Bank failures for 2010 have surpassed the number of failures (20) for this period in 2009 (through 3/20). Seven banks failed Friday, 3/19/2010. A total of 140 banks failed in 2009.

Florida and Georgia are tied for the most bank failures in 2010 with 5 each. Tennessee still has had no bank failures during this economic crisis. However, the FDIC is increasing staff in Tennessee, a total of 24 temporary employees will be hired in Tennessee this year, including nine in Memphis and 10 in Nashville, and 5 in Knoxville. "... when asked if the moves indicate the FDIC anticipates failures, Hernandez (FDIC spokesman) said no."

Note, most of these are what would be considered small, community banks.