Jimmy Tallent Continued Quotations

Loan and deposit growth was strong across all markets. Total assets at year-end were $5.9 billion, a 15% increase from a year ago. Loans increased $144 million during the fourth quarter, or 14% on an annualized basis, and helped drive the increase in net interest revenue. Our net interest margin rose to 4.20%, up 15 basis points from a year ago and up three basis points from last quarter, as increasing short-term interest rates continued to positively affect our slightly asset-sensitive balance sheet. Fee revenue, excluding securities losses taken in the fourth quarter of 2005, was up 12%, reflecting increases in nearly every category.

Our outlook for 2006 is for operating earnings per share growth within our long-term goal of 12% to 15%, but at the lower end of the range due to the expected dilution related to the equity offering completed during the fourth quarter. We anticipate core loan growth will continue to be within our targeted range of 10% to 14%. Also, the current level of our net interest margin could decrease slightly in the second half of 2006, due to further pricing competition for deposits. Our outlook assumes a stable economic environment and continued strong credit quality.

Our operating efficiency ratio of 58.80% for the quarter is within our long-term efficiency goal of 58% to 60%, reflecting the success of our recent expansion efforts and the continued strength of our existing franchise.

This represents an annual cash dividend of $.32 per share and an increase of $.04 per share, or 14%, over the dividends paid for 2005. This increase reflects our continued strong performance and commitment to deliver value to our shareholders.