DEEPENING OUR RELATIONSHIPS Ridge and Glen Oaks branches exceeded $80  million and both operated well above their  respective profitability levels. Growth in retail deposits is significant because it represents a significant source of low-cost funding for Dime Savings’ lending activities, which 13 = a eT Pe CE ek pe a) Li accounts utilized by households. Two years ago, our cross-sell ratio was 2.4. By December 31, 2002, it had risen to 2.6, moving closer to our target of  3.0. All of these metrics reflect success in deepening relationships, and we believe that deeper relationships build customer loyalty and improve customer retention. We're outpacing our peers in retail deposit growth. During the calendar year 2002, total branch deposits rose nearly 21 percent to $1.93 billion and core (non-certificate) deposits grew 25 percent. Over the past two years, average branch deposits have increased 37 percent to $96.4 million. Two new branches opened during 2002 have also exceeded our expectations. By December 31, 2002, the combined deposits of the Bay Continuity and creativity are evident throughout Dime Savings product and  service offerings. OUR  Dime Savings’ interactive and informative Internet site  brings community banking to everyone’s home or  office computer. DimeDirect’s Allen Grosser reviews results of database direct marketing. We’re outpacing our peers in retail deposit growth.