We have broken ground on our new Asheville regional branch, and it's not your typical, run-of-the-mill bank branch according to Lenny Caudill, Manager of Facilities and Real Estate. "This new branch takes a deliberate and sharp departure from standard facility design to complement the unique look of the Asheville community," he said. Many of the new branch's external features were inspired by the Ames Gate Lodge, which was built in the late 19th century. They include a stone facade, a grand vaulted arch at the canopy, eyebrow dormers and a stair turret. The interior will reflect the same classic aesthetic style by incorporating earth tones and warm finishes with stained wood to give a handcrafted appearance. The branch, which may open as early as the first quarter of 2009, will be located on Highway 25, 1751 Hendersonville Road, on the west side of Weirbridge Village.

Get all the answers and account assistance you need through a new direct connection to Southern Community, SCB Connect. SCB Connect allows customers to receive assistance conveniently by phone or through online chat before, after or during normal banking hours from our friendly Southern Community staff.

Of course, we still invite you to continue contacting us in all the ways that you do now. This additional support option simply gives you another way to communicate with us so that we can continue to serve you better.

To use the SCB Connect phone service, call (877) 353-7222 toll free during operating hours of 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Receive online chat assistance through the home page of our website at www.smallenoughtocare.com or while using Online Banking by clicking the Online Chat link.

• Remove any unnecessary cards or documents from your wallet that could threaten your finances or identity if lost or stolen.
  
• Photocopy any credit cards that you bring on your trip and keep the copies in a secure location (not your wallet!), or with a friend or family-member back home. If you bring the copies with you, block or cut out expiration dates and names on the cards. This will make the information harder to use if it ends up in the wrong hands.
• Some credit card companies will deactivate credit cards for suspicious activity (like six or more purchases within a day) in an attempt to stop thieves from using stolen cards. If you are traveling overseas, it may be impossible to have a card reactivated. Inform your credit card companies ahead of time that you will be traveling to avoid these complications.
• Store your money and financial information inseveral different places while traveling. That way, if a thief gets to one, he doesn't get everything.
• Consider using a pre-paid, re-loadable card for travel. Your money will be safe and usually protected by insurance if the card is lost or stolen. You can use it almost anywhere you can use a credit or debit card
  (including over one million ATMs worldwide), as well as over the phone.
• Wear a money belt under your clothing to hold extra cash, cards and travelers checks. Remember never to access it in public. For ordinary purchases, keep smaller amounts of cash in your pockets
• Add a close relative as a signer on your bank account before leaving so that they can handle any financial emergencies while you're away.
  
  Use online banking! You can keep an eye on the activity of your accounts anywhere in the world.