Greer Bancshares Inc (GRBS)

Greer Bancshares Inc was formed in July 2001 as a one-bank holding company for Greer State Bank. The Company holds its investment in its banking subsidiary. The Company offers banking services through its subsidiary, including checking, savings, brokered deposits and other time deposits of various types, loans for business, real estate, personal use, home improvements, automobiles and a number of other types of loans and services. In addition, drive-up, safe deposit and night depository facilities are offered. The Bank solicits deposit accounts from individuals, businesses, associations and organizations and governmental authorities. The Bank's deposits consist of retail checking accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, retail savings accounts and certificates of deposit. These deposits, along with short-term borrowings, long-term borrowings, and brokered deposits, are used to support its asset base. The Bank makes and services both secured and unsecured loans to individuals and businesses in its market area. The Bank strives for a balanced mix of consumer lending, commercial lending to small and medium-sized businesses and mortgage lending, both consumer and commercial. The Bank's portfolio consists of commercial, commercial real estate, real estate construction, residential mortgage, consumer installment loans and other consumer loans, as well as a small amount of lease financings and obligations of state and political subdivisions. Other banking services provided include travelers' checks, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks, as well as automatic drafts for various accounts. It also offers, functional and user friendly internet online banking and cash management services. The Company competes with several major banks which dominate the commercial banking industry in its service areas. In addition, it also competes with other community banks, savings institutions and credit unions. Both the Company and the Bank are subject to state and federal banking laws and regulations, which impose specific requirements or restrictions on and provide for general regulatory oversight of virtually all aspects of operations.