Benchmark Bankshares Inc. (BMBN), the Kenbridge-based holding company for Benchmark Community Bank, recently announced the declaration of a semiannual dividend of $0.31 per share to holders of common stock of the company. The current dividend is a 6.9% increase from the dividend of $0.29 per share declared in June this year. The total dividend payout for 2019 is $0.60 per share, an increase of 15.4% over the $0.52 per share declared last year.

The record date for shareholders entitled to payment of the dividend will be the close of business, 4 p.m., on Jan. 3 with payment to occur by Jan. 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. It is the company’s sole subsidiary which operates 16 banking offices throughout central Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. Additional information is available at the company’s website,www.BCBonline.com.