The decision or process of making the decision was a long one, ... The barrier that was probably the most significant was the potential lack of competition. Another factor involved, our course, was the ability to supply the entire field. That's a question that requires a lot of study as far as manpower and facilities.

There was a lot of discussion and consideration of the pros and cons. The barrier that was the most significant was the potential lack of competition. Other factors involved included the ability to supply the entire field. That's a question that requires a lot of study.

It's been a quite a challenge, actually. We put a lot of thought and study into our ability to support the entire field. We made the announcement with a calculated decision that, yes, we could and so we've been following that plan.

Strong loan and deposit growth and the bank's ability to control deposit costs more than offset margin compression pressure from the flat yield curve (in 2005).