BUSINESS MEMO:

South East Missouri Bank of Cape Girardeau has been recognized for its safety, soundness and financial strength by Veribanc, an independent bank research firm that makes quarterly assessments of financial institutions.

South East Bank received a top rating of "Green," with three stars and a "Blue Ribbon" award, both highest ranking awards. For the financial quarter ending Dec. 31, the bank had capital ratios that exceeded state and national bank averages. The bank's capital is also well above benchmarks established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. for an institution to be considered "well capitalized."

South East Missouri Bank, 111 S. Broadview, established in 1981, provides a complete range fo banking and financial services.