BOXING-THANK YOU COMPETITORS

Once in a while, you have to sit back and think about what makes your business increase and what drives you to do better year after year.

Several years ago, Bill McConnell as CEO of Park National Bank was the voice of a Park National Bank radio commercial. This commercial has stuck in my mind ever since the first day I listened. Bill thanked all of PNB's competitors for being so competitive. This is what made the bank want to exceed, grow and give excellent customer service. He commented if it was not for their competitors, PNB would not be the largest commercial banking institution in Licking County. Years latter, PNB finds itself ranked by Columbus Business First as the #1 community bank in Central Ohio and they are profitable, all because PNB can box with the best of them.

I think it is time for Andrew, Lisa and I to thank our competitors. They have help us exceed our goals by trying to stay at the top of our game. Year after year our numbers of units sold and volume has remained or seen a steady increase even with the economic times everyone feels today.

Thank you competitors for the 113 transactions side closed last year. We are keeping the gloves on for 2009!