Item 1. Business We have made forward-looking statements in this Annual Report about the financial condition, results of operations, and business of our company. These statements are not historical facts and include expressions concerning the future that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following possibilities: ● general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, that are less favorable than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and an increase in credit risk-related losses and expenses; ● changes in the interest rate environment that reduce margins; ● competitive pressure in the banking industry that increases significantly; ● changes that occur in the regulatory environment; and ● changes that occur in business conditions and the rate o...