The events of recent weeks have caused angst among all Americans about the stability of the U.S. economy and its financial system. All news sources, whether they be electronic or print, speak of the widespread concern about the housing market, home foreclosures, stock market lows, reduced investment portfolio values, and the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. It has gotten so bad that the generic term “bank,” in some circles, has become a four-letter word.

As a community bank, Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co. (FPNB) is worlds apart from Wall Street. Community banks are not what caused today’s problems, even though the media would have you believe every bank is in trouble or about to collapse.

My purpose in writing is to assure you that is not the case with FPNB. We have been in business for 65 years and continue to operate with the same basic principles we’ve had since our inception in 1943. FPNB is a “well capitalized bank” and is well positioned to handle economic downturns. We have never dealt in sub-prime mortgages, we did not invest in, or own, any Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac stock, and we remain conservative in our approach to investing and our overall operating philosophy. In addition to our own soundness we provide FDIC insurance to the full extent allowable for all accounts.

FPNB is, and will remain, an independent, family owned, community bank. My family will continue to own and operate it for many years to come. We take our fiduciary responsibility to protect your deposits and savings seriously. You can rest assured that your investments are safe and will remain that way while we all wait for the current “financial crisis” to run its course.

If you ever wish to speak to me directly, please feel free to call me at 708-771-3700 or simply stop by my office.

Very truly yours,
Jerome R. Vainisi
President and Chief Executive Officer