Benchmark Bankshares, Inc. (BMBN), the Kenbridge-based holding company for Benchmark Community Bank, recently announced the declaration of a semi-annual dividend of $0.27 per share to holders of common stock of the company. The current dividend is an 8.0% increase from the dividend of $0.25 per share declared in June this year. The total dividend of $0.52 per share for 2018 is an increase of 18.2% over the $0.44 per share dividend declared last year.

The record date for shareholders entitled to payment of the dividend will be the close of business, 4:00 p.m., on Jan. 7, 2019, with payment to occur by Jan. 19, 2019.

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. It is the company’s sole subsidiary which operates 15 banking offices throughout central Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. Additional information is available at the company’s website, www.