Although Wilders seemed to be a bigger threat on paper, I don't think we can take Hughes for granted and we still have to see whether Bernard is strong at super-bantam,

We are also moving forward with our plans to lease eight branch sites in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas and Manatee counties, marking our entrance into Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties and increasing our presence in Pinellas and Manatee counties. These eight new locations, which we expect to open in 2006, will bring Coast's branch total to 20 offices in the greater Tampa Bay area. While these new locations will temporarily decrease short- term profitability, they should provide solid contributions to earnings in future periods.

While these new locations will temporarily decrease short-term profitability, they should provide solid contributions to earnings in future periods.

Over the past 12 months, we have expanded our loan portfolio and anticipate that because of the high growth throughout the Tampa Bay area we should be able to continue at that rate this year.

One of the primary purposes of this rapid branch expansion has been to take advantage of opportunities as they become available in attractive markets. Although these new locations have increased overhead expenses, we are confident they will contribute to profitability within the next few years.

I admire the guys who can do it with as little technology as possible, two turntables and a microphone.