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A Letter from the Chairman August 20, 2009
Dear Fellow Shareholder,
American River Bankshares has built a foundation on financial stability, a conservative approach to banking and dedication to shareholder value. The consistent application of these principles has earned us an excellent reputation with clients and investors both within the local community and nationally.
While our Company is facing unprecedented headwinds as the country struggles through the most severe economic downturn in 80 years, we are faring better than many companies in our industry. Nevertheless, these economic challenges are having a substantial impact on our market and our clients.
Presently we feel that preserving capital is the best defense our Company has in weathering the current economic storm. For the first half of 2009, our dividend payout exceeded net income, and as a result, the Board of Directors has made the difficult but prudent decision to suspend the cash dividend in order to continue to build on our Company’s successful foundation.
The suspension is temporary and we will return to paying a cash dividend, as soon as in the Board’s and Management’s assessment, it is prudent to do so.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive Management Team of American River Bankshares, we would like to thank you for the faith you have placed in our Company with your investment.
Sincerely,
Charles D. Fite
Chairman of the Board
American River Bankshares
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