PERRYVILLE BANK EARNS RECOGNITION

PERRYVILLE -- The Bank of Perryville has been recognized as one of the safest banks in the country by the independent research firm of Veribank, Inc.

It was the only bank in Perry, Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau counties to receive a Blue Ribbon rating from the firm. The award is based on asset quality, capital strength, management, earnings and liquidity.

James F. Kapp, president of Bank of Perryville, said the bank has received the award for seven consecutive quarters.

"With the presence of many bank mergers, acquisitions and savings and loan failures, an honor such as this is rewarding," said Kapp. "Much of the success goes to our management, which strives to maintain quality service with a focus on the safety and soundness of our institution."

Only 10 percent of all banks in the country receive the Blue Ribbon rating. The information reviewed by Veribank, Inc. is taken directly from financial data filed with federal bank regulators. Veribank, Inc. analyzed 12,869 banks in the United States based on their third-quarter performances.

The Bank of Sikeston and the Citizen's First Financial Bank of Dexter also received the Blue Ribbon rating based on third-quarter performances.

Four Cape Girardeau banks received the second-highest rating for safety from the research firm. They are: Capital Bank, Boatmen's Bank, First Exchange Bank of Cape Girardeau and Mercantile Bank.

Also receiving the second-highest rating was the Jackson Exchange Bank & Trust of Jackson.