FDIC Federal Register Citations

EDENS BANK

August 25, 2004

FDIC Board of Directors
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
550 17th Street NW
Washington, DC

Re: "Small Bank" CRA Threshold

Gentlemen:

This is in response to the press release of August 16th, 2004 titled FDIC Seeks Additional Comments on "Small-Bank" CRA Threshold.

It is the firm belief of this Bank that the proposal outlined in the press release would provide the "Small-Bank" with a far greater opportunity to better serve community development based on the needs of the community or communities it serves.

The proposal would also lessen the regulatory burden that often forces us to concentrate our efforts in areas that may not be the most advantageous to the community. As we look at the various communities we serve, we find diverse needs. By opening us up to greater opportunities and less regulatory requirements, you will only enhance our ability to be of greater service in these communities and provide us with the advantage of being able to have a more focused approach to our community development efforts. Additionally, the revision of the rule will also allow us to reevaluate this focus as needs change.

Thank you this opportunity to express our comments on the proposed rule.

Sincerely,
William D. McGuire
President