Benchmark Bankshares, Inc. (BMBN), the Kenbridge-based holding company for Benchmark Community Bank, recently announced the declaration of a semi-annual dividend of $0.23 per share to holders of common stock of the company. This dividend, an increase from the $0.21 per share paid in July, brings total dividends for the year to $0.44 per share, representing an increase of 7.3 percent over the $0.41 per share paid in 2016.

The record date for shareholders entitled to payment of the dividend will be the close of business, 5 p.m., on January 5, with payment to occur by January 31.

The common stock of Benchmark Bankshares, Inc. trades on the OTC Pink marketplace under the symbol BMBN. Any stockbroker can assist with purchases of the company’s stock, as well as with sales of holdings.

Benchmark Community Bank, founded in 1971, is headquartered in Kenbridge, and is the company’s sole subsidiary which operates twelve banking offices throughout central Southside Virginia and loan production offices in Henderson and Wake Forest, NC. In June, for the 11th consecutive year, Benchmark was named one of the Top 200 Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. Additional information is available on the company’s website, www. BCBonline.com.