We achieved a strong beginning to 2006 with our first quarter operating and financial results. Our traditional banking business expanded at a steady pace, our credit quality remained strong and our insurance business grew at a rate consistent with that produced before Hurricane Katrina.

209

The board takes its deliberations regarding tuition very seriously. Although we regret having to raise tuition, it is necessary in order to meet rising costs and to address quality issues.

151

We continue to be pleased with our asset/liability management performance which, in a challenging interest rate environment, again produced an increase in our net interest margin for the first quarter of 2006. The expansion of our loan portfolio in a period of rising interest rates contributed significantly to our second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in net interest revenue.

94