CNB News & Events

CONWAY NATIONAL BANK ACHIEVES #1 MARKET SHARE ONCE AGAIN IN 2023 FOR HORRY COUNTY

Conway, SC, March 6, 2024 – Based on the 2023 deposit market share report compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and published on FDIC.gov, Conway National Bank was recognized for the 4th year in a row, as achieving the #1 deposit market share position in Horry County. Conway National Bank most recently achieved this position June 30, 2020, 2021 and 2022. At June 30, 2023, CNB held the #1 position with 12.48% of market share.

The Deposit Market Share is the percentage of deposits an FDIC-insured institution has within a defined geographic market based on an annual survey. This data is based on the annual Summary of Deposits (SOD) survey for FDIC-insured institutions as of June 30. The Deposit Market Share Report provides a summary of all FDIC-insured institutions, the number of branches, the amount of deposits and the percentage of their market share for any specified geographic area (state, county, city, zip code). From June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023, there were 20 institutions competing in the Horry County market.

Founded in 1903, Conway National is a locally-owned community bank that has been serving families and businesses in Horry County for over 100 years. CNB offers the latest technology and digital services for convenient online and mobile banking, as well as 15 local offices for friendly, dependable and personalized customer service

CONWAY NATIONAL BANK NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 200 COMMUNITY BANKS BY AMERICAN BANKER FOR 2021

Conway, SC, June 21, 2021 – Conway National Bank, headquartered in Conway, South Carolina, was again ranked in the “Top 200 Community Banks” by American Banker. The full list of recognized banks is featured in the May issue of American Banker magazine, as well as featured on its website.

American Banker is a leading banking financial magazine and an essential research resource for banks and financial institutions, keeping users updated and informed on vital developments in the industry and providing the latest research and data.

Founded in 1903, Conway National Bank is a locally-owned and managed community bank, serving Horry County and the Waccamaw Neck area of Georgetown County. CNB offers the latest technology for convenient online and mobile banking, as well as 15 local offices for personalized, in person service. CNB is dedicated to providing its customers and all the communities it serves with friendly, secure, and dependable banking.

CONWAY NATIONAL BANK WINS FIRST PLACE IN FORBES BEST-IN-STATE BANK AWARDS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA

Conway, SC, September 25th, 2019 – For the second year in a row, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to gauge customers’ overall grade on their banks. A brief survey was administered and Forbes awarded up to five banks per state. Conway National Bank, a community bank headquartered in Conway, South Carolina, was awarded first place for Best-in-State Bank Award for the state of South Carolina.

Forbes is a leading American business magazine that focuses on publishing articles related to finance, investing, marketing, and the overall business industry. In a time when online banks are going head to head with the accessibility and customer service of local banks, Forbes sought to measure overall satisfaction rates from actual customers.

Forbes teamed up with a top market and opinion research institute, Statista, to find the top banks in each state. An independent survey was given to a vast sample of over 25,000 United States citizens and spread among all states. Only community and regional banks were included. Large nationwide banks with branches in more than 15 states were excluded in the survey.

Participants in the survey had to have a checking account at the bank they were rating and the banks were rated on overall recommendations and satisfaction along with five subdimensions. The five subdimensions included Trust, Terms & Conditions, Branch Services, Digital Services, and Financial Advice. Total score was calculated as 30% score recommendation + 30% score general satisfaction + 40% score subdimensions.

Only three banks in South Carolina were awarded the prestigious Forbes Best-in-State Bank Awards. Conway National Bank was among those top three banks and won first place for Best-in-State Bank.

Founded in 1903, Conway National Bank is a locally-owned and managed financial institution that has been serving Horry County for over 100 years. CNB offers the latest technology for convenient online and mobile banking, as well as 15 local offices for personalized, in person service. CNB is a community bank that is dedicated to providing its customers with friendly, secure and dependable banking.

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS AND FRIENDS:

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the U. S. economy continued to be impacted by inflation, a higher interest rate environment, and a strong labor market and has thus far avoided an economic downturn. The Federal Reserve has held rates steady since its meeting on July 26, 2023, and, although opinions vary, today’s general market consensus is that rates could remain at the current level longer than originally forecasted.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in its advance estimate, indicated the U.S. national real gross domestic product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased at an annualized rate of 3.3%, following third quarter 2023 real GDP growth of 4.9%. The increase in real GDP in the fourth quarter reflected increased consumer spending, exports, state and local government spending, nonresidential fixed investment, federal government spending, private inventory investment, and residential fixed investment while imports increased. For the year 2023, the BEA’s advance estimate indicated that real GDP increased 2.5% in comparison to the 2022 annual increase of 1.9%. Locally, total real estate transactions were down 15.8% for 2023, at 18,687, as compared to 22,204 transactions during 2022.

The Company’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $17,375,000, an increase of 7.1% from $16,221,000 for the same period in 2022, for a return on average assets of .96% and a return on average equity of 12.50% as compared to .90% and 12.75%, respectively, for 2022. On a per share basis, earnings increased 7.3% to $11.03 for 2023, as compared to $10.28 for 2022.

Total assets stood at $1,807.0 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of .3% from $1,811.8 million at December 31, 2022; and capital increased to $150.8 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $123.7 million at December 31, 2022, up 21.9%. Total deposits were $1,515.0 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of 1.2% from $1,533.6 million at December 31, 2022. Loans totaled $731.8 million at December 31, 2023, an increase of 12.7% from $649.1 million at December 31, 2022. Investment securities were $917.7 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of 11.1% from $1,032.0 million at December 31, 2022.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $17,375,000 is primarily the result of the Bank’s net interest income. Net interest income increased 1.8% to $41,410,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $40,686,000 for the same period in 2022. Other factors affecting earnings during the period include the provision for credit losses, noninterest expense, noninterest income, and income taxes. The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1,442,000, up 292.9% from $367,000 for the same period in 2022. The allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of net loans, stood at 1.14% at December 31, 2023 and measured 1.25% at December 31, 2022. Noninterest expense increased 6.3% for the period ended December 31, 2023 to $30,692,000 as compared to $28,861,000 for the same period in 2022, consisting of increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy costs, credit and debit card expenses, FDIC insurance premiums, and other operating expenses. Noninterest income increased 33.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $12,963,000 from $9,706,000 for the same period in 2022, primarily attributable to a substantial gain on sale of other assets, partially offset by decreased credit and debit card income and other operating income. Income taxes decreased 1.6% to $4,864,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $4,943,000 for the same period in 2022.

During the fourth quarter, the Bank implemented the use of near field “wave” technology for both debit and credit cards. Also, during the fourth quarter, the Bank’s newly updated ATM network implemented the near field “wave” card technology.

Conway National continues to prosper and maintains a substantial financial position, and earnings have been strong in recent years. Management expects that the immediate future periods will continue to be challenging due to the persistent competition for deposits, inflation, as well as other economic and international concerns. However, management believes that with the Bank’s financial position, current systems, and exceptional staff, the Company is well prepared to meet the needs of our growing communities and the challenges which lie ahead.

W. Jennings Duncan, President
CNB Corporation and The Conway National Bank

CONWAY NATIONAL BANK PROVIDES OUTLET FOR PROPER AMERICAN FLAG RETIREMENT

Conway, SC – As a tribute to our wonderful nation, Conway National Bank is proud to serve as a drop-off location for those individuals wishing to retire their American flag. When the flag becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new one, and the old one should be retired with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation’s flag.

The U.S. Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

CNB delivers these flags to local patriotic organizations that will ensure proper retirement is carried out.

While the ceremony for flag retirement varies by organization, these emotional ceremonies, also known as “final honors”, are performed with precision and care.

“It is both an honor and privilege to have a hand in something as sacred to our country as retiring the American flag,” says Jennings Duncan, President and CEO of CNB. “We have offered the service of being a drop-off location for years, and it is something we will continue to offer for years to come.”

Flags can be dropped off at any of CNB’s fifteen (15) locations, Monday-Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm, and Friday, 9 am – 6 pm. For physical addresses for each of CNB’s locations, please visit our locations page.

e-STATEMENTS AVAILABLE

CNB e-Statements are online bank statements that look exactly like your mailed paper statements. They are a safe, convenient way to view, print, or download your account statements from our Online Banking website. We can alert you when your statements are ready and it’s FREE. To find out how you can sign up for this service, visit one of our 15 offices today.

CNB EDUCATES CHILDREN ON THE VALUE OF SAVING

Our current economic times serve as a great reminder of how important it is to teach our young children the value of saving. Conway National Bank is proud, once again, to partner with the American Bankers Association by participating in their annual Teach Children To Save Day. This event brings students and bankers together to increase savings education. Since it was started by the ABA Education Foundation in 1997, more than 60,000 bankers have reached some 2.8 million young people.

CNB has participated in this event several years and has had the privilege of reaching thousands of second graders throughout their service area in Horry County and the Waccamaw Neck area of Georgetown County. While the national program focuses on children of all ages, CNB felt if you could teach them early enough, it would become a lifelong lesson. “CNB firmly believes that teaching children about money and savings is a crucial part of providing our youth with a superior education,” says Jennings Duncan, President and CEO of CNB. “Children are typically fascinated by money and enjoy spending. That’s why CNB has joined the nationwide effort to help educate children on these issues.”

While this year’s Teach Children to Save Day was April 21, CNB will implement its program May-June to accommodate the school system’s academic calendar and statewide testing. Spreading it over two months rather than just one day also allows the Bank to reach a lot more children. The 45-minute program is conducted by several bank representatives and includes games and activities allowing students to apply the concepts of saving money. At the end of the program, each student receives a CNB piggy bank and a $5.00 savings certificate, which they can deposit in their previously opened or new CNB savings account. “These children are our future. Everything we do for them today helps secure a better tomorrow,” says Duncan. “We are pleased to offer this program, and are encouraged by the enormous support we receive from our community educators. Without their support, none of this would be possible.”

Plans are already underway for this year’s program, and schedules are being set with the schools. If you have not participated in the past, but would like a visit from CNB, call Marcie Shannon, Banking Service Representative, at 843-488-8310.

In addition to the Teach Children to Save program, CNB works with high school students in the Fall with a Get Smart About Credit program.