BANK OF PERRYVILLE BEGINS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

PERRYVILLE -- A centennial observance will be held here today.

"The Bank of Perryville is celebrating its 100th anniversary," said Gina Cissell, marketing coordinator for the financial institution. "We're planning a yearlong observance, and it all starts (today) with a Germanfest, to be held at the American Legion Hall here starting at 1:30 p.m."

"We selected a German theme for our first major anniversary celebration because of the strong German heritage in the Perry County community," said James F. Kapp, president of the bank. "As the oldest financial institution in Perry County, the Bank of Perryville has a history of being a strong, independent community bank. We have a lot to celebrate, and want to share this with our residents."

The Bank of Perryville was founded Nov. 17, 1891, and was capitalized at $10,000. A century later it has $68 million in assets, and remains independently owned and operated.

The Germanfest is free, and will feature sample German appetizers, entertainment by a German music trio, and visits with bank associates, who will be dressed in 19th century attire.

Those in attendance will have an opportunity to view a two-hour motion picture on Germany, narrated by a world traveler.

A special oil painting by local artists, depicting the bank in 1891 and 1991, will be unveiled. The original sketch was completed by Donald Ruessler of Perryville, and transferred to canvas by Maredith Benfield, formerly of Perryville.

The Bank of Perryville has received many awards and distinctions throughout the years. It is one of the few area banking institutions to be designated a "Blue Ribbon Bank" and rated a "5-Star" bank.

The latest honor was awarded to the bank in May, when it received the 5-star rating from Bauer Financial Reports Inc.

The Bauer research firm analyzed more than 13,000 banks, with 23 percent of them receiving the 5-star rating. A 5-star rating indicates that the bank's tangible capital exceeds 9 percent of the tangible assets and there are no excessive delinquencies or repossessed assets.

It also indicates that the bank is profitable.

The bank also received a blue-ribbon designation from Veribane Inc. during the summer. The blue ribbon signifies superior achievement in asset quality, capital strength, management, earnings and liquidity.