U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-QSB

[X] Quarterly report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

[   ] Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
  For the transition period from ___________ to _____________

Commission file number 000-26061

NEW COMMERCE BANCORP
(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in its Charter)

               South Carolina                                   58-2403844               
(State of Incorporation)     (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

501 New Commerce Court, Greenville, South Carolina 29607
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(864) 297-6333
(Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

           Check whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X   No    

          State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: 1,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of August 5, 2004.

          Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes      No  X  


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

NEW COMMERCE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

June 30, December 31,
2004
2003
 
Assets:            
Cash and due from banks   $ 2,057,409   $ 2,605,113  
Federal funds sold    5,973,037    5,613,657  
Investment securities, available for sale    16,565,705    13,180,671  
Investment securities, held to maturity    -    959,035  
Federal Reserve Bank stock    220,650    220,650  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock    362,500    212,500  
Loans, net    62,793,840    57,318,166  
Property and equipment, net    4,170,701    4,200,681  
Accrued interest receivable    323,035    301,723  
Other assets    597,468    431,932  


        Total assets   $ 93,064,345   $ 85,044,128  


Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:            
Liabilities:  
     Deposits   $ 76,147,481   $ 71,875,955  
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank    7,250,000    3,750,000  
     Drafts outstanding    814,756    439,704  
     Other liabilities    336,130    309,102  


        Total liabilities    84,548,367    76,374,761  


Shareholders Equity:  
     Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares            
        authorized, no shares issued    -    -  
     Common stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares  
        authorized, 1,000,000 issued and outstanding    10,000    10,000  
     Additional paid-in capital    9,741,658    9,741,658  
     Retained deficit    (1,034,528 )  (1,117,638 )
     Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income    (201,152 )  35,347  


        Total shareholders' equity    8,515,978    8,669,367  


        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 93,064,345   $ 85,044,128  


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are an integral part of these statements.



2


NEW COMMERCE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2004
2003
2004
2003
Interest Income:                    
     Interest and fees on loans   $ 813,964   $ 622,849   $ 1,576,131   $ 1,186,577  
     Investment securities    183,115    154,201    357,010    355,692  
     Federal funds sold    7,978    5,038    12,923    8,462  




        Total interest income    1,005,057    782,088    1,946,064    1,550,731  




Interest Expense:  
     Deposits    255,040    226,336    494,994    435,471  
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank    41,611    33,596    71,868    67,921  
     Federal funds purchased    42    3,142    519    4,731  




        Total interest expense    296,693    263,074    567,381    508,123  




Net Interest Income    708,364    519,014    1,378,683    1,042,608  
   
Provision for Loan Losses    26,391    68,934    89,204    113,159  




Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses    681,973    450,080    1,289,479    929,449  




Non-Interest Income:  
     Service fees on deposit accounts    73,027    67,640    144,490    105,415  
     Mortgage brokerage income    48,473    57,763    75,863    95,603  
     Gain on sale of investment securities    16,400    65,512    16,400    77,226  
     Other    18,904    15,410    42,510    28,966  




        Total non-interest income    156,804    206,325    279,263    307,210  




Total Income    838,777    656,405    1,568,742    1,236,659  




Non-Interest Expense:                      
     Salaries and benefits    414,889    340,708    805,271    657,088  
     Occupancy, furniture and equipment    97,676    95,136    200,251    191,309  
     Data processing    60,215    50,649    115,538    99,888  
     Marketing    32,741    23,122    41,819    40,260  
     Printing, supplies and postage    24,021    33,046    60,517    51,610  
     Other    114,921    94,013    213,406    166,620  




        Total non-interest expense    744,463    636,674    1,436,802    1,206,775  




Income Before Income Taxes    94,314    19,731    131,940    29,884  
   
Income Tax Provision    34,880    7,450    48,830    11,250  




Net Income   $ 59,434   $ 12,281   $ 83,110   $ 18,634  




Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share   $ .06   $ 0.01   $ 0.08   $ 0.02  




Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic    1,000,000    1,000,000    1,000,000    1,000,000  




Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted    1,038,522    1,018,332    1,041,928    1,018,148  




See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are an integral part of these statements.



3


NEW COMMERCE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003
(UNAUDITED)

Accumulated Total
Additional Other Share-
Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive holders'
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Income (Loss) Equity
 Balance, December 31, 2002      1,000,000   $ 10,000   $ 9,741,658   $ (1,203,432 ) $ 290,879   $ 8,839,105  


 Net income    -    -    -    18,634    -    18,634  
 Other comprehensive loss, net of                           
   tax:                           
   Unrealized holding gain on  
     securities available for sale  
     net of tax effect of $1,044    -    -    -    -    1,775    -  
   Reclassification of net gain on                           
     securities available for sale                           
     included in net income, net of                           
     tax effect of $28,574    -    -    -    -    (48,652 )  -  

       Other comprehensive loss    -    -    -    -    (46,877 )  (46,877 )


 Comprehensive loss    -    -    -    -    -    (28,243 )






 Balance, June 30, 2003    1,000,000   $ 10,000   $ 9,741,658   $ (1,184,798 ) $ 244,002   $ 8,810,862  






Balance, December 31, 2003    1,000,000   $ 10,000   $ 9,741,658   $ (1,117,638 ) $ 35,347   $ 8,669,367  


Net income    -    -    -    83,110    -    83,110  
Other comprehensive loss, net of                           
  tax:                           
  Unrealized holding loss on  
    securities available for sale,  
    net of tax effect of $(133,346)    -    -    -    -    (227,049 )  -  
  Unrealized holding loss on                           
    security held to maturity                           
    transferred to securities                           
    available for sale, net of tax                           
    effect of $(5,550)    -    -    -    -    (9,450 )  -  

      Other comprehensive loss    -    -    -    -    (236,499 )  (236,499 )


Comprehensive loss    -    -    -    -    -    (153,389 )






Balance, June 30, 2004    1,000,000   $ 10,000   $ 9,741,658   $ (1,034,528 ) $ (201,152 ) $ 8,515,978  






See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are an integral part of these statements



4


NEW COMMERCE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

Six Months Ended
June 30,
2004
2003
Operating Activities:            
    Net income   $ 83,110   $ 18,634  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating            
       activities:            
      Provision for loan losses    89,204    113,159  
      Depreciation and amortization    112,899    95,672  
      Gain on sale of investment securities    (16,400 )  (77,226 )
      Increase in accrued interest receivable    (21,312 )  (6,163 )
      Decrease (increase) in other assets    55,360    (187,353 )
      Decrease (increase) in other liabilities    27,028    (16,755 )


        Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities    329,889    (60,032 )


Investing Activities:            
    Increase in loans, net    (5,646,878 )  (9,815,314 )
    Purchase of investment securities available for sale    (4,945,466 )  (4,859,221 )
    (Purchase) redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock    (150,000 )  46,200  
    Principal payments received on investment securities:            
      Available for sale    873,765    2,193,792  
      Held to maturity    79,482    149,499  
    Proceeds from sale or call of investment securities available for sale    800,000    4,800,895  
    Proceeds from sale of investment securities held to maturity    399,209    -  
    Purchase of property and equipment    (74,903 )  (66,696 )


        Net cash used for investing activities    (8,664,791 )  (7,550,845 )


Financing Activities:  
    Increase in deposits, net    4,271,526    7,910,972  
    Net increase (decrease) in advances from Federal Home Loan Bank    3,500,000    (650,000 )
    Decrease (increase) in drafts outstanding    375,052    (733,136 )


        Net cash provided by financing activities    8,146,578    6,527,836  


Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents    (188,324 )  (1,083,041 )
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period    8,218,770    6,359,586  


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period   $ 8,030,446   $ 5,276,545  


Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:  
    Cash Paid For:            
      Interest   $ 541,893   $ 471,652  


      Income taxes   $ 3,000   $ 2,675  


    Transfer from loans to other real estate owned (other assets)   $ 82,000    -  


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are an integral part of these statements.



5


NEW COMMERCE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

Note 1 – Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization
New Commerce BanCorp (the “Holding Company”) is incorporated under the laws of the State of South Carolina for the purpose of operating as a bank holding company for New Commerce Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank provides full commercial banking services to customers and is subject to regulation of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Holding Company is subject to the regulation of the Federal Reserve Board.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2004. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Form 10-KSB for the period ended December 31, 2003 (Commission File Number 000-26061) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note 2 – Earnings per Share

The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) computations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. Diluted common shares arise from the potentially dilutive effect of the stock options and warrants outstanding.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2004
2003
2004
2003
Basic EPS:                    
Net income   $ 59,434   $ 12,281   $ 83,110   $ 18,634  
Average common shares outstanding    1,000,000    1,000,000    1,000,000    1,000,000  




Basic earnings per share   $ 0.06   $ 0.01   $ 0.08   $ 0.02  




Diluted EPS:                  
Net income   $ 59,434   $ 12,281   $ 83,110   $ 18,634  




Average common shares outstanding    1,000,000    1,000,000    1,000,000    1,000,000  
Dilutive effect of stock options and warrants    38,522    18,332    41,928    18,148  




Average dilutive shares outstanding    1,038,522    1,018,332    1,041,928    1,018,148  




Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.06   $ 0.01   $ 0.08   $ 0.02  






6


Note 3 – Stock Options and Warrants

We have two stock-based employee compensation plans and we account for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all stock options and warrants granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to stock-based employee compensation.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
  2004
2003
2004
2003
Net income as reported     $ 59,434   $ 12,281   $ 83,110   $ 18,634  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee  
   compensation expense determined under  
   fair value based method for all awards,  
   net of related income tax effect    9,656    8,378    19,137    16,912  




Pro forma net income (loss)   $ 49,778   $ 3,903   $ 63,973   $ 1,722  




Earnings (loss) per share:  
  Basic and diluted - as reported   $ 0.06   $ 0.01   $ 0.08   $ 0.02  




  Basic and diluted - pro forma   $ 0.05   $ 0.00   $ 0.06   $ 0.00  




At the annual meeting of shareholders held on April 28, 2004, our shareholders approved an amendment to our stock option plan which increased the shares allowed to be issued under the plan from 150,000 shares to 250,000 shares.

The following is an analysis of stock option activity under our stock option plan for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

2004
2003
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Exercise Exercise
Shares
Price
Shares
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of period      134,500   $ 8.27    128,000   $ 8.22  
Granted    12,500    10.24    13,500    9.35  
Forfeitures    -    -    (4,500 )  10.00  


Outstanding at end of period    147,000    8.44    137,000    8.27  


Options exercisable    68,500    8.64    42,600    8.85  


Shares available for grant    103,000        13,000      


Upon completion of the 1999 stock offering, each of our organizers received warrants to purchase 7,500 shares of common stock or a total of 90,000 shares at $10.00 per share. The warrants vested immediately and are exercisable through January 12, 2009.



7


Note 4 – Transfer of Held to Maturity Securities

The Holding Company sold all of its held-to-maturity securities in June 2004 in order to make a capital contribution to the Bank in the form of cash. As a result of the sale of these securities, we reassessed our intention to hold the only other investment security classified as held-to-maturity. Accordingly, that security was transferred to available-for-sale securities and the unrealized holding loss (net of applicable income taxes) on the date of transfer was reported in other comprehensive income. The security had a cost basis of $500,000 and a market value of $485,000 at the date of transfer.

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation

This discussion and analysis is intended to assist the reader in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of New Commerce BanCorp and subsidiary. This commentary should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and other statistical information included in this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements” relating to, without limitation, future economic performance, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and projections of revenues and other financial items that are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “may,” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, and our operating performance is subject to various risks and uncertainties that are discussed in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation:

o significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries;

o changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce anticipated or actual margins;

o changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment;

o the level of allowance for loan losses;

o the rate of delinquencies and amounts of charge-offs;

o the rates of loan growth;

o adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit risk-related losses and expenses;

o general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally and especially in primary service area, becoming less favorable than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;

o changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

o changes in technology;

o changes in monetary and tax policies;

o loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities;

o changes in the securities markets; and

o other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



8


Significant Accounting Policies

We have adopted various accounting policies which govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States in the preparation of our financial statements. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by management. These judgments have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Management’s judgments and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of these judgments, actual results could differ and could have a material impact on the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the results of operations. We believe that the allowance for loan losses methodology represents a significant accounting policy, which requires the most critical judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Refer to the “Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 – Provision for Loan Losses,” “Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 – Provision for Loan Losses,” and “Balance Sheet Review at June 30, 2004 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses” discussions below.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

Consolidated net income for our second quarter, which ended June 30, 2004, was $59,434, or $0.06 per diluted share, compared to net income of $12,281, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2003. The following is a discussion of the more significant components of our net income.

Net Interest Income
The largest component of total income is net interest income, the difference between the income earned on assets and the interest expense on deposits and borrowings used to support such assets. The volume and mix of assets and liabilities and their sensitivity to interest rate movement determine changes in net interest income. Net interest margin is determined by dividing annualized net interest income by average earning assets. Net interest income for the second quarter of 2004 was $708,364, compared to $519,014 for the same period last year, an increase of 36%. This increase was the result of the effects of increased balances of earning assets and lower interest rates on our interest-bearing liabilities, offset partially by the effects of increased balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower interest rates on earning assets.

For the second quarter of 2004, average earning assets totaled $80.6 million with an annualized average yield of 4.99%. Average earning assets and annualized average yield were $59.9 million and 5.22%, respectively, for the same period last year. For the second quarter of 2004, average interest-bearing liabilities totaled $78.5 million with an annualized average cost of 1.51%. Average interest-bearing liabilities and annualized average cost were $57.2 million and 1.84%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

Because loans typically provide a higher yield than other types of earning assets, one of our goals is to maintain our loan portfolio as the largest component of total earning assets. Loans comprised approximately 76% of average earning assets for both the second quarter of 2004 and 2003. Loan interest income for the second quarter of 2004 totaled $813,964, compared to $622,849 for the same period in 2003. The annualized average yield on loans was 5.30% for the second quarter of 2004, compared to 5.47% for the same period in 2003. The decrease in yield in 2004 as compared to 2003 is primarily the result of the impact of a decrease in prime rate in 2003 on our variable rate loan portfolio. Turnover in our fixed rate portfolio also has contributed to the decrease in yield, as the yield on fixed rate loans now reflects the decreases in interest rates in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Average balances of loans increased to $61.4 million during the second quarter of 2004, an increase of $15.8 million over the average of $45.6 million during the comparable quarter in 2003. The increase in average balances offset the impact of the decrease in yield on interest income.



9


Interest earned on investment securities increased by $28,914 to $183,115 in the second quarter of 2004 as compared to $154,201 earned in the same period of 2003. The increase resulted from an increase in the balances of investment securities held on average during the second quarter of 2004 offset partially by a decrease in their yield. Average balances of investments increased to $15.9 million during the second quarter of 2004, an increase of $3.2 million over the average of $12.7 million during the comparable quarter in 2003. Investment securities yielded 4.59% during the second quarter of 2004, compared to 4.87% during the same period last year. This difference resulted from the effect of sales of securities held in the portfolio during 2003 that had a higher yield than the average yield on the balance of the portfolio. In some cases, new securities with lower yields were purchased with proceeds of the sales. Also, accelerated principal repayments on mortgage-related securities received subsequent to the prior year quarter resulted in the lowering of our yield on investment securities as the proceeds of the repayments were reinvested at lower rates. The accelerated principal repayments on mortgage-related securities were largely the result of the refinancing of the underlying mortgages due to the lower prevailing mortgage interest rates during the period.

Interest expense for the second quarter of 2004 was $296,693 compared to $263,074 for the same period last year. The largest component of interest expense is interest on deposit accounts. Interest on deposit accounts for the second quarter of 2004 was $255,040 at an average cost of 1.39% compared to $226,336 at an average cost of 1.73% during the same period in 2003. The average balance of deposits increased to $73.5 million during the second quarter of 2004 from $52.5 million during the same period last year. The decrease in average rates was due to market interest rates declining throughout 2003, which has impacted the rates we offer to our depositors. Interest on other interest-bearing liabilities for the second quarter of 2004 was $41,653 at an average rate of 3.30% compared to $36,738 at an average rate of 3.10% during the same period in 2003. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased to $5.1 million during the second quarter of 2004 from $4.7 million during the same period last year. The overall cost of funds was 1.51% for the second quarter of 2004, compared to 1.84% for the same period in 2003.

Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is the charge to operating earnings that our management believes is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level. The amount charged to the provision is based on a review of past-due loans and delinquency trends, actual losses, classified and criticized loans, loan portfolio growth, concentrations of credit, economic conditions, historical charge-off activity and internal credit risk ratings. Loan charge-offs and recoveries are charged or credited directly to the allowance. For the second quarter of 2004, the provision for loan losses was $26,391 compared to $68,934 for the same period last year. See “Balance Sheet Review at June 30, 2004 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses.”

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2004 was $156,804, compared to $206,325 for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $49,521. The largest component of this decrease was the decrease in gain on sale of investments due to a lower volume of investment sales in the current year quarter. Gain on sale of investments was $16,400, compared to $65,512 for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $49,112. We sell securities from time to time for various reasons including liquidity needs, changes in credit quality, and market valuation factors. Since the principal purpose of our investment portfolio is liquidity management and not to derive income from trading activity, we consider such gains to be nonrecurring items. Currently, we have no plans to sell additional investment securities. Mortgage brokerage income was $48,473, compared to $57,763 for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $9,290. Mortgage loan originations decreased due to a lower level of consumer refinancing activity in 2004 than we experienced in 2003. Recent refinancing activity has decreased as interest rate levels have risen in recent months to levels higher than last year. Also, in general, interest rates have been at historically low levels for some period of time and many homeowners have already refinanced their mortgages at the lower rates.



10


Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2004 was $744,463, compared to $636,674 for the same period in 2003. The principal component of this increase was in salaries and benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, which increased by $74,181 to $414,889 for the second quarter of 2004 from $340,708 for the same period in 2003. This increase is the result of annual raises and the hiring of additional staff since the prior year quarter, particularly an additional commercial lender and a senior credit officer. We expect salaries and benefits to continue to increase as we continue to grow and add personnel to support the growth. We also intend to offer internet banking services in the fourth quarter of 2004. Initially, we expect the costs associated with this service to increase non-interest expense by $30,000 to $40,000 annually. Upon commencement of online banking, we will unveil a newly designed website at www.newcommercebank.com with new features and enhanced functionality.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

Consolidated net income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $83,110, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to net income of $18,634, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Following is a discussion of the more significant components of our net income.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $1,378,683, compared to $1,042,608 for the same period last year, an increase of 32%. This increase was the result of the effects of increased balances of earning assets and lower interest rates on our interest-bearing liabilities, offset partially by the effects of increased balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower interest rates on earning assets.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, average earning assets totaled $78.7 million with an annualized average yield of 4.94%. Average earning assets and annualized average yield were $57.3 million and 5.41%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2003. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, average interest-bearing liabilities totaled $76.2 million with an annualized average cost of 1.49%. Average interest-bearing liabilities and annualized average cost were $54.6 million and 1.86%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

Loan interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 totaled $1,576,131, compared to $1,186,577 for the same period in 2003. Average balances of loans increased to $60.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of $17.7 million over the average of $42.8 million during the comparable period in 2003. The annualized average yield on loans was 5.21% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 5.54% for the same period in 2003. The increase in average balances offset the impact of the decrease in yield on interest income.

Interest earned on investment securities amounted to $357,010 in 2004 as compared to $355,692 earned in 2003, an increase of $1,318. The increase resulted from an increase in the balances held on average during the six months ended June 30, 2004 offset partially by a decrease in the yield of investment securities. Average balances of investments increased to $15.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of $2.3 million over the average of $13.3 million during the comparable period in 2003. Investment securities yielded 4.59% during the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 5.34% during the same period last year. The same factors previously mentioned in the discussion of the results of the second quarter contributed to the decrease in the yield on investments.

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $567,381, compared to $508,123 for the same period last year. The largest component of interest expense is interest on deposit accounts. Interest on deposit accounts for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $494,994 at an average cost of 1.38% compared to $435,471 at an average cost of 1.76% during the same period in 2003. The average balance of deposits increased to $71.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $49.5 million during the same period last year. The decrease in average rates was due to market interest rates declining throughout 2003, which has impacted the rates we offer to our depositors. Interest on other interest-bearing liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $72,387 at an average rate of 3.22% compared to $72,652 at an average rate of 2.85% during the same period in 2003. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased to $4.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $5.1 million during the same period last year. The overall cost of funds was 1.49% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 1.86% for the same period in 2003.



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Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is the charge to operating earnings that our management believes is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level. The amount charged to the provision is based on a review of past-due loans and delinquency trends, actual losses, classified and criticized loans, loan portfolio growth, concentrations of credit, economic conditions, historical charge-off activity and internal credit risk ratings. Loan charge-offs and recoveries are charged or credited directly to the allowance. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the provision for loan losses was $89,204 compared to $113,159 for the same period last year. See “Balance Sheet Review at June 30, 2004 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses.”

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $279,263, compared to $307,210 for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $27,947. The largest component of this decrease was the decrease in gain on sale of investments due to a lower volume of investment sales in the current year quarter. Gain on sale of investments was $16,400, compared to $77,226 for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $60,826. Mortgage brokerage income was $75,863, compared to $95,603 for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $19,740. See the discussion of the factors leading to the decreases in gain on sale of investments and mortgage brokerage income in the previous discussion of the results of the second quarter. These decreases were offset partially by an increase in service charges on deposit accounts which was $144,490 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $105,415 in 2003, an increase of $39,075. This increase is the result of increased deposit account fees associated with the growth in deposit accounts and fee income attributable to the implementation of an overdraft protection product on our checking accounts late in the second quarter of 2003.

Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $1,436,802, compared to $1,206,775 for the same period in 2003. The principal component of this increase was in salaries and benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, which increased by $148,183 to $805,271 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $657,088 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase is the result of annual raises and the hiring of additional staff since the prior year period, particularly additional commercial lenders and a senior credit officer. We expect salaries and benefits to continue to increase as we continue to grow and add personnel to support the growth.

Balance Sheet Review at June 30, 2004

General
Total consolidated assets increased $8.1 million to $93.1 million at June 30, 2004 from $85.0 million at December 31, 2003. The largest component of this 9% increase in assets was a $5.5 million increase in net loans receivable. Our loans have increased due to our continued focus on establishing new client relationships. Our focus continues to be on asset growth which we believe is the key to increased earnings. We recently added a new commercial lender who specializes in construction and development lending in order to increase loan production in those areas and to serve as a resource for our other commercial lenders. In January, we added a new senior credit officer who, as a part of his credit administration duties, is developing new lending programs that we anticipate will contribute to asset growth and increased noninterest income.

Total deposits were $76.1 million at June 30, 2004, an increase of $4.2 million, or 6%, over the $71.9 million reported at December 31, 2003.

For more analysis of the components of the changes in asset and liabilities, see the following discussion of major balance sheet categories and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

We closely monitor and seek to maintain appropriate levels of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities so that maturities of assets are such that adequate funds are provided to meet customer withdrawals and loan demand.



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Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
Outstanding loans represented the largest component of earning assets as of June 30, 2004 at $62.8 million, or 73% of total earning assets. Gross loans have increased 9.4% since December 31, 2003. The following table summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003.

June 30, December 31,
  2004
2003
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
 
Commercial     $ 11,159,066    17.6 % $ 10,839,018    18.7 %
Real estate - construction    1,714,850    2.7    1,808,757    3.1  
Real estate - mortgage    41,070,737    64.6    37,552,982    64.6  
Consumer    9,621,022    15.1    7,904,374    13.6  




  Total loans    63,565,675    100.0 %  58,105,131    100.0 %


Allowance for loan losses    (703,500 )      (725,527 )    
Deferred loan costs, net    (68,335 )      (61,438 )    


  Net loans   $ 62,793,840       $ 57,318,166      


There are risks inherent in making all loans, including risks with respect to the period of time over which loans may be repaid, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers, and risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of collateral on loans. To address these risks, we have developed policies and procedures to identify and evaluate the overall quality of our credit portfolio and the timely identification of potentially problem loans.

We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged to expense on our statement of income. We charge loan losses and credit recoveries directly to this allowance. We attempt to maintain the allowance at a level that will be adequate to provide for potential losses in our loan portfolio. Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. We consider a number of factors in determining the level of this allowance, including the total amount of outstanding loans, the amount of past due loans, historic loan loss experience, general economic conditions and the assessment of risk elements in our portfolio. The assessment of risk in our portfolio includes the identification and analysis of loss potential in various portfolio segments utilizing a credit risk grading process and specific reviews and evaluations of problem loans. We use a classification system to identify and evaluate loans that are currently problematic and those that we believe have the potential to be in the future (collectively referred to as “classified loans”). Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances.

Our evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant change. Our losses will undoubtedly vary from our estimates, and there is a possibility that charge-offs in future periods will exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time. Further, the allowance for loan losses is subject to periodic evaluation by various regulatory authorities and may be subject to adjustment upon their examination.

Generally, loans are placed on non-accrual status when they become 90 days past due, or when management believes that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of the loan is doubtful. Interest stops accruing when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Payments of interest on these loans are recognized when received. The following is an analysis of non-performing loans at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003.

June 30, December 31,
2004
2003
 
Non-accrual loans:                
  Commercial   $ 37,571   $ 72,100      
  Real estate - mortgage    483,541    464,000      


Total non-accrual loans   $ 521,112   $ 536,100      




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The non-accrual loans identified above are included in the total of our classified loans. Nonaccrual loans at June 30, 2004 consisted of two loans secured by commercial real estate. The total of classified loans at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Below is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended June 30, 2004.

Allowance for loan losses, December 31, 2003     $ 725,527      
Provision    89,204      
Charge-offs:        
  Commercial    (87,245 )    
  Real estate - mortgage    (29,095 )    
Recoveries:  
  Commercial    2,759      
  Real estate - mortgage    2,350      

Allowance for loan losses, June 30, 2004   $ 703,500      

Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding:  
  June 30, 2004    1.11 %    

  December 31, 2003    1.25 %    

Investment Portfolio
Investment securities represented 20% and 19% of earning assets at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. We primarily invest in government agency or government-sponsored agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and credit quality corporate bonds. We also own stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

In June 2004, we sold most of our held–to-maturity securities to obtain cash for a capital contribution to our bank. As a result of the sale of these securities, as required by accounting standards, we reassessed our intention to hold the only other investment security classified as held-to-maturity and transferred that security to the available-for-sale category. The security had a cost basis of $500,000 and a market value of $485,000 at the date of transfer. We reported the unrealized holding loss (net of applicable income taxes) on the date of transfer in other comprehensive income.

During the six months ended June 30, 2004, there was a gross unrealized loss in the amount of approximately $375,000. This unrealized loss in our investment portfolio was the result of rising market interest rates during the period which lowered the market value of our fixed-rate investment securities. While these investment securities are available to be sold, we currently have no intention to sell any.

The following is a table of investment securities by category at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

June 30, December 31,
2004
2003
 
Available for sale:                
  Federal agency obligations   $ 1,446,464   $ 1,289,345      
  Mortgage-backed securities    10,857,617    8,454,852      
  Collateralized mortgage obligations    1,349,462    944,695      
  Corporate bonds    2,912,161    2,491,779      


    Total available for sale   $ 16,565,704   $ 13,180,671      


Held to maturity          
  Federal agency obligations   $ -   $ 199,362      
  Mortgage-backed securities    -    259,673      
  Corporate bonds    -    500,000      


    Total held to maturity   $ -   $ 959,035      




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Deposits
Balances within the major deposit categories as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as follows:

June 30, December 31,
2004
2003
 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits     $ 13,368,553   $ 12,117,998  
Interest bearing checking    3,947,249    4,650,485  
Savings deposits    794,612    931,551  
Money market accounts    12,171,717    13,254,094  
Time deposits less than $100,000    13,676,569    12,640,640  
Time deposits of $100,000 or more    32,188,781    28,281,187  


   $ 76,147,481   $ 71,875,955  


Core deposits, which consist of local demand deposits and time deposits of less than $100,000, provide a relatively stable funding source for our lending and investing activities. Our core deposits totaled $39.6 million, or 52% of total deposits, at June 30, 2004 compared to $39.9 million, or 55% of total deposits, at December 31, 2003. Time deposit balances over $100,000 and deposits obtained from outside the market area are not considered core deposits because their retention can be expected to be heavily influenced by rates offered at renewal. At June 30, 2004, the total of deposits outside of the bank’s primary market totaled $26.4 million. Due to the developed national market for certificates of deposit, we anticipate being able to either renew or replace the deposits obtained outside of the market area when they mature, although we may have to offer higher rates to do so.

Other Borrowings
We maintain federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks to meet short-term liquidity needs. As a member of the FHLB, we have access to borrowings through various FHLB programs. At June 30, 2004, and December 31, 2003 there were no advances outstanding under lines of credit and there were outstanding FHLB advances of $7,250,000 and $3,750,000, respectively.

Interest Rate Sensitivity
Interest rate sensitivity is defined as the exposure to variability in net interest income resulting from changes in market-based interest rates. Asset/liability management is the process by which we monitor and control the mix, maturities, and interest sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. Asset/liability management seeks to ensure adequate liquidity and to maintain an appropriate balance between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to minimize potentially adverse impacts on earnings from changes in market interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available-for-sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity, or adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability. We believe that interest rate risk management becomes increasingly important in an interest rate environment and economy such as the one that we are currently experiencing.

We monitor interest rate sensitivity by measuring our interest sensitivity through a “gap” analysis, which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given time period. However, since interest rates and yields on various interest sensitive assets and liabilities do not all adjust in the same degree when there is a change in prevailing interest rates (such as prime rate), the traditional gap analysis is only a general indicator of rate sensitivity and net interest income volatility. Therefore, we also contract with a third-party to assist in the preparation of a rate sensitivity model which applies rate sensitivity measures to assets and liabilities that will reprice within one year at assumed upward and downward shifts in prime rate. From our latest analysis, we have estimated that net interest income over a one-year timeframe generally would decrease with a decrease in prime rate and increase with an increase in prime rate. The estimates, using a 100 basis point shift in prime rate downward and upward, shows an effect on net interest income of approximately minus $60,000 and plus $10,000, respectively. These numbers are to be taken as general indications only, in that they were derived from a methodology that utilizes numerous assumptions about sensitivities of various assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates. These estimates are used as a guide by management, recognizing that model risk is always present whenever assumptions of the future must be made. Actual results may differ from the estimates, should there be changes in interest rates.



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Liquidity Management
Liquidity management involves monitoring our sources and uses of funds in order to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. Liquidity represents the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management is made more complicated because different balance sheet components are subject to varying degrees of management control. For example, the timing of maturities of the investment portfolio is fairly predictable and subject to a high degree of control at the time investment decisions are made. However, net deposit inflows and outflows are far less predictable and are not subject to nearly the same degree of control. We must maintain adequate liquidity to respond to short-term deposit withdrawals, maturities of short-term borrowings, loan demand and payment of operating expenses.

At June 30, 2004, our liquid assets, consisting of cash and due from banks and federal funds sold, amounted to $8.0 million and represented 9% of total assets. Investment securities totaled $16.6 million and represented 18% of total assets. Our ability to maintain and expand our deposit base and borrowing capabilities also serves as a source of liquidity. Our loan to deposit ratio at June 30, 2004 was 83%. We plan to meet our future cash needs through the liquidation of temporary investments; maturities of loans; sales, maturities, and cash flows from investment securities; generation of deposits; and the utilization of borrowing arrangements with correspondent banks. We maintain federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks in the amount of $9.4 million and lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank. We are also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, from which application for borrowings can be made for leverage purposes. At June 30, 2004, we had approximately $18.6 million in available credit under our FHLB facility, of which $7.3 million had been utilized. Any advances under the FHLB facility must be collateralized with collateral, which at June 30, 2004 consisted of qualifying non-pledged investment securities in the amount of approximately $2.8 million. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits and other funding sources, along with continued growth in our deposit base, will be adequate to meet our operating needs and we are not aware of any events which may result in a significant adverse impact on liquidity.

Through the operations of our bank, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. At June 30, 2004, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $17.3 million through various types of commercial lending arrangements (principally unfunded lines of credit). We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial and residential real estate. We manage the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.

Capital Adequacy
Shareholders’ equity was $8.5 million at June 30, 2004 and $8.7 million at December 31, 2003. The Federal Reserve Board and bank regulatory agencies require bank holding companies and financial institutions to maintain capital at adequate levels based on a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 100%.

The Federal Reserve guidelines also contain an exemption from the capital requirements for bank holding companies with less than $150 million in consolidated assets. Because we have less than $150 million in assets, our holding company is not currently subject to these guidelines. However, the bank falls under these rules as set by bank regulatory agencies.



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Under the capital adequacy guidelines, capital is classified into two tiers. Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, minus certain intangible assets. Tier 2 capital consists of the general reserve for loan losses subject to certain limitations. The qualifying capital base for purposes of the risk-based capital ratio consists of the sum of its Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. The bank is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total average assets, which is known as the Tier 1 leverage ratio. The bank exceeded the minimum capital requirements set by the regulatory agencies at June 30, 2004. Below is a table that reflects the leverage and risk-based regulatory capital ratios of the bank at June 30, 2004.

Required Actual
amount Required amount Actual
(in $000's)
Percent
(in $000's)
Percent
 
Total capital       $  5,766    8.0 %  8,971    12.5 %
Tier 1 capital    2,883    4.0    8,267    11.5  
Tier 1 leverage capital    3,467    4.0    8,267    9.5  

Impact of Inflation

The assets and liabilities of financial institutions such as ours are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, interest rates have a more significant effect on our performance than do the effects of changes in the general rate of inflation and changing prices. In addition, interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. As discussed previously, management seeks to manage the relationships between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide interest rate fluctuations, including those, which may result from inflation.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting standards that have been issued or proposed that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Item 3.  Controls and Procedures

        As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2004. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

        The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.



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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which we or our subsidiary is party to or which any of their property is the subject.

Item 2.  Changes in Securities

Not Applicable.

Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters of Security Holders to a Vote

The annual meeting of shareholders was held on April 28, 2004. At this meeting there were two matters submitted to a vote of security holders: (i) the election of four members of the board of directors as Class II directors for a three-year term and (ii) consideration of a proposal to amend the company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the shares allowed to be issued under the plan from 150,000 shares to 250,000 shares. The following describes the matters voted upon at the annual meeting and sets forth the number of votes cast for or withheld as to each such matter:

Our board of directors is divided into three classes with each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible. The three classes of directors have staggered terms, so that the terms of only approximately one-third of the board members expire at each annual meeting of shareholders. The current Class I directors are Marshall J. Collins, Jr. and Tommy D. Greer. The current Class II directors are Ralph S. Crawley, Bobby L. Johnson, Robert T. Kellett, and Dennis O. Raines. The current Class III directors are Richard W. Bailey, Timothy A. Brett, G. Mitchell Gault, and Frank W. Wingate. The current terms of the Class II directors expired at the annual meeting. Each of the four current Class II directors was nominated for election and stood for election at the Annual Meeting on April 28, 2004 for a three-year term. Each of the nominees was reelected at the meeting. The number of votes cast for the election of each of the Class II directors was as follows: for Mr. Crawley – 749,309 votes, for Mr. Johnson – 749,309 votes, for Mr. Kellet – 808,049 votes, and for Mr. Raines – 807,549 votes. The number of votes which withheld authority for Mr. Crawley – 74,540, withheld authority for Mr. Johnson – 74,540, withheld authority for Mr. Kellet – 15,800 votes, and withheld authority for Mr. Raines – 16,300. No shareholders voted to abstain. The terms of the Class III directors will expire at the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders.

On April 28, 2000, the shareholders approved the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. Options issued pursuant to the plan were not to exceed the aggregate of 150,000 shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits and stock dividends. On January 20, 2004, the Board of Directors of the company approved, subject to shareholder approval, an amendment to the plan which increased the number of shares of common stock with respect to which options may be granted from 150,000 shares to 250,000 shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits and stock dividends. The number of votes cast for the amendment was 465,777, the number of votes withheld was 96,760, and no shareholders voted to abstain. There were 261,372 broker non-votes related to this proposal. The proposal to approve the amendment passed as there was a majority of the votes represented at the meeting in person or by proxy that voted in favor of the proposal.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.



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Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  Exhibits:

31.1     Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.

31.2     Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.

32        Section 1350 Certifications.

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K – The following report was filed on Form 8-K during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

The Company filed a Form 8-K on April 20, 2004 to disclose the issuance of a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2004.



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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

NEW COMMERCE BANCORP
(Registrant)

By:   /s/  Frank W. Wingate          
         Frank W. Wingate
Date:  August 5, 2004          President and Chief Executive Officer

By:   /s/  R. Lamar Simpson           
         R. Lamar Simpson
Date:  August 5, 2004          Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number                Description

31.1     Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.

31.2     Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.

32        Section 1350 Certifications.





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