We are very pleased to hire these qualified individuals to fill much needed positions in our growing Bank. With recent announcements of several bank acquisitions in this market, we're taking advantage of a number of opportunities to attract and hire very seasoned bankers who can help move us get to the next level of becoming the premier business bank in Nevada.

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Even though our new lending group, along with the hiring of other seasoned personnel, increased our operating expenses slightly, our efficiency ratio for the quarter remained strong.

77