ASO Airshares EU Carbon

AmSouth Bank (NYSE: ASO) is on the move again in Mississippi investing more than $2.5 million for a new branch in Oxford, scheduled for grand opening May 6. The new branch will be located at 1501 West Jackson Avenue and will bring AmSouth's Mississippi branch count to 64. AmSouth also plans to open two new branches on the Mississippi Coast and two additional metro Jackson locations later this year. "The Oxford area is an important market for AmSouth," said Roger Weldon, AmSouth's North Mississippi executive. "This new location will be convenient for our customers, particularly families, who bank with us in Mississippi and Tennessee, who have students at The University of Mississippi." Ronnie Smith, AmSouth's Mississippi area executive, said Oxford's status as a rapidly growing retirement community also represents a significant opportunity for the bank. "The 55 to 64 age group is expected to jump 20% from 2004 - 2009," said Smith. "This will allow us to reach out to existing residents and those new to the community, who may be looking for a better banking relationship." The new branch is a full-service office with specialists in mortgage lending, wealth management, consumer, and small business and commercial banking. AmSouth has tapped Brad Gentry to manage the new Oxford location. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day banking activities in the market as well as business development. He is a former executive with the Boy Scouts of America and a Leadership Lafayette graduate, who is currently completing his MBA at Ole Miss. From an economic standpoint, based on a formula used by many development authorities, AmSouth's average investment of $2.5 million for each new branch has an estimated trickle down impact on local economies of $1.8 million in personal income over the construction period, and the annual operating impact of individual branches (salaries and benefits) creates an estimated additional $500,000 in wages for other area businesses. About AmSouth AmSouth is a regional bank holding company with $53 billion in assets, more than 680 branch banking offices and more than 1,200 ATMs. AmSouth operates in Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. AmSouth is a leader among regional banks in the Southeast in several key business segments, including consumer and commercial banking, small business banking, mortgage lending, equipment leasing, and trust and investment management services. AmSouth also offers a complete line of banking products and services at its web site, www.amsouth.com.