Orion Bancorp, Inc. (www.orionbank.com) has been recognized as Florida’s top performing community bank on a recent list compiled by the securities and investment banking firm of Allen C. Ewing & Co.

This is the third consecutive year in which Orion ranked first in the state of Florida and the sixth year in a row that the Naples-based bank holding company has received recognition on the Ewing Top 10 Community Bank list.

The award recognizes the best performing community bank holding companies and thrifts in terms of generating consistently high profitability while maintaining excellent asset quality.

Banks and thrifts are selected mainly on their return on average equity (ROAE) over the prior three years. During this period, Orion achieved an ROAE of 28.68 percent, which is well above the median of 8.62 percent for all Florida banks and thrifts.

“We are proud to be recognized by such a well-respected organization for our company’s achievements and consistently strong financial performance,” said Jerry J. Williams, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Orion.