| Does it seem like there is a bank on every corner? It | | | | respected and has a long-term successful community |
| does to me. Everyone needs a bank and everyone's | | | | presence. The second factor would be a board of |
| banking needs are different thus we see new | | | | directors and investors that have a strong net worth, |
| community banks, state chartered banks and | | | | believe in the mission of the bank and make a |
| nationally chartered banks doting our landscape. | | | | personal significant investment. Staying power is key. |
| Banking is a very personal activity and people | | | | Many businesses and individuals follow their banker |
| constantly look for an environment that they feel | | | | from bank to bank. Many times the path will lead to |
| comfortable in. The result seems to be another new | | | | an existing or new community or small regional bank. |
| branch of an existing bank or a new bank opening up | | | | Clients' desire for personal banking relationships |
| on your corner. | | | | continues to drive the opening of the new |
| What are your banking hot buttons? Is it the | | | | neighborhood bank. The advances in technology have |
| convenience, consistent customer service, familiarity | | | | allowed the new banks to play with the big boys and |
| with staff, product selection or maybe rates. Usually | | | | deliver the type of services that are being demanded |
| there are a combination of factors that will lead you | | | | by their clients. An example would be on-line banking |
| to develop relations with a bank. If all banks met all | | | | which reduces the inconvenience issue. |
| needs there probably would only be about eight large | | | | There is a tremendous amount of wealth in the |
| banks in the country. | | | | United States. That fact will continue to drive the |
| Banking can be a profitable business. It is federally | | | | expansion of existing banks and start up of new |
| and state regulated so it gives a certain sense of | | | | ones. The owners of that wealth constantly look for |
| security to investors. The risk level is reduced so | | | | a combination of factors from their bank such as |
| there always seems to be a good supply of | | | | understanding their needs and meeting their service |
| investors available for start-up banks. Two key | | | | expectations. Demand will continue to drive the |
| factors in the success of that new bank opening up | | | | supply of new banks. Hence, a "bank on every |
| down the street from you may be the leadership of | | | | corner". |
| that bank such as a CEO who is well known, | | | | |