Since we are blessed to live in the most free, most advanced and most prosperous society in the history of the world, we have much for which to be thankful. On this Thanksgiving week 2011, here is a limited selection of items for which I am thankful:

• I am thankful for our customers. Without you, we wouldn’t be here. You provide us with satisfaction in performing our roles in Astra Bank to the best of our abilities, and you challenge us to constantly improve how we serve them.
• I am thankful for each and every one of the Astra Bank staff. Their commitment to our customers and to Astra Bank makes this bank a great place for me to come on a daily basis. Their commitment also makes the bank one that you choose to achieve your dreams.
• I am thankful for our communities. We are blessed to have very vibrant and stable communities to serve. Also, I am thankful for the volunteer hours each of our employees invests in their communities to ensure that our communities continue to thrive.
• I am thankful for my family. Though they are listed last in this compilation, they certainly are by no means the least on my list. They love me no matter what mood in which I arrive home, no matter how many hours may be required in the bank, and no matter how many faults I have. I’m sure that you can say the same about your family. Make sure you take the time to let your loved ones know how you feel.

During this time of thanks, feel free to post in the comments what you’re thankful for this holiday season. I’d love to hear from you.

Kyle A. Campbell, President & CFO

“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” – H. U. Westermayer