Americas

Maryland is trying to make a bigger name for itself with lenders pinching every penny they can, by promoting its lower taxes and better protection for directors.

Susquehanna Bancshares Inc. in Lititz, Pa., has brought in a new chief operating officer. The $14 billion-asset company said in a Dec. 30 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had hired Gregory Duncan to succeed Eddie L. Dunklebarger on Jan. 28.

Central Virginia Bankshares Inc. in Powhatan said Monday that it promoted Herbert Marth Jr. to president and chief executive.

Tower Bancorp Inc. of Harrisburg, Pa., is discontinuing the operations of a mortgage division that belonged to First Chester County Corp., a bank it bought last month.

At least three banking companies marked the end of the year by closing deals.

Centrue Financial Corp. is at risk of delisting on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Nasdaq notified the St. Louis company Dec. 28 that it was not in compliance with a rule requiring it to maintain a minimum market value of $5 million.

First California Financial Group Inc. in Westlake Village has agreed to buy an electronic banking solutions group from Palm Desert National Bank.

Rockville Financial Inc. in Connecticut said Monday that it has hired a former banker at Wells Fargo & Co. to be its next president and chief executive.

Integra Bank Corp. in Evansville, Ind., has started trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market because of its long-depressed share price.

Florida Shores Bank in Venice said Monday that it had raised $8 million of capital after spending six months courting investors.