treasury to participate in the Capital Purchase Program, which is a voluntary program designed to provide capital for healthy banks, improve lending activities and benefit the U.S. economy.

"As a community bank, we believe it is important for us to be a part of the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program in support of our local economy,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe the Capital Purchase Program provides a cost effective means for healthy financial institutions like Peoples to fortify capital positions.”

On November 12, 2008, Peoples received preliminary approval from the U.S. Treasury of its application for a capital investment of $39 million, or 3% of Peoples’ total risk-weighted assets, which is the maximum that Peoples is allowed to receive under the Capital Purchase Program. This investment would be in the form of newly issued non-voting cumulative perpetual preferred shares and a related 10-year warrant sold by Peoples to the U.S. Treasury. The preferred shares will pay an annual dividend of 5% during the first five years and 9% each year thereafter, unless redeemed by Peoples. The warrant will entitle the holder to purchase 313,505 Peoples common shares with an exercise price of $18.66. The U.S. Treasury’s preliminary approval is also subject to certain standard conditions and approvals, including the execution of definitive agreements.

"This additional capital will add to our already strong capital position during these challenging economic times,” said Bradley. “Our primary intent will be to use this capital to serve the needs of our clients and invest in our communities by continuing to make loans to qualified individuals and businesses. We may also use a portion of the proceeds for other expansion opportunities that could be presented in the future.”

Peoples’ Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio is expected to exceed 16% if Peoples issues the entire $39 million of cumulative perpetual preferred shares, as preliminarily approved by the U.S. Treasury, compared to 13.68% at September 30, 2008. A minimum ratio of 10% is required to be considered a well-capitalized institution under applicable regulatory guidelines.

Peoples will soon file with the Securities and Exchange Commission definitive proxy materials in respect of the Special Meeting of Shareholders. In mid-December, these proxy materials will be mailed to Peoples shareholders of record as of December 10, 2008, the record date for shareholder voting.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, 49 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through its financial service units – Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank) and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

Peoples will release definitive proxy materials to shareholders in respect of a Special Meeting of Shareholders at such time as is appropriate under applicable laws, rules and regulations, including those of the SEC and NASDAQ. Peoples’ shareholders are urged to read these definitive proxy materials when they become available because they will contain important information about the business to be conducted at such Special Meeting.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This news release contains certain statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. In particular, this release includes forward-looking statements regarding the amount of capital Peoples may obtain through participation in the Capital Purchase Program, the timing of any capital investment by the U.S. Treasury, the potential benefits of Peoples’ participation in the Capital Purchase Program and the potential impact participation could have on Peoples’ future results of operations and financial condition. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including Peoples’ ability to satisfy the terms and conditions of participation in the Capital Purchase Program, Peoples’ ability to deploy any capital received through the Capital Purchase Program and the other risks set forth in Peoples’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the those risk factors included in the disclosure under the heading “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of Part I of Peoples’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. As a result, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Peoples encourages readers of this news release to understand forward-looking statements to be strategic objectives rather than absolute targets of future performance. Peoples undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable legal requirements. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Peoples’ website.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC.
DECLARES FOURTH QUARTER 2008 DIVIDEND
___________________________________________

November 13, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Cheif Executive Office
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio - The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) today declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per share payable on January 2, 2009, to shareholders of record at December 15, 2008.

“We are pleased to announce our 43rd consecutive year of dividend growth,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While we face challenges from the struggling economy and weakened real estate market, we have also preserved and enhanced Peoples’ healthy capital position and liquidity levels. These actions have allowed the Board to raise dividends to our shareholders in 2008.”

The fourth quarter dividend represents a pay out of approximately $2.4 million, based on 10.4 million shares outstanding at November 13, 2008, and a 4.5% increase over the $0.22 declared a year ago. In 2008, Peoples has declared dividends of $0.91 per share, up 3.4% from $0.88 per share declared in 2007.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC.
ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS
___________________________________________

October 23, 2008

Contact: Edward G. Sloane
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio - Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) today announced third quarter 2008 net income of $3.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share. This compares to $2.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, last quarter and $5.1 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2007. On a year-to-date basis, net income totaled $10.6 million and diluted earnings per share were $1.02, versus $16.1 million and $1.52, respectively, for the same period in 2007. In the third quarter of 2008, provision for loan losses was $6.0 million compared to $6.8 million last quarter and $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2007. On a year-to-date basis, Peoples’ provision for loan losses totaled $14.2 million versus $2.4 million a year ago.

"Like many financial services companies, our third quarter results were negatively affected by the impact of the struggling economy and weakened commercial real estate market,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While these conditions produced a higher loan loss provision, third quarter earnings benefited from a stable net interest margin, diversified revenue growth, controlled expense growth and a lower effective tax rate. Over the last several months, we have taken steps to preserve and enhance Peoples’ healthy capital position and liquidity levels in light of this difficult credit cycle.”

Bradley continued, “During the third quarter, we downgraded the loan quality ratings of certain commercial real estate loans as part of our normal loan review process, which was the major driver of the increased loan loss provision compared to last year. These downgrades were caused by deterioration in the borrowers’ financial condition from the weakened real estate market, and economy as a whole, and resulted in certain loans being placed on nonaccrual status.”

The provision for loan losses resulted from management’s quarterly evaluation of the loan portfolio and procedural methodology that estimates the amount of credit losses probable within the loan portfolio based on several factors, such as changes in loss trends, risk ratings, and current economic conditions.

At September 30, 2008, nonperforming loans totaled $35.7 million, or 3.21% of total loans, up from $21.2 million, or 1.92%, at June 30, 2008, and $9.4 million, or 0.83% at December 31, 2007. The third quarter increase was attributable to downgrades of three commercial real estate loan relationships, totaling $14.4 million, which increased nonaccrual loans. These loans are secured primarily by real estate in Ohio, with some collateral located in Indiana. The remaining increase since year-end 2007 was the result of two large commercial real estate loans, with balances of $7.0 million and $6.2 million, being placed on nonaccrual status in the first and second quarter of 2008, respectively.

"Despite recent market events, we believe our nonperforming loans are manageable, given our ongoing communication with the borrowers and actions intended to minimize losses,” said Edward G. Sloane, Chief Financial Officer. “Our consumer loan quality, including our residential real estate loans, remains sound, with delinquency levels and losses comparable to those experienced during the last several quarters. The steps taken in the third quarter have bolstered our loan loss reserves and we continually monitor the entire loan portfolio closely for signs of credit deterioration.”

The allowance for loan losses grew to $19.2 million, or 1.72% of total loans, at September 30, 2008, from $15.2 million, or 1.38%, at the prior quarter-end and $15.7 million, or 1.40%, at year-end 2007. The increase in the allowance for loan losses reflects the impact of commercial real estate loan downgrades on management’s estimate of losses within the portfolio. Management appropriately considered all loans in establishing the allowance for loan losses for each period and believes the allowance was adequate at September 30, 2008, based on all information currently available.

Third quarter 2008 net loan charge-offs were $2.1 million, or 0.74% of average loans on an annualized basis, down from $7.5 million, or 2.70%, in the second quarter of 2008, due to the $6.4 million charge-off of a single impaired commercial real estate loan in the second quarter. Net charge-offs were $1.0 million, or 0.36%, for the third quarter of 2007. The increase in 2008 was attributable to a third quarter $1.1 million charge-off of one of the previously mentioned nonaccrual loan relationships. Net loan charge-offs totaled $10.8 million through nine months of 2008, versus $2.3 million a year ago.

Despite the increased level of losses recognized in 2008 compared to prior years, the capital position of Peoples and its banking subsidiary have remained strong and well above amounts needed to be considered well-capitalized by banking regulations. At September 30, 2008, Peoples’ Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based capital ratios were 12.35% and 13.68%, respectively, while the ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets was 7.03%. These strong capital positions have allowed Peoples to increase dividends declared to shareholders. In the third quarter of 2008, Peoples declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per share, up 4.5% from the $0.22 per share declared for third quarter of 2007. Through nine months of 2008, Peoples has declared dividends of $0.68 per share in 2008 versus $0.66 per share declared through the same period of 2007, resulting in a dividend payout ratio of 67.0% of net income in 2008 versus 43.1% a year ago. Based on current capital levels, management anticipates continuation of quarterly dividend payments.

During 2008, Peoples has systematically sold the preferred stock issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) held in its investment portfolio, due to the uncertainty surrounding these entities. In the third quarter of 2008, Peoples completely eliminated all holdings of these preferred stocks and recognized a pre-tax loss of $594,000 ($386,000 after-tax). Peoples also recognized a pre-tax gain of $479,000 ($311,000 after-tax) from the sale of various investment securities, primarily obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and tax-exempt municipal bonds, with a recorded value of $21.4 million as part of management’s ongoing efforts to reduce credit and interest rate exposures in Peoples’ investment portfolio.

In the third quarter of 2008, net interest income increased 11% to $14.6 million and the net interest margin expanded 24 basis points to 3.50% compared to the prior year third quarter. These improvements were attributable to Peoples’ funding costs declining more than asset yields, due to lower short-term market rates and wider credit spreads. Third quarter net interest income and margin also benefited from retail deposit growth in 2008, which has allowed Peoples to reduce its amount of higher-cost wholesale funding. As a result, Peoples’ third quarter cost of funds dropped 103 basis points year-over-year to 3.01%, while asset yields declined only 69 basis points to 6.15%. Compared to the second quarter of 2008, net interest income decreased 2% and net interest margin compressed 11 basis points, due to the combination of an increased level of nonaccrual loans recognized during the third quarter and higher loan prepayment fees earned during the second quarter. Through nine months of 2008, net interest income has grown 9% compared to the same period last year and net interest margin was 3.54% versus 3.29%. On a year-to-date basis, the average cost of funds decreased 81 basis points, outpacing the 49 basis point decline in asset yields.

Peoples’ reported net interest income and margin include loan prepayment fees, interest reductions for loans placed on nonaccrual status and interest collected on nonaccrual loans. The net impact of these items was a $241,000 reduction in income, or five basis points of margin, in the third quarter of 2008, compared to $5,000 of additional income in the third quarter of 2007 and $226,000 of additional income, or five basis points, in the second quarter of 2008.

"As expected, our third quarter net interest income and margin were pressured by some assets repricing downward and limited additional opportunities to lower funding costs,” said Sloane. “In addition, we experienced lower loan prepayment fees and an increase in nonaccrual loans in the third quarter, which combined to reduce asset yields compared to the first half of 2008. Current interest rate conditions may continue to put pressure on net interest income and margin. Still, we are continuing to manage our balance sheet position to optimize Peoples’ net interest income stream, while also minimizing the impact of future rate changes on our earnings.”

Third quarter non-interest income increased 6% over the prior year, totaling $8.2 million in 2008 versus $7.7 million in 2007. The largest gains occurred in Peoples’ insurance revenues, deposit account service charges, and electronic banking (“e-banking”) income, while mortgage banking income declined. Compared to the second quarter of 2008, increases in deposit account service charges and insurance income were partially offset by lower trust and investment income, resulting in a total non-interest income increase of 3% in the third quarter of 2008. Through nine months of 2008, total non-interest income was $24.3 million compared to $23.7 million through nine months of 2007, with the increase primarily attributable to debit card revenues and trust and investment income.

"Non-interest revenues remain a major component of our earnings stream,” said Sloane. “While we managed to grow these revenues during the third quarter, our efforts are challenged by the generally lower market value of investments due to the current state of the financial markets and economy, considering a portion of our fiduciary and brokerage revenues is based on the value of managed assets.”

Peoples has enhanced insurance revenues despite tighter pricing margins within the insurance industry caused by insurance companies reducing property and casualty insurance premiums in an effort to attract market share. Deposit account service charges grew during the third quarter of 2008 as the result of increased checking account overdraft activity. Peoples’ efforts to attract new trust business over the last several quarters have tempered the reduction in revenues caused by the lower market value of managed assets from the downturn in the financial markets.

Non-interest expense totaled $13.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, up 5% from a year ago, and totaled $40.0 million through nine months of 2008 versus $39.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. These increases were primarily attributable to higher salary and benefit costs and increased net occupancy and equipment expense. Salary and benefit costs, Peoples’ largest non-interest expense, were up year-over-year due to the combination of normal annual merit increases and higher employee medical benefit costs, while modest increases in property taxes and utility costs during 2008 were key drivers of higher net occupancy and equipment expense. On a linked quarter basis, non-interest expense growth was contained, as modest increases in salary and benefit costs, e-banking expense and professional fees were partially offset by reduced marketing expenditures and lower depreciation expense from assets becoming fully depreciated.

“Overall, we believe third quarter expense levels were reasonable, even though total expense was higher than a year ago,” said Sloane. “Still, we continue to implement measures to reduce expenses and gain operating efficiencies, while also preparing Peoples for possible future disciplined expansion through establishing new sales offices.”

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Peoples’ effective tax rate was 23.1%, which represents management’s current estimate for the full year 2008 and a decrease from 26.0% in the first half of 2008 and 25.8% through nine months of 2007. The lower projected effective tax rate is due mainly to a greater utilization of estimated tax credits. In addition, income from tax-exempt sources is expected to comprise a larger portion of Peoples’ 2008 pre-tax income, which further decreased the projected effective tax rate.

At September 30, 2008, total portfolio loan balances were $1.11 billion, up $8.8 million for the quarter. Construction loan balances grew $17.7 million, due mostly to advances on existing commercial construction loans, while commercial and commercial mortgage loan balances declined a combined $12.6 million. Peoples also experienced modest increases in consumer and home equity loan balances. Since year-end 2007, total portfolio loan balances were down $7.3 million at quarter-end, due to commercial loan payoffs offsetting new production and the impact of charge-offs in 2008. Peoples’ serviced real estate loan portfolio totaled $180.4 million at September 30, 2008, down slightly from $182.3 million at June 30, 2008, but up versus $176.7 million at December 31, 2007.

During the third quarter of 2008, total retail deposit balances, which exclude brokered deposits, were essentially unchanged from $1.24 billion at June 30, 2008, as an $8.4 million increase in interest-bearing balances was offset by an $8.8 million decline in non-interest-bearing balances. For the quarter, retail certificates of deposit (“CDs”) balances grew $5.7 million, while money market and savings balances grew $3.1 and $2.1 million, respectively. The growth in retail interest-bearing deposits was tempered by a single commercial customer transferring approximately $14 million of money market deposits to an overnight repurchase agreement. The decline in non-interest-bearing deposits was largely attributable to lower commercial balances at September 30, 2008, although consumer balances saw a modest decrease during the quarter. Since year-end 2007, total retail balances have increased $114.1 million, or 10%, due mostly to higher interest-bearing retail balances from Peoples attracting nearly $70 million of funds from customers outside its primary market area instead of using higher-cost brokered deposits. The retail deposit growth during 2008 has allowed Peoples to reduce higher rate brokered certificates of deposit balances by $49.6 million and contributed to the $20.5 million reduction in borrowed funds since year-end 2007.

“Overall, we saw several positives in the third quarter results, despite lower net income caused by the ongoing credit challenges in the loan portfolio,” summarized Bradley. “Our core earnings stream remains strong, driven by stable net interest margin, diversified revenue growth, controlled operating expenses and retail deposit growth. Our capital and liquidity levels continue to be healthy and a source of strength during this challenging economic cycle.”

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, 49 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through its financial service units – Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank); and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

Conference Call to Discuss Earnings:
Peoples will conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss third quarter 2008 results of operations today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with members of Peoples’ executive management participating. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling (800) 860-2442. A simultaneous Webcast of the conference call audio will be available online via the “Investor Relations” section of Peoples’ website, www.peoplesbancorp.com. Participants are encouraged to call or sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time to ensure participation and, if required, to download and install the necessary software. A replay of the call will be available on Peoples’ website in the “Investor Relations” section for one year.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to Peoples’ financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Except for the historical and present factual information contained in this news release, the matters discussed in this news release, and other statements identified by words such as “estimate”, “anticipate”, “feel,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) deterioration in the credit quality of Peoples’ loan portfolio could occur due to a number of factors, such as adverse changes in economic conditions that impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans, the underlying value of the collateral could prove less valuable than otherwise assumed and assumed cash flows may be less favorable than expected, which may adversely impact the provision for loan losses; (2) competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions, which may increase significantly; (3) changes in the interest rate environment, which may adversely impact interest margins; (4) changes in prepayment speeds, loan originations, and charge-offs, which may be less favorable than expected and adversely impact the amount of interest income generated; (5) general economic conditions and weakening in the economy, specifically the real estate market, either national or in the states in which Peoples does business, which may be less favorable than expected; (6) political developments, wars or other hostilities, which may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (7) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, which may adversely affect the business of Peoples; (8) adverse changes in the conditions and trends in the financial markets, which may adversely affect the fair value of securities within Peoples’ investment portfolio; (9) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues that could arise; (10) Peoples’ ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries; (11) changes in accounting standards, policies, estimates or procedures, which may impact Peoples’ reported financial condition or results of operations; (12) Peoples’ ability to maintain required capital levels and adequate sources of funding and liquidity; (13) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (14) the costs and effects of regulatory and legal developments, including the outcome of regulatory or other governmental inquiries and legal proceedings and results of regulatory examinations; and (15) other risk factors relating to the banking industry or Peoples as detailed from time to time in Peoples’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those risk factors included in the disclosures under the heading “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of Peoples’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Peoples undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable legal requirements. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Peoples’ website.

Please click here to view the complete earnings release.

PEOPLES BANK COMPLETES SALE OF
BANKING OFFICE IN GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
___________________________________________

October 20, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio –Peoples Bank, National Association (“Peoples Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: PEBO), announced today that it has completed the sale of its Grayson, Kentucky banking office (“Grayson office”) to First National Bank of Grayson effective at the close of business on October 17, 2008.

The transaction was first announced in May 2008. The Grayson office has $13.4 million of deposits and $2.0 million in loans. First National Bank of Grayson paid $475,000 for the full-service office’s loans, deposits, and fixed assets. The premium paid on deposits is approximately $255,000 or 1.91% of deposits.

Peoples Bank continues to operate full-service banking offices in Kentucky’s Boyd and Greenup counties through locations in Ashland, Russell, Greenup, and Summit, as well as two full-service offices in Huntington, West Virginia. Peoples Bank also makes available insurance services through Putnam Agency’s offices in Ashland, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, 49 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through its financial service units – Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank) and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. DECLARES
THIRD QUARTER 2008 DIVIDEND
___________________________________________

August 14, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio –The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) today declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per share payable on October 1, 2008, to shareholders of record at September 15, 2008.

The third quarter dividend represents a pay out of approximately $2.4 million, based on 10.4 million shares outstanding at August 14, 2008, and a 4.5% increase over the $0.22 declared a year ago.

“While some financial services companies have had to reduce their dividends in 2008, Peoples’ strong capital position has allowed the Board to raise the dividends to our shareholders,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our capital levels are expected to remain well above the amounts needed to be considered well-capitalized after the payment of the third quarter dividend.”

Including the third quarter dividend, Peoples has declared dividends of $0.68 per share in 2008 versus $0.66 per share declared through the same period of 2007. The annualized 2008 dividend of $0.92 equates to a yield of 4.07% based on Peoples’ closing stock price of $22.60 on August 13, 2008.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, 50 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through its financial service units – Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank) and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. ANNOUNCES
SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS
___________________________________________

July 29, 2008

Contact: Edward G. Sloane
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio – Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) today announced second quarter 2008 net income of $2.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2007. On a year-to-date basis, net income totaled $7.6 million and diluted earnings per share were $0.73, versus $11.0 million and $1.04, respectively, for the same period in 2007.

Peoples’ second quarter 2008 earnings included $4.5 million of additional provision for loan losses ($2.9 million or $0.28 per diluted share after-tax) related to a single $12.6 million commercial real estate loan identified as impaired in connection with management’s quarterly analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the second quarter. Management determined that the value of the collateral, which is located in west central Florida, had decreased substantially, causing the loan to be under–collateralized. Accordingly, this loan was placed on non-accrual status and charged down to the estimated realizable fair value of the collateral of $6.5 million, less estimated costs to sell of $0.3 million, at June 30, 2008.

“Although out-of-market loans are not a big part of our portfolio, our second quarter results, like those of many other financial companies, were impacted by sluggish economic conditions and the deteriorating housing market, specifically in Florida,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our remaining exposure to Florida real estate is less than $3 million and these unrelated loan relationships are performing in accordance with their original terms. While nonperforming assets and the loan loss provision have increased, our capital levels remain well above the amounts needed to be considered well-capitalized and serve as a source of strength as we work through the isolated issues in the loan portfolio.”

Bradley continued, “Despite lower earnings, we still achieved success in key areas, including deposit growth, increased net interest income, net interest margin expansion and lower operating expenses which led to improved operating efficiency. We will continue to work through the recent loan challenges while focusing on strategies for long-term revenue growth, with an eye on efficiency in these challenging economic times.”

During the second quarter of 2008, Peoples sold preferred stocks issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) with a recorded value of $2.7 million, at a net pre-tax loss of $191,000, which was partially offset by a $138,000 pre-tax gain from the sale of mortgage-backed securities with a recorded value of $18.7 million. These securities were sold as part of the ongoing management of Peoples’ credit and interest rate risk exposures in its investment portfolio. At June 30, 2008, Peoples held in its investment portfolio FNMA preferred stocks with a market value of $1.9 million, resulting in a $260,000 other-than-temporary impairment charge in the second quarter of 2008. In July, Peoples sold these remaining preferred stocks, which completely eliminated all holding of preferred stocks issued by FNMA and FHLMC. As a result of the July sales, Peoples will recognize a pre-tax loss of $594,000 ($386,000 after-tax) in the third quarter of 2008.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, net interest income was $14.9 million, up 12% over the prior year second quarter, with the net interest margin expanding 30 basis points to 3.61%. On a linked quarter basis, net interest income increased 4% and net interest margin expanded 10 basis points. Through six months of 2008, net interest income has grown 9% compared to the same period last year and net interest margin was 3.56% versus 3.32%. These improvements were largely attributable to the reduction in short-term market rates and widening of credit spreads, as well as Peoples’ growth of lower cost retail deposits. As a result, Peoples’ second quarter cost of funds dropped 38 basis points to 3.13%, from 3.52% for the linked quarter and fell 88 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2007, while asset yields declined 25 and 50 basis points over the same periods, respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the average cost of funds decreased 69 basis points and the average yield on assets was down 39 basis points.

Second quarter 2008 net interest income and margin included $226,000 additional income, or five basis points, from the net impact of loan prepayment fees and reduction in interest income for non-accrual loans. In comparison, second quarter 2007 net interest income and margin were reduced by $309,000 or seven basis points due to loan and investment interest reductions. The net impact in first quarter 2008 was additional income of $126,000, or three additional basis points of net interest margin.

“Second quarter net interest income and margin exceeded expectations, as asset yields dropped less than anticipated due to wider credit spreads,” said Edward G. Sloane, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “While the lower cost of funds negated the drop in asset yields thus far in 2008, we expect net interest margin to be pressured in the near term by assets repricing downward and limited additional opportunities to lower funding costs. Given the uncertainty regarding the timing and magnitude of future interest rate changes, we continue to focus on positioning our balance sheet to optimize Peoples’ net interest income stream, while also minimizing the impact of future rate changes on our earnings.”

Non-interest income was at a consistent level compared to the prior year, totaling $7.9 million and $16.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, as higher trust and investment income and electronic banking revenues were offset by lower insurance commissions and deposit account service charges. On a linked-quarter basis, non-interest income was down 4% in the second quarter of 2008, due to the recognition of annual performance-based insurance commissions in the first quarter. Excluding the impact of this seasonal fluctuation, non-interest income grew 6% in comparison to the first quarter of 2008.

Peoples’ trust and investment revenues experienced 9% growth year-over-year for both the second quarter and on a year-to-date basis, attributable to increased assets under management from new business, which more than offset the decline in asset values caused by the recent downturn in the financial markets. At June 30, 2008, total managed assets were $987.6 million, up 1% compared to a year ago. Increases in debit card activity have produced double-digit growth in electronic banking revenues, with second quarter 2008 revenues up 13% versus a year ago and 10% from the first quarter of 2008. Insurance sales commissions (excluding performance-based commissions) were up 5% from the linked quarter, despite a softer insurance market that is producing tighter pricing margins within the insurance industry.

Total non-interest expense was $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, down 1% from the same period a year ago, due mostly to a modest decrease in professional fees. Second quarter 2008 salary and benefit costs, Peoples’ largest non-interest expense, were comparable to last year’s amount, as higher sales-based compensation and increased base salaries from annual merit adjustments were offset by lower incentive expense tied to corporate results. Compared to the first quarter of 2008, total non-interest expense decreased 5% in the second quarter, due to lower incentive and stock-based compensation expenses and reduced professional fees. Through six months of 2008, non-interest expense totaled $26.8 million versus $26.5 million for the first half of 2007, with the increase largely the result of higher sales-based compensation expense and employee medical benefit costs.

“Operating expenses are in line with expectations, while total non-interest income levels were relatively flat,” said Sloane. “We improved our efficiency ratio in the first half of 2008 by expanding net interest margin and controlling operating costs.”

At June 30, 2008, portfolio loan balances were down $10.9 million for the quarter and $16.1 million since year-end 2007, totaling $1.10 billion. These declines were due to commercial loan payoffs outpacing new production, coupled with the charge-down of the previously-mentioned impaired commercial loan. Peoples’ serviced real estate loan portfolio continues to increase steadily, reaching $182.3 million at June 30, 2008, versus $176.7 million at December 31, 2007.

In the second quarter of 2008, the provision for loan losses was $6.8 million compared to $1.4 million last quarter and $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2007. On a year-to-date basis, Peoples’ provision for loan losses totaled $8.2 million versus $1.5 million a year ago. The provision for loan losses continues to be based on management’s quarterly evaluation of the loan portfolio and is directionally consistent with changes in Peoples’ overall loan quality.

Non-performing loans totaled $21.2 million, or 1.92% of total loans, up from $17.5 million, or 1.57%, at March 31, 2008, and $9.4 million, or 0.83% at December 31, 2007. The increased amount of non-performing loans during the first half of 2008 was due to the previously-mentioned impaired loan being placed on non-accrual status during the second quarter and a $7.0 million, unrelated commercial loan being placed on non-accrual status during the first quarter of 2008. No specific reserves were made for these loans at June 30, 2008, since they have been charged down to the estimated realizable fair value of the underlying collateral. As a result, the allowance for loan losses was $15.2 million, or 71.8% of non-performing loans, versus $16.0 million, or 91.2%, at March 31, 2008, and $15.7 million, or 168.0%, at year-end 2007. Management believes the allowance for loan losses was adequate at June 30, 2008, based on all information currently available.

Second quarter of 2008 net loan charge-offs were $7.5 million compared to $1.2 million last quarter and $0.7 million for the second quarter of 2007, with the increase due to the $6.4 million charge-down on the impaired commercial loan. Through six months of 2008, net loan charge-offs totaled $8.7 million versus $1.3 million a year ago. A portion of the change was attributable to a recovery that occurred during the first quarter of 2007 on a group of commercial loans charged-off in 2002, which reduced first quarter 2007 net charge-offs by $609,000.

“We believe the nature of the increase in non-performing loans and the current credit environment is manageable because of our limited out-of-market lending activities and sound underwriting practices,” said Sloane. “The two large commercial loans placed on non-accrual status in 2008 were appropriately considered in establishing the level of allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2008 and in prior periods. We will continue to monitor and evaluate these two relationships closely through our review process.”

Peoples’ total out-of-market loans comprised $108.2 million at June 30, 2008, or approximately 10% of total outstanding loan balances, with $68.8 million of these loans located in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Of the remaining $39.4 million of loans, the largest concentrations are in Arizona and Florida, with outstanding balances of $10.1 million and $8.5 million, respectively at June 30, 2008. In all other states, the aggregate outstanding balance in the state was less than $5 million at June 30, 2008. Except for the previously-mentioned impaired loan, these loans are performing in accordance with their original terms.

Retail deposit balances, which exclude brokered deposits, grew $32.0 million during the second quarter of 2008, attributable to higher money market and non-interest-bearing balances. For the quarter, money market balances grew $15.8 million, due to Peoples offering more competitive rates. Retail certificates of deposit and savings balances increased $8.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, while interest-bearing demand deposits fell $9.6 million, due in part to seasonal changes in governmental deposit balances. Non-interest-bearing deposits grew $15.8 million during the second quarter of 2008, due almost entirely to higher commercial balances at June 30, 2008. Since year-end 2007, total retail balances have increased $114.5 million, or 10%, due mostly to higher interest-bearing retail balances from Peoples attracting approximately $60 million of funds from customers outside its primary market area instead of using higher-costing brokered deposits. The retail deposit growth during 2008 has allowed Peoples to reduce higher rate brokered certificates of deposit balances by $19.8 million and contributed to the $71.2 million, or 15%, overall reduction in borrowed funds since year-end 2007.

In the second quarter of 2008, Peoples increased its dividend 4.5% to $0.23 per share, from the $0.22 per share declared for both the first quarter of 2008 and second quarter of 2007. Through six months of 2008, Peoples’ dividend payout ratio was 61.5% of net income versus 42.3% for the same period last year.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, 50 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through its financial service units – Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank); and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

Conference Call to Discuss Earnings:
Peoples will conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss second quarter 2008 results of operations today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with members of Peoples’ executive management participating. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling (800) 860-2442. A simultaneous Webcast of the conference call audio will be available online via the “Investor Relations” section of Peoples’ website, www.peoplesbancorp.com. Participants are encouraged to call or sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time to ensure participation and, if required, to download and install the necessary software. A replay of the call will be available on Peoples’ website in the “Investor Relations” section for one year.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to Peoples’ financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Except for the historical and present factual information contained in this news release, the matters discussed in this news release, and other statements identified by words such as “feel,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) deterioration in the credit quality of Peoples’ loan portfolio could occur due to a number of factors, such as adverse changes in economic conditions that impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans, the underlying value of the collateral could prove less valuable than otherwise assumed and assumed cash flows may be worse than expected, which may adversely impact the provision for loan losses; (2) competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions, which may increase significantly; (3) changes in the interest rate environment, which may adversely impact interest margins; (4) changes in prepayment speeds, loan originations, sale volumes, and charge-offs, which may be less favorable than expected and adversely impact the amount of interest income generated; (5) general economic conditions, either national or in the states in which Peoples and its subsidiaries do business, which may be less favorable than expected; (6) political developments, wars or other hostilities, which may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (7) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, which may adversely affect the business of Peoples and its subsidiaries; (8) adverse changes in the conditions and trends in the financial markets, which may adversely affect the fair value of securities within Peoples’ investment portfolio; (9) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues that could arise; (10) Peoples’ ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries; (11) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (12) the costs and effects of regulatory and legal developments, including the outcome of regulatory or other governmental inquiries and legal proceedings and results of regulatory examinations; and (13) other risk factors relating to the banking industry or Peoples as detailed from time to time in Peoples’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those risk factors included in the disclosures under the heading “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of Peoples’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Peoples undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable legal requirements. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Peoples’ website.

Please click here to view the complete earnings release.

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. NAMES
NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
___________________________________________

June 13, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio – Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples Bancorp”, Nasdaq: PEBO) announces the resignation, effective June 30, 2008, of Joseph H. Wesel as Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 2005 and also from 1991 to 2003. Wesel, 79, will continue to serve as a director of Peoples Bancorp and its banking subsidiary Peoples Bank, National Association.

The Board of Directors appointed Richard Ferguson as Chairman of the Board effective July 1, 2008. Ferguson has served as a director of Peoples Bancorp since 2004 and as Audit Committee Chairman since 2005.

"Joe Wesel’s solid leadership over the years has been the foundation of our company’s commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value through diversified financial services,” said Mark F. Bradley, Peoples Bancorp’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “In 1991, Peoples Bancorp had total assets of $424 million and 17 offices. We now have $1.9 billion in assets and offer 50 locations for our clients. Also, Peoples Bancorp’s dividend to shareholders grew from $0.16 per share in 1991 to the current annualized rate of $0.92 per share.”

Ferguson, 61, has more than 30 years of experience in accounting and financial management. After working several years in public and private accounting, he currently owns Ferguson Consulting, LLC, a Columbus, Ohio-based professional practice that focuses on business valuations and forensic accounting services for all types of litigation.

"Richard’s extensive financial background and expertise have brought tremendous insights to our Board,” continued Bradley. “His leadership qualities have been demonstrated in addressing the many audit and compliance requirements implemented in the past several years.”

Ferguson is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Valuation Analyst.

Bradley summarized, “The directors and I thank Joe Wesel for his many years of leadership as Chairman and the strides made under his direction. He will continue to be a key part of our directorship and help Richard Ferguson lead us in our next stages of development.”

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANK TO SELL BANKING
OFFICE IN GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
___________________________________________

May 28, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio – Peoples Bank, National Association (“Peoples Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: PEBO), announced today that it has agreed to sell its Grayson, Kentucky banking office (“Grayson office”) to First National Bank of Grayson (“First National Bank”).

"This action is consistent with our strategic plan to optimize our branch network to operate more efficiently and improve growth opportunities,” said Mark F. Bradley, Peoples Bancorp’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers in Boyd and Greenup counties through our full-service offices in Ashland, Russell, Greenup, and Summit.”

Under terms of the purchase and assumption agreement, First National Bank has agreed to pay $500,000 for the Grayson office’s $14.9 million in deposits, $2.9 million in loans, and fixed assets, which have an approximate book value of $225,000. The premium on deposits equates to approximately 1.85%. If total deposits of the Grayson office increase or decrease by 10% before completion of the sale, then the premium on deposits will be adjusted accordingly by $25,000 for each 10% change in deposits.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in fourth quarter 2008.

"First National Bank, established in 1902, is locally owned and operated and is excited to have the opportunity to provide financial services to the customers of Peoples Bank’s Grayson office,” said Willis H. Kelley, President and CEO of First National Bank. “We will work diligently with Peoples Bank to provide a smooth transition to its customers and strive to provide the excellent customer service our customers have come to expect.”

First National Bank of Grayson had $187 million in assets at March 31, 2008 and operates 6 offices in northeastern Kentucky’s Carter, Elliott and Morgan counties.

END OF RELEASE

Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to Peoples’ financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Except for the historical and present factual information contained in this press release, the matters discussed in this press release, and other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressures among depository institutions increase significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment impact interest margins; (3) prepayment speeds, loan sale volumes, charge-offs and loan loss provisions; (4) general economic conditions are less favorable than expected; (5) political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (6) legislative or regulatory changes or actions adversely affect Peoples’ business; (7) changes and trends in the securities markets; (8) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues; (9) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (10) the outcome of regulatory and legal proceedings and (11) other risk factors relating to the banking industry or Peoples as detailed from time to time in Peoples’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Peoples undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Peoples’ website.

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. INCREASES
SECOND QUARTER 2008 DIVIDEND
___________________________________________

May 9, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio - The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) yesterday declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per share, reflecting a 4.5% increase from the $0.22 dividend per share paid in both the first quarter of 2008 and second quarter of 2007.

The annualized 2008 dividend of $0.92 equates to a yield of 3.95% based on Peoples Bancorp’s closing stock price of $23.32 on May 8, 2008.

"Peoples Bancorp has a 42-year history of consecutive dividend growth,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Board's action to increase the second quarter dividend reflects our commitment to enhancing total shareholder return and positions Peoples for another year of increased dividends, assuming capital levels and market conditions allow.”

The second quarter dividend is payable on July 1, 2008, to shareholders of record at June 16, 2008 and represents a pay out of approximately $2.4 million based on 10.3 million shares outstanding at May 8, 2008.

Peoples recently reported net income of $5.6 million or $0.55 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2008, which produced a return on average equity and average assets of 11.00% and 1.21%, respectively.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. NAMES NEW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
___________________________________________

May 8, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio – Peoples Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: PEBO) announces the appointment of Edward G. Sloane to the Executive Vice President position of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples Bancorp”) and its subsidiary Peoples Bank, National Association, (“Peoples Bank”).

"Ed’s accounting experience, combined with his strategic and financial skills, makes him a great choice to lead our accounting and financial reporting areas,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples Bancorp and Peoples Bank. “He will be a solid addition to our executive leadership team.”

Sloane, 47, will become Peoples Bancorp’s principal financial officer effective with his first day of employment on May 21, 2008.

Since 2006, Sloane has been Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Analysis for WesBanco, Inc. in Wheeling, WV. From 1991 to 2006, Sloane served as Controller of WesBanco, Inc. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in various roles of increasing responsibility in the accounting, finance, merger and acquisitions, asset/liability management and strategic planning areas. Sloane is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Sloane succeeds Carol A. Schneeberger, who has served as Peoples Bancorp’s and Peoples Bank’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 2007, while also maintaining her duties as Executive Vice President of Operations.

"Carol’s leadership as our interim CFO has allowed us the benefit of a longer search period to identify and hire the right person for Peoples Bancorp,” continued Bradley. “Our directors and I thank Carol for her leadership and the strides made under her direction. Her extra efforts have produced positive results. Carol will continue to be a key part of our executive leadership team and also help Ed make an effective and efficient transition into his new role as our CFO.”

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. ANNOUNCES
FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS
___________________________________________

April 24, 2008

Contact: Carol Schneeberger
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio - Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) announced first quarter 2008 net income of $5.6 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to $5.6 million, or $0.53, for the first quarter of 2007. First quarter 2008 earnings produced a return on average equity and assets of 11.00% and 1.21%, respectively, compared to 11.59% and 1.22% for the same quarter in 2007.

"We are pleased to report higher first quarter earnings per share, improved net interest margin and net interest income, as well as strong deposit growth,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We have seen an increase in nonperforming loans since year-end due primarily to one large commercial real estate loan being placed on nonaccrual status. However, we believe the specific loan is adequately collateralized, and our capital levels remain strong.”

During the first quarter of 2008, management focused on reducing exposures to credit and interest rate risks by selling $7.2 million of preferred stocks issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and two US agency collateralized mortgage obligations with an aggregate book value of $7.6 million. The preferred stocks were sold to reduce Peoples’ exposure to those entities. The sale of the collateralized mortgage obligations was part of management’s current strategy to lessen the exposure to a future rising interest rate environment within Peoples’ investment portfolio. Peoples also sold several small-lot mortgage-backed securities. The net impact of the portfolio management initiatives produced a net gain of $159,000. Peoples also recognized a gain of $134,000 from the partial redemption of its equity interest in Visa USA.

Net interest income grew to $14.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, from $13.9 million for the prior quarter, while net interest margin expanded 11 basis points to 3.51%. Compared to the first quarter of 2007, net interest income was up 6% in the first quarter of 2008 and net interest margin expanded 19 basis points. Peoples’ average earning assets, although up from a year ago, were down nearly $13 million from the fourth quarter of 2007, due to a higher level of commercial loan payoffs over the last several months.

"The recent downward shift in short-term interest rates along with a reduction in certain deposit rates has enhanced net interest income and margin,” said Carol A. Schneeberger, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “However, future margin expansion may be limited as the downward repricing of assets may outpace the reduction in rates on our funding sources.”

In the first quarter of 2008, total non-interest income was $8.2 million compared to $8.1 million a year ago. First quarter trust and investment income increased 9% year-over-year, due mostly to a 5% gain in the market value of assets under management since March 31, 2007. Peoples also saw e-banking revenues grow 11% to $0.9 million from sustained increases in debit card activity. These improvements were partially offset by a slight decrease in deposit account service charges attributable to fewer non-sufficient funds fees and lower deposit account fees. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, non-interest income was up 8% in the first quarter of 2008, due mostly to the receipt of annual performance based insurance commission income, which is typically earned during the first quarter of each year.

"We continue to see the benefits of our strategic actions designed to grow and diversify non-interest revenues,” said Schneeberger. “Our wealth management group has produced another strong quarter, despite the recent downturn in the financial markets that lowered the value of managed assets compared to year-end 2007. Insurance revenues are in line with our expectations considering the challenges from the tighter pricing margins caused by insurance companies reducing premiums to attract market share. Our ongoing commitment to increasing cross-sales through a client relationship approach continues to provide additional opportunities to grow revenues.”

Non-interest expense totaled $13.7 million through the first three months of 2008, versus $13.3 million for the same period in 2007. First quarter salary and benefit costs were up 4% year-over-year and accounted for over half of the increase in total non-interest expense, largely attributable to increased sales-based compensation and additional equity-based compensation. Other key contributing factors to higher non-interest expense were increased occupancy expenses, including repairs, maintenance and utility costs, and e-banking expense, primarily online banking costs. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, non-interest expense increased $1.4 million, due mostly to higher performance based incentive compensation, medical insurance costs and equity-based compensation, coupled with the lower fourth quarter franchise tax expense which resulted from the settlement of a state tax audit.

During the first quarter of 2008, gross portfolio loan balances decreased $5.2 million, from $1.12 billion at December 31, 2007. Commercial loan balances were down $6.8 million, as commercial real estate loan payoffs outpaced new production. Residential real estate loan balances were flat for the quarter, while Peoples’ serviced loan portfolio increased $2.0 million, to $178.8 million at March 31, 2008.

"As anticipated, loan balances declined slightly in the first quarter due to commercial loan payoffs,” added Schneeberger. “While lending opportunities exist within our markets, we remain focused on loan quality rather than quantity, even more so during this time of economic uncertainty, which could limit near-term loan growth.”

Peoples’ provision for loan losses was $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2008, versus $1.5 million and $0.6 million in the fourth and first quarters of 2007, respectively. The provision for loan losses is based on management’s quarterly evaluation of the loan portfolio and is directionally consistent with changes in Peoples’ overall loan quality. At March 31, 2008, non-performing loans totaled $17.5 million, or 1.57% of total loans, compared to $9.4 million, or 0.83%, at December 31, 2007 and $6.0 million, or 0.53%, at March 31, 2007. Nonaccrual loans increased $8.1 million during the first quarter, due mostly to Peoples placing a single $7 million commercial real estate loan into nonaccrual status. Management believes the loan is adequately collateralized and that it has been appropriately considered in establishing the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2008. The allowance for loan losses was $16.0 million, or 91.2% of nonperforming loans, at March 31, 2008, versus $15.7 million, or 168.0%, at year-end 2007, and $14.5 million, or 241.3%, at March 31, 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, net loan charge-offs were $1.2 million, up $0.6 million from a year ago, due primarily to the charge-off of $1 million related to the previously mentioned commercial real estate loan placed into nonaccrual status during the quarter.

Retail deposit balances, which exclude brokered deposits, grew $82.4 million during the first quarter of 2008, due almost entirely to growth in interest-bearing deposits. Compared to year-end 2007, retail certificate of deposit balances were up $49.8 million, or 10%, at March 31, 2008, largely attributable to Peoples attracting funds from customers outside its primary market area instead of using higher-costing brokered deposits. Interest-bearing demand deposits also rose $20.3 million, or 11%, during the first quarter of 2008, reflecting seasonal changes in public funds from tax revenues. Non-interest-bearing deposits also grew $2.4 million since year-end 2007, from a $9.3 million increase in consumer deposit balances that offset a $7.1 million decline in commercial balances. The overall deposit growth in the first quarter of 2008 allowed Peoples to reduce higher rate brokered certificates of deposit balances by $19.8 million and contributed to the $61.7 million, or 13%, overall reduction in borrowed funds since year-end.

"Loan quality and higher loan loss provisions are challenging many in the financial services industry,” summarized Bradley. “However, we are pleased with first quarter earnings, deposit growth, and net interest margin improvement. We remain committed to growing the company in a disciplined manner that will allow us to deliver sustainable, long-term growth in earnings and dividends.”

Conference Call to Discuss Earnings:
Peoples will conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss first quarter 2008 results of operations today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with members of Peoples’ executive management participating. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling (800) 860-2442. A simultaneous Webcast of the conference call audio will be available online via the “Investor Relations” section of Peoples’ website, www.peoplesbancorp.com. Participants are encouraged to call or sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time to ensure participation and, if required, to download and install the necessary software. A replay of the call will be available on Peoples’ website in the “Investor Relations” section for one year.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to Peoples’ financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Except for the historical and present factual information contained in this news release, the matters discussed in this news release, and other statements identified by words such as “feel,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) deterioration in the credit quality of Peoples’ loan portfolio could occur due to a number of factors, which may adversely impact the provision for loan losses; (2) competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions, which may increase significantly; (3) changes in the interest rate environment, which may adversely impact interest margins; (4) changes in prepayment speeds, loan originations, sale volumes, and charge-offs, which may be less favorable than expected and adversely impact the amount of interest income generated; (5) general economic conditions, either national or in the states in which Peoples and its subsidiaries do business, which may be less favorable than expected; (6) political developments, wars or other hostilities, which may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (7) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, which may adversely affect the business of Peoples and its subsidiaries; (8) adverse changes in the conditions and trends in the financial markets, which may adversely affect the fair value of securities within Peoples’ investment portfolio; (9) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues that could arise; (10) ability to receive dividends from subsidiaries; (11) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (12) the costs and effects of regulatory and legal developments, including the outcome of regulatory or other governmental inquiries and legal proceedings and results of regulatory examinations; and (13) other risk factors relating to the banking industry or Peoples as detailed from time to time in Peoples’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those risk factors included in the disclosures under the heading “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of Peoples’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Peoples undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable legal requirements. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Peoples’ website.

Please click here to view the complete earnings release.

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. HOLDS
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
___________________________________________

April 11, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio - The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (Nasdaq: PEBO) was held April 10, 2008, in Marietta, Ohio.

The meeting was well attended and at the meeting, shareholders re-elected Board members Mark F. Bradley, Frank L. Christy, Theodore P. Sauber, and Joseph H. Wesel to serve as directors of Peoples for three-year terms expiring in 2011.

President and Chief Executive Officer Mark F. Bradley reviewed Peoples’ 2007 results of operations and financial performance. Bradley commented during the meeting, “Despite a difficult economic environment, we are pleased to have delivered dividend growth and positive earnings in 2007 for our shareholders.”

Peoples will release first quarter 2008 earnings before the market opens on April 24, 2008, and conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss first quarter results of operations at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the same date. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling 800-860-2442. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call audio can be accessed via the Investor Relations section on Peoples’ website, www.peoplesbancorp.com, where a replay will also be available.

Peoples Bancorp Inc., a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through 50 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples’ financial service units include Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank) and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC.
DECLARES FIRST QUARTER 2008 DIVIDEND
___________________________________________

February 15, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio - The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) yesterday declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per share payable on April 1, 2008, to shareholders of record at March 17, 2008.

The first quarter dividend reflects a payout of approximately $2.3 million based on 10.3 million shares outstanding at February 14, 2008.

"The Board's declaration of the first quarter dividend reflects our commitment to shareholder return, our strong capital level and is consistent with our emphasis on dividends,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and CEO.

The annualized 2008 dividend of $0.88 equates to a yield of 3.74% based on Peoples Bancorp’s closing stock price of $23.50 on February 14, 2008.

END OF RELEASE

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER
AND 2007 RESULTS
____________________________________________

January 24, 2008

Contact: Carol A. Schneeberger
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio –Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) announced fourth quarter 2007 net income of $2.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared to $4.8 million, or $0.44, for the fourth quarter of 2006. For 2007, net income totaled $18.3 million or $1.74 per diluted share compared to $21.6 million or $2.01 per diluted share for 2006.

The lower earnings for both the fourth quarter and full year 2007 were impacted by a $5.5 million ($3.6 million after-tax or $0.34 per diluted share) other-than-temporary impairment charge related to investments in certain securities, including preferred stocks issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) investments. This non-cash charge for other-than-temporary impairment is comprised of a $1.3 million charge related to Fannie Mae preferred stock previously carried at $6.8 million, a $1.9 million charge related to Freddie Mac preferred stock previously carried at $8.5 million, a $0.1 million charge related to a single bank holding company stock held by Peoples previously carried at $0.2 million and a $2.2 million charge related to three CDO investment securities previously carried at $7.9 million. This charge was partially offset by a $782,000 ($508,000 after-tax) reduction in franchise tax expense resulting from the adjustment to Peoples’ tax reserves to reflect the settlement agreement with the Tax Commissioner of the State of Ohio resolving certain controversies concerning Peoples’ Ohio corporation franchise tax liabilities and associated calculations for the 2002 through 2008 tax years (Fiscal years 2001-2007).

“Market values of certain investments have decreased due to increased risks within the broader credit market and erratic market liquidity,” said Mark F. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Peoples Bancorp's capital levels mitigate the negative impact of the resulting other-than-temporary impairment charge.”

Bradley continued, “Without the impairment charges, our results in 2007 reflect success in diversifying revenues, improving operating efficiency and reducing our reliance on net interest income. Revenue growth was strong and net loan charge-offs decreased. Additionally, dividends increased 6% to $0.88 per share in 2007, marking our 42nd consecutive year of dividend growth.”

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $13.9 million, up 6% from $13.2 million for the third quarter. During the same period, net interest margin improved 14 basis points to 3.40%. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2006, net interest income increased 3% and net interest margin expanded 9 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2007. These improvements were the result of management’s efforts to reduce Peoples’ funding costs by reducing certain deposit rates and taking advantage of lower cost funding available in the market place in response to the Federal Reserve’s actions to decrease short-term interest rates and improved yield in two separate pools of loans acquired in acquisitions during 2002 and 2003. For 2007, net interest income totaled $53.9 million compared to $53.2 million in 2006, while net interest margin expanded slightly to 3.32% from 3.29%.

“While the lower interest rate environment helped us reduce funding costs in the fourth quarter, asset yields have also declined from the repricing of prime-based loans and new loans being originated at lower rates,” said Carol A. Schneeberger, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “However, we successfully grew earning asset levels during the quarter, which offset much of the impact of the lower loan yields.”

In the fourth quarter of 2007, total non-interest income was $7.6 million compared to $7.4 million a year ago. In 2007, non-interest income totaled $31.4 million, up from $30.4 million in 2006. The majority of these increases resulted from higher trust and investment income, which increased 16% for the fourth quarter and 17% for the year. Since year-end 2006, Peoples has experienced a 10% gain in the dollar value of assets under management, attributable to the addition of seasoned sales personnel, coupled with an increase in cross sales from retail banking operations. Another contributing factor to non-interest income growth was increased e-banking revenues, which were up 16% and 14% compared to the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006, respectively, reflecting steady volume increases in customer debit card activity.

“Non-interest income growth occurred in 2007 as a result of our efforts in recent years to diversify revenues,” said Schneeberger. “Among the successes was strong production from our insurance agency that allowed total insurance commission income to remain stable, despite lower pricing margins in the insurance industry and annual performance based commissions. We expect our renewed commitment to customer-focused delivery of financial services will continue to increase cross-sale opportunities, which in turn enhances the customer experience and contributes to additional non-interest revenues.”

Total non-interest expense decreased 4% in the fourth quarter of 2007, totaling $12.4 million versus $12.9 million, largely attributable to the reduction in franchise tax expense, tempered by increases in sales-based compensation and bankcard costs, which correspond to the higher insurance and investment income and e-banking revenue, and higher software licensing and support costs.   In 2007, non-interest expense was essentially flat totaling $51.5 million, as higher salaries and benefit costs were offset by reductions in other operating expenses. Consequently, Peoples’ efficiency ratio improved to 57.1% in 2007, versus 57.5% in 2006.

In 2007, Peoples’ effective tax rate was 23.3%, down from 25.8% for the first nine months of 2007 and 26.7% for 2006. The reduction in the effective tax rate was attributable to utilization of additional tax credits in 2007, coupled with a reduction in pre-tax income without a corresponding decline in tax-exempt income. In 2008, management expects a modest increase in Peoples’ effective tax rate from a lower utilization of tax credits.

Gross portfolio loan balances were $1.12 billion at December 31, 2007, up $14.3 million since the prior quarter-end from commercial mortgage loan growth. However, significant commercial and commercial mortgage loan payoffs throughout most of the year resulted in portfolio loan balances falling $11.5 million since year-end 2006. Peoples’ serviced loan portfolio totaled $176.7 million, up 9% since year-end 2006.

“We are pleased to report loan growth in the fourth quarter,” added Schneeberger. “Our continued focus on loan quality, coupled with the possibility of additional payoffs, is expected to make loan growth in the near term difficult.”

In the fourth quarter of 2007, Peoples’ provision for loan losses was $1.5 million versus $1.0 million in the third quarter and $1.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. For the year, the provision for loan losses totaled $4.0 million in 2007, up from $3.6 million in 2006.   The provision for loan losses is based on management’s quarterly evaluation of the loan portfolio and is directionally consistent with changes in Peoples’ overall loan quality. At December 31, 2007, non-performing loans totaled $9.4 million, or 0.83% of total loans, compared to $6.2 million, or 0.56%, at September 30, 2007 and $10.0 million, or 0.88%, at year-end 2006. The allowance for loan losses was $15.7 million, or 168.0% of nonperforming loans, at year-end 2007, versus $14.6 million, or 237.3%, at September 30, 2007, and $14.5 million, or 145.0%, at December 31, 2006. Nonaccrual loans increased $3.0 million from September 30, 2007 but are relatively unchanged from December 31, 2006.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, net loan charge-offs were $446,000, down from $1.0 million last quarter, due mostly to a reduction in commercial loan charge-offs. Compared to the prior year, fourth quarter net loan charge-offs decreased substantially from $3.5 million, which was attributable to Peoples charging-off $2.9 million of impaired loans related to a single commercial loan relationship a year ago. For the year, net loan charge-offs totaled $2.8 million in 2007 versus $3.8 million in 2006.

“We believe Peoples sustained overall loan quality in 2007,” stated Schneeberger. “Many of the losses incurred in recent periods were due to credit declines in a limited number of loan relationships.. Additionally, total loan delinquencies have been at reasonable levels although we have seen a recent rise in both the dollar amount and number of loans 30 days or greater past due. We are confident that our loan review process will continue to identify problem loans in a timely manner.”

Retail deposit balances, which exclude brokered deposits, grew $22.4 million since December 31, 2006 with interest-bearing retail balances rising $18.3 million in 2007, due to money market and interest-bearing demand balances increasing 14% and 13%, respectively. Non-interest-bearing deposits also grew $4.1 million in 2007, due to higher commercial deposit balances.

In 2007, Peoples repurchased 463,600 common shares at an average price of $26.21, under previously announced stock repurchase plans. This compares to 37,800 common shares repurchased in 2006, at an average price of $28.35.

“In 2007, operating results improved due to core deposit growth, net interest margin improvement, revenue growth through customer service and controlled expense growth,” summarized Bradley. “Given the uncertainty that exists in the financial markets and the economy as a whole, which can impact loan quality in 2008, we will continue to focus on earnings quality and conservative growth.”

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, 50 locations and 37 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through its financial service units – Peoples Bank, National Association; Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank) and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc. Peoples’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

Conference Call to Discuss Earnings:
Peoples will conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss fourth quarter and 2007 results of operations today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with members of Peoples’ executive management participating. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling (800) 860-2442. A simultaneous Webcast of the conference call audio will be available online via the “Investor Relations” section of Peoples’ website, www.peoplesbancorp.com. Participants are encouraged to call or sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time to ensure participation and, if required, download and install the necessary software. A replay of the call will be available on Peoples’ website in the “Investor Relations” section for one year.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to Peoples’ financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Except for the historical and present factual information contained in this news release, the matters discussed in this news release, and other statements identified by words such as “feel,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) deterioration in the loan portfolio could be worse than expected due to a number of factors, such as the underlying value of the collateral could prove less valuable than otherwise assumed and assumed cash flows may be worse than expected, which may adversely impact the provision for loan losses (2) competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions, which may increase significantly; (3) changes in the interest rate environment, which may adversely impact interest margins; (4) prepayment speeds, loan originations and sale volumes, charge-offs and loan loss provisions, which may be less favorable than expected; (5) general economic conditions, either national or in the states in which Peoples and its subsidiaries do business, which may be less favorable than expected; (6) political developments, wars or other hostilities, which may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (7) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, which may adversely affect the business of Peoples and its subsidiaries; (8) adverse changes in the conditions and trends in the financial markets, which may adversely affect the fair value of securities within Peoples’ investment portfolio; (9) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues that could arise; (10) ability to receive dividends from subsidiaries; (11) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (12) the costs and effects of regulatory and legal developments, including the outcome of regulatory or other governmental inquiries and legal proceedings and results of regulatory examinations; and (13) other risk factors relating to the banking industry or Peoples as detailed from time to time in Peoples’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those risk factors included in the disclosures under the heading “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of Peoples’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and under the heading “ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS” of Part II of Peoples’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007. Peoples undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable legal requirements. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Peoples’ website.

Please click here to view the complete earnings release.

PEOPLES BANCORP INC. NOMINATES
FOUR BOARD MEMBERS FOR RE-ELCTION
____________________________________________

Annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 10, 2008

January 11, 2008

Contact: Mark F. Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer
(740) 373-3155

MARIETTA, Ohio – At its regular meeting yesterday, the Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (“Peoples”) (NASDAQ: PEBO) nominated directors Mark F. Bradley, Frank L. Christy, Theodore P. Sauber, and Joseph H. Wesel for re-election by Peoples shareholders at the Annual Meeting to be held on April 10, 2008 in Marietta, Ohio. Each nominee stands for re-election as a director of Peoples for a three-year term expiring in 2011.

Peoples also announced it will release 2007 earnings before the market opens on January 24, 2008. Peoples’ executive management will conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss fourth quarter and 2007 results of operations at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on the same date. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling 800-860-2442. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call audio can be accessed via www.peoplesbancorp.com, and a replay will also be available.

Peoples Bancorp Inc., a diversified financial products and services company with $1.9 billion in assets, makes available a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, and trust solutions through 50 locations and 38 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Peoples Bancorp’s financial service units include Peoples Bank, Peoples Financial Advisors (a division of Peoples Bank) and Peoples Insurance Agency, Inc., which includes the Putnam and Barengo divisions. Peoples Bancorp’s common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PEBO” and Peoples Bancorp is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

END OF RELEASE