And we do. Consider the following statistics: The average five-year projected per capita income growth for our markets of 18% exceeds the national projections by 22%. Five-year population growth in our markets is projected to be 11%, or more than twice the national average.

    Carolina First Bank remains the largest South Carolina-headquartered bank, with a number four ranking in market share state-wide. (In South Carolina’s four largest MSAs, we have at least a top seven market share.) In Florida, we operate a $1.7 billion bank in three extremely attractive markets: Orlando, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. These three markets represent $67 billion in market deposits, an outstanding opportunity that we are well-positioned to take advantage of.

     In 2002, we completed strategic expansions in several key markets designed to enhance future performance. The mergers with Gulf West Banks and Central Bank of Tampa allowed us to enter the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. And our purchase of assets from Rock Hill Bank & Trust gave us significant market presence in the high-growth Rock Hill market, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.

     We were able to build on the strength of our dynamic marketplaces while adhering to disciplined merger criteria. The result? A positive momentum that allowed us to strategically expand our presence in our markets and lay the groundwork for a solid future.