Education First 2017 was a year of many opportunities which contributed to the company’s growth. Once again we saw record-setting volume in commercial lending, which is largely attributable to strong business development efforts and a well-respected BayCoast Bank brand. Business owners in our market know we understand their needs and will provide personal assistance every step of the way, not ending when the loan closes. Our residential mortgage lending saw a substantial increase in activity resulting from the expansion and rebranding of NFC Mortgage Company, LCC, which became known as BayCoast Mortgage Company early in the year. With local borrowers served by BayCoast Bank’s Mortgage Division, and BayCoast Mortgage providing loans for borrowers beyond our traditional market, the company enjoyed strong results at year end. Also in 2017 we acquired Priority Funding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary that allowed us to expand into lending for manufactured home communities. Priority Funding continues to operate as a separate company. On the deposit side, the Bank grew core deposits in its existing market area, due in large part to the relationships our Community Banking team has established and our increased focus on enhancing technology that makes banking easier and more accessible for our customers. This includes the expansion of our Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) which allow customers to transact their banking business via video monitors with real tellers beyond regular banking hours. The bank now has 11 ITMs at 6 locations throughout the Southcoast, including its new branch opening in early January in Little Compton, RI – which is the Bank’s 18th branch. In March, our majority-owned subsidiary, Plimoth Investment Advisors, acquired the Trust and Asset Management division of Savings Institute Bank & Trust, serving approximately 300 clients in Connecticut and Rhode Island, with total assets under management of approximately $120 million. Staffed by former Savings Institute Trust Officers Teresa Prue and Nicole (Hallisey) Dagle, Plimoth Investment established its investment office in Stonington, CT, where they continue to provide clients a personalized approach to investment management services. The Stonington office joins Swansea, Plymouth and Dedham as the company’s fourth region of operations. Partners Insurance Group expanded its offerings in 2017 by adding new lines such as travel and event insurance, while further enhancing the roster of insurance companies that its clients can work with to provide tailored solutions for their unique needs. As an independent insurance agency, Partners has its clients’ best interests at heart; as part of the BayCoast family, the Partners team shares the company’s values and commitment to personalized service and the community. The most gratifying part of our company’s success is our ability to reinvest in the communities we serve, through our corporate charitable giving and the volunteerism of members of the Bank family. Education was a major focus for us in 2017, as we partnered with the EdUp Committee of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce to help build a stronger collaboration among schools, organizations, businesses and individuals in improving educational opportunities in our community. The introduction of Get on the Bus was just the first step in an initiative that will continue throughout the coming year. For all of us at BayCoast Bank, BayCoast Mortgage Company, Plimoth Investment Advisors, Partners Insurance Group, and Priority Funding, thank you for your trust and your business. We will work hard in 2018 to continue to deserve it. Respectfully, Nicholas M. Christ President & Chief Executive Officer