Business Description

Forward-Looking Statements This filing contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: ● statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; ● statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies; ● statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and ● estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: ● general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are different than expected; ● changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; ● fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; ● inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, reduce the fair value of financial instruments or reduce the origination levels in our lending business, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans; ● our ability to manage our liquidity and to access cost-effective funding, including significant fluctuations in our deposit accounts; ● major catastrophes such as tornadoes, floods or other natural disasters, as well as public health emergencies and pandemics, the related disruption to local, regional and global economic activity and financial markets, and the impact that any of the foregoing may have on us and our customers and other constituencies; ● further data processing and other technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; ● success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than expected; ● interruptions involving information technology and communications systems of service providers; ● breaches or failures of information security controls or cyber-related incidents; ● demand for loans and deposits in our market area; ● our ability to continue to implement our business strategies; ●