BNH reports assets at record $1.12-billion & deposits of $879-million

LACONIA — Bank of New Hampshire, the oldest and largest independent bank in the state, recently held its annual meeting of corporators and reported solid growth in deposits, loans and capital for the year ending June 30. K. Mark Primeau, president and CEO, reported that the bank's assets now total a record $1.12-billion and deposits grew to $879-million. The bank continued to support thousands of New Hampshire families and businesses as the bank's loan portfolio reached a record $759-million, which represents growth of 5-percent despite the slow economy.

Bank of New Hampshire remained strong with capital and reserves totaling over $130-million and its leverage capital ratio reached 9.26-percent.

"The bank is committed to continue to operate the bank prudently so that all of our customers can rely on a safe and secure local bank for their financial needs," said Primeau.

In the past year, Bank of New Hampshire opened two new full services offices in Manchester and Rochester as well as a deposit taking, image enabled ATM in the Shaw's Plaza in Tilton.

Primeau stated that the bank continued to focus on its local communities. "As New Hampshire's local bank, we invested more than $650,000 in over 500 local community non-profit and civic organizations throughout the state. We believe strongly in giving back to the communities we serve and our employees further demonstrate this dedication by contributing more than 10,000 hours of their time each year to a wide range of community activities. It is a key part of our mission and supports the health, vitality and quality of life in the many communities we call home."

At the meeting, the bank elected four new corporators: George Bald, commissioner New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Concord; Shaun Farley, vice president and chief operating officer, Melcher & Prescott Insurance Agency, Laconia; Andrea Johnstone, senior vice president & general counsel, Elliot Health System, Manchester and Timothy Martin, president/CEO, Taylor Community, Laconia.

Bank of New Hampshire, founded in 1831, provides deposit, lending and wealth management products and services to families and businesses throughout New Hampshire. With 21 banking offices throughout New Hampshire and assets exceeding $1 billion, Bank of New Hampshire is the oldest and largest independent bank in the state. Bank of New Hampshire is a mutual organization, focused on the success of the bank's customers, communities and employees, rather than stockholders.

For more information, call 1-800-832-0912 or visit www.BankNH.com.