Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's first quarter earnings were 34millionor0.60 per diluted share, compared to 37millionor0.66 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2021 [12] - Total loans increased by 293millionfromQ4of2021,withstrongproductionof863 million in new loans [19][60] - Net interest income declined by 1.8millionquarter−over−quarterprimarilyduetotwofewerdaysofinterestincomerecognition[22]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChanges−Thebankingdivisionexperiencedsolidloangrowth,with11700,000 for the quarter, reflecting ongoing expense discipline [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in growth markets with strong migration and business development activities, contributing to optimism about future growth [9] - The pipeline for loans increased to 290million,upfrom284 million in the prior quarter, indicating healthy deal flow [59] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to eliminate consumer non-sufficient fund fees and certain other consumer deposit-related fees, effective January 1, 2023, which totaled 1.3millioninthefirstquarterof2022[16]−Thecompanyremainsopportunisticinexploringadditionalbusinesslinesandasset−basedlendingopportunities[72]Management′sCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlook−Managementexpressedoptimismabouttheabilitytogrowdespiteeconomicheadwinds,emphasizingtheimportanceofmaintainingastrongbalancesheet[10]−Thecompanyanticipatestotalnon−interestexpenseforthefullyearof2022tobelessthanin2021,despitesomelinkedquarterincreasesexpectedinQ2[15]OtherImportantInformation−Thecompanyrecordedacreditprovisionof1.5 million and net charge-offs of 851,000, with credit quality metrics remaining stable [20][21] - The efficiency ratio for Q1 was impacted by the return to normal in the mortgage division, with mortgage efficiency increasing significantly [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about expenses and future trajectory - Management indicated that total expenses are expected to increase by 2 million to $3 million on a quarterly basis, with a focus on maintaining efficiency [36] Question: Update on efficiency ratio targets - Management reiterated a short-term target of achieving a 60% efficiency ratio, dependent on interest rates and loan growth [37] Question: Outlook on mortgage expenses and revenue - Management believes that current mortgage expenses are reflective of the run rate, but further efficiency improvements may be possible [44] Question: Expectations for loan growth sustainability - Management expressed optimism about loan growth sustainability, with a strong pipeline and moderated payoffs contributing positively [67] Question: Discussion on deposit growth and mix changes - Management is hopeful for continued deposit growth, anticipating shifts in deposit mix as interest rates rise [80] Question: Branch rationalization efforts - Management confirmed ongoing branch rationalization efforts as part of their strategy to lower expenses and improve profitability [84]