Business Description

Forward Looking Statements This annual report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as such “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may,” 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. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report. 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 worse than expected; ● changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; ● our ability to access cost-effective funding; ● fluctuations in real estate values and in the conditions of the residential real estate, commercial real estate, and agricultural real estate markets; ● demand for loans and deposits in our market area; ● our ability to implement and change our business strategies; ●