Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp Inc. of Camp Hill plans to more than double its branch network, to 55, and boost its deposits to over $4 billion by 2010.

For a start-up in a slow-growth market, Signature Bank in Toledo has set some lofty goals.

If Community Credit Union in Plano, Tex., expects to convert to a mutual savings bank, it will apparently have to hold a second member vote - or take the National Credit Union Administration to court.

PremierWest Bancorp of Medford, Ore., announced second-quarter earnings of $3.2 million, 54% more than a year earlier.

Banking trade groups have thrown their full support behind the Central American Free Trade Agreement, saying it would help banks by opening up new markets for U.S. farmers and manufacturers and creating tens of thousands of jobs.

Just days after several banking analysts tabbed it as a takeover candidate, Sterling Bancshares Inc. of Houston announced a deal — but as a buyer, not a seller.

Mercantile Bank Corp. in Grand Rapids, Mich., reported sharply higher income, loans, and deposits.

Bank of Montreal has declared its intention to build its U.S. retail banking operations through midsize acquisitions, but the deal it and its Chicago subsidiary announced Thursday shows that smaller targets will not be ignored.

First Arkansas Bank and Trust does not want Bank of the Ozarks in its backyard - and is suing to keep it out.

The free antiques appraisals that South Shore Co-Operative Bank offered one night last week in Quincy, Mass., were a smashing success, drawing hundreds of people and even winning some new customers.

Banking trade groups have thrown their full support behind the Central American Free Trade Agreement, saying it would help banks by opening up new markets for U.S. farmers and manufacturers and creating tens of thousands of jobs.

First Commonwealth Financial Corp. of Indiana, Pa., said the president and chief executive officer of its First Commonwealth Bank had submitted his resignation.

Like small U.S. banks, Japanese community banks face intense competition from large banks that often use their size to their advantage.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has given Wachovia Corp. an "outstanding" Community Reinvestment Act rating.

With Zions Bancorp. having won an apparent bidding war for Houston's Amegy Bancorp, analysts say the merger-and-acquisition spotlight will shift to Texas' remaining independent banks, especially Sterling Bancshares Inc.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC

Farmers Capital Bank Corp. of Frankfort, Ky., is buying Citizens Bancorp of Newport for $38 million in cash and stock.

Cherokee Banking Co. in Canton, Ga., announced Tuesday that it is going private to reduce its legal, accounting, and regulatory costs.