SWVA BANCSHARES INC
DEF 14A, 1997-09-11
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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                      [SWVA BANCSHARES, INC. LETTERHEAD]














September 11, 1997

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

      On behalf of the Board of Directors  and  management  of SWVA  Bancshares,
Inc., (the  "Company"),  I cordially  invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders  (the "Meeting") to be held at the corporate offices of the Company
located at 302 Second  Street,  S.W.,  Roanoke,  Virginia on October 7, 1997, at
10:30 a.m. The attached  Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy  Statement  describe
the formal business to be transacted at the Meeting.  During the Meeting, I will
also report on the  operations  of the  Company.  Directors  and officers of the
Company,  as well  as  representatives  of  Cherry  Bekaert  &  Holland  L.L.P.,
certified  public  accountants,  will be present  to  respond  to any  questions
stockholders may have.

      The matters to be considered by  stockholders at the Meeting are described
in the accompanying  Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.  The Board of
Directors of the Company has determined that the matters to be considered at the
Meeting are in the best  interest of the Company and its  stockholders.  For the
reasons set forth in the Proxy  Statement,  the Board of  Directors  unanimously
recommends a vote "FOR" each matter to be considered.

      WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE  MEETING,  PLEASE  SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED  PROXY  SHEET AND  RETURN IT IN THE  ACCOMPANYING  POSTAGE-PAID  RETURN
ENVELOPE  AS  PROMPTLY  AS  POSSIBLE.  This will not  prevent you from voting in
person at the  Meeting,  but will  assure  that your vote is  counted if you are
unable to attend the Meeting. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.

                                          Sincerely,


                                          /s/ B.L. Rakes
                                          B.L. Rakes
                                          President
                                          SWVA Bancshares, Inc.
                                          Southwest Virginia Savings Bank, FSB



<PAGE>



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              SWVA BANCSHARES, INC.
                             302 SECOND STREET, S.W.
                          ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24011-1597
                                 (540) 343-0135
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 7, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of  Stockholders  (the "Meeting")
of SWVA Bancshares,  Inc., (the "Company") will be held at the corporate offices
of the Company located 302 Second Street,  S.W.,  Roanoke,  Virginia on Tuesday,
October 7, 1997,  10:30 a.m. A proxy and a proxy  statement  for the Meeting are
enclosed.

The Meeting is for the  purpose of  considering  and acting  upon the  following
matters:

1.    The election of two directors of the Company; and
2.    The  ratification of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert & Holland L.L.P. as
      independent  auditors  of the  Company for the fiscal year ending June 30,
      1998.

      The  transaction  of such other  matters as may  properly  come before the
Meeting or any adjournments  thereof may also be acted upon at the Meeting.  The
Board of  Directors  is not  aware of any  other  business  to come  before  the
Meeting.  Any action may be taken on the  foregoing  proposals at the Meeting on
the date specified  above or on any date or dates to which, by original or later
adjournment,  the Meeting may be adjourned.  Stockholders of record at the close
of business on  September 5, 1997 are the  stockholders  entitled to vote at the
Meeting and any adjournments thereof.

EACH  STOCKHOLDER,  WHETHER  OR NOT HE OR SHE PLANS TO ATTEND  THE  MEETING,  IS
REQUESTED TO SIGN,  DATE,  AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED  PROXY  WITHOUT  DELAY IN THE
ENCLOSED  POSTAGE-PAID  ENVELOPE.  ANY  PROXY  GIVEN BY THE  STOCKHOLDER  MAY BE
REVOKED BY FILING A WRITTEN  REVOCATION OR A DULY EXECUTED PROXY BEARING A LATER
DATE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.  ANY STOCKHOLDER  PRESENT AT THE MEETING
MAY REVOKE HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON ON EACH MATTER BROUGHT BEFORE THE
MEETING.  HOWEVER,  IF YOU ARE A STOCKHOLDER  WHOSE SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN
YOUR OWN NAME, YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FROM YOUR RECORD HOLDER TO
VOTE IN PERSON AT THE MEETING.

                                    BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


                                    /s/ Barbara C. Weddle
                                    Barbara C. Weddle
                                    Secretary
Roanoke, Virginia
September 11, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT:  THE PROMPT  RETURN OF PROXIES  WILL SAVE THE  COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF
FURTHER  REQUESTS  FOR  PROXIES  IN ORDER TO INSURE A QUORUM AT THE  MEETING.  A
SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED
IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 PROXY STATEMENT
                                       OF
                              SWVA BANCSHARES, INC.
                             302 SECOND STREET, S.W.
                          ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24011-1597
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 October 7, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     General
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection  with the  solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of SWVA Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") to be
used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Meeting")  which
will be held at the  corporate  offices  of the  Company  located  at 302 Second
Street, S.W., Roanoke,  Virginia on Tuesday,  October 7, 1997, 10:30 a.m., local
time.  The  accompanying  Notice of Meeting and this Proxy  Statement  are being
first mailed to  stockholders on or about September 11, 1997. The Company is the
sole shareholder of Southwest Virginia Savings Bank, FSB (the "Bank").

      At the Meeting,  stockholders will consider and vote upon (i) the election
of two directors, and (ii) the ratification of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert
& Holland  L.L.P.  as  independent  auditors  of the Company for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1998.  The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board" or the
"Board of Directors") knows of no additional  matters that will be presented for
consideration  at the  Meeting.  Execution of a proxy,  however,  confers on the
designated  proxy  holder  the  discretionary   authority  to  vote  the  shares
represented  by such proxy in accordance  with their best judgment on such other
business,  if any, that may properly come before the Meeting or any  adjournment
thereof.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Voting and Revocability of Proxies
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Stockholders  who execute  proxies  retain the right to revoke them at any
time. Unless so revoked, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at
the  Meeting  and all  adjournments  thereof.  Proxies may be revoked by written
notice to the  Secretary of the Company at the address above or by the filing of
a later dated proxy prior to a vote being taken on a particular  proposal at the
Meeting.  A proxy will not be voted if a  stockholder  attends  the  Meeting and
votes in person.  Proxies  solicited by the Board of Directors  will be voted in
accordance  with  the  directions  given  therein.  Where  no  instructions  are
indicated,  signed  proxies will be voted "FOR" the nominees for  directors  set
forth below and "FOR" the other listed proposal. The proxy confers discretionary
authority on the persons  named  therein to vote with respect to the election of
any person as a director where the nominee is unable to serve, or for good cause
will not serve, and matters incident to the conduct of the Meeting.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Stockholders  of record as of the close of business on  September  5, 1997
(the "Record Date"),  are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock of
the Company (the "Common  Stock") then held. As of the Record Date,  the Company
had 510,984 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.


<PAGE>


      The Articles of Incorporation of the Company ("Articles of Incorporation")
provide that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding  Common Stock
which  is  beneficially  owned,   directly  or  indirectly,   by  a  person  who
beneficially  owns in  excess  of 10% of the then  outstanding  shares of Common
Stock (the  "Limit") be entitled or  permitted  to any vote with  respect to the
shares held in excess of the Limit.  Beneficial ownership is determined pursuant
to  the  definition  in  the  Articles  of  Incorporation  and  includes  shares
beneficially  owned by such person or any of his or her affiliates or associates
(as such terms are defined in the Articles of Incorporation),  shares which such
person or his or her affiliates or associates have the right to acquire upon the
exercise of conversion  rights or options and shares as to which such person and
his or her  affiliates or associates  have or share  investment or voting power,
but shall not include shares  beneficially owned by any employee stock ownership
plan or similar plan of the issuer or any subsidiary.

      The  presence  in  person  or by  proxy  of at  least  a  majority  of the
outstanding  shares of Common Stock  entitled to vote (any shares held in excess
of the  Limit  shall  not be  considered  entitled  to  vote)  is  necessary  to
constitute a quorum at the Meeting.  Any shares for which a broker  indicates on
the proxy that it does not have discretionary  authority to vote on such matter,
are considered  "Broker  Non-Votes." In the event there are not sufficient votes
for a quorum or to ratify any proposals at the time of the Meeting,  the Meeting
may be adjourned in order to permit the further solicitation of proxies.

      As to the  election of  directors,  the proxy being  provided by the Board
enables a stockholder  to vote for the election of the nominees  proposed by the
Board,  or to withhold  authority to vote for one or more of the nominees  being
proposed. Directors are to be elected by a plurality of votes cast by the shares
entitled to vote in the election at a meeting of  stockholders at which a quorum
is present.

      As to the  ratification  of independent  auditors as set forth in Proposal
II, by checking the  appropriate  box, a  stockholder  may: vote "FOR" the item,
(ii) vote "AGAINST" the item, or (iii) vote to "ABSTAIN" on such item. Under the
Articles of  Incorporation  and Bylaws,  unless  otherwise  required by law, all
other matters shall be determined by a majority of votes cast  affirmatively  or
negatively  without  regard  to  (a)  Broker  Non-Votes  or (b)  proxies  marked
"ABSTAIN" as to that matter.

      Persons and groups owning in excess of 5% of the Common Stock are required
to file certain  reports  regarding  such  ownership  pursuant to the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as amended (the "1934 Act").  The  following  table sets
forth,  as of the  Record  Date,  persons  or groups who own more than 5% of the
Common Stock and the  ownership of all  executive  officers and directors of the
Company as a group. Other than as noted below,  management knows of no person or
group that owns more than 5% of the  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock at the
Record Date.



                                       -2-

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Percent of Shares
                                              Amount and Nature of         of Common Stock
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner          Beneficial Ownership           Outstanding
- ------------------------------------          --------------------        -----------------

<S>                                                 <C>                         <C>  
Southwest Virginia Savings Bank, FSB                45,155                       8.84%
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
302 Second Street, S.W.
Roanoke, Virginia  24011-1597

All Directors and Executive Officers                57,072(1)(2)(3)             11.17%
  as a Group (9 persons)
</TABLE>

- ----------------------------------
(1)   Includes  shares of Common  Stock held  directly  as well as by spouses or
      minor children,  in trust and other indirect ownership,  over which shares
      the  individuals  effectively  exercise sole voting and investment  power,
      unless  otherwise  indicated.  Includes 10,950 shares of Common Stock that
      executive  officers  have a right to acquire  pursuant to the  exercise of
      options  within 60 days from the Record  Date.  Includes  5,244  shares of
      Common Stock  allocated under the ESOP to executive  officers,  over which
      such individuals exercise shared voting and investment power.
(2)   Excludes 31,951 unallocated shares of Common Stock held under the Employee
      Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") for which certain directors serve as members
      of the administrative  committee ("ESOP Committee") or as trustees for the
      ESOP ("ESOP Trustees").  Such individuals  disclaim  beneficial  ownership
      with  respect  to such  shares  held in a  fiduciary  capacity.  The  ESOP
      purchased such shares for the exclusive  benefit of ESOP participants with
      funds  borrowed  from the  Company.  These  shares  are held in a suspense
      account  and will be  allocated  among ESOP  participants  annually on the
      basis of compensation  as the ESOP debt is repaid.  The Board of Directors
      has appointed B.L. Rakes, John L. Hart, and Michael M. Kessler to serve as
      the ESOP  Committee  and Michael M. Kessler,  James H. Brock,  and Glen C.
      Combs to  serve as the ESOP  Trustees.  The ESOP  Committee  or the  Board
      instructs the ESOP Trustees regarding  investment of ESOP plan assets. The
      ESOP Trustees must vote all shares allocated to participant accounts under
      the ESOP as directed by ESOP  participants.  Unallocated shares and shares
      for which no timely voting direction is received will be voted by the ESOP
      Trustees as directed by the ESOP Committee.
(3)   Excludes  20,177  shares of Common  Stock held by the  Southwest  Virginia
      Savings Bank, FSB  Management  Stock Bonus Plan  ("Management  Stock Bonus
      Plan") as of the close of business  on the Record  Date.  Directors  Hart,
      Hoge,  Brock,  Combs,  and Kessler  collectively  serve as trustees to the
      Management  Stock  Bonus  Plan'  trust,  and  such  individuals   disclaim
      beneficial  ownership  with  respect to such  shares  held in a  fiduciary
      capacity.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      The Common Stock is registered  pursuant to Section 12(g) of the 1934 Act.
The officers and directors of the Company and beneficial  owners of greater than
10% of the Common Stock ("10%  beneficial  owners") are required to file reports
on Forms 3, 4, and 5 with the SEC disclosing changes in beneficial  ownership of
the Common Stock.  Based on the Company's review of such ownership  reports,  to
the best of the Company's  knowledge,  no officer,  director,  or 10% beneficial
owner of the Company failed to file such ownership reports on a timely basis for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      PROPOSAL I - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      The  Articles of  Incorporation  require  that the Board of  Directors  be
divided into three classes,  each of which contains  approximately  one-third of
the members of the Board.  The directors are elected by the  stockholders of the
Company for staggered  three-year  terms, or until their  successors are elected
and  qualified.  One  class of  directors,  consisting  of John L. Hart and B.L.
Rakes, has a term of office expiring at the Meeting. A second class,  consisting
of F. Courtney Hoge and Barbara C. Weddle,  has a term of office expiring at the
annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1998. A third class,  consisting of
James H. Brock,  Glen C. Combs,  and  Michael M.  Kessler,  has a term of office
expiring at the annual meeting of  stockholders to be held in 1999. The Board of
Directors currently consists of seven members.  Two directors will be elected at
the Meeting to serve for three-year  terms or until a successor has been elected
and qualified.

      John L. Hart and B.L.  Rakes have been nominated by the Board of Directors
to serve as directors. Messrs. Hart and Rakes are currently members of the Board
and have been nominated for  three-year  terms to expire in 2000. It is intended
that the persons  named in the proxies  solicited by the Board will vote for the
election  of the named  nominees.  If a nominee  is unable to serve,  the shares
represented  by all  valid  proxies  will  be  voted  for the  election  of such
substitute  as the Board of Directors may recommend or the size of the Board may
be reduced to eliminate the vacancy.  At this time, the Board knows of no reason
why a nominee might be unavailable to serve.

      The following  table sets forth the nominees and the directors  continuing
in office, their name, age, the year they first became a director of the Company
or the Bank,  the expiration  date of their current term as a director,  and the
number and  percentage of shares of the Common Stock  beneficially  owned.  Each
director of the Company is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Year First      Current     Shares of Common
                              Elected or      Term to    Stock Benefically   Percent of
      Name         Age(1)    Appointed (2)    Expire        Owned (3)(4)      Class (5)
      ----         ------    -------------    -------       ------------      ---------

                        BOARD NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2000

<S>                  <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>                     <C>  
John L. Hart         77          1960          1997      11,465(6)(13)(14)       2.24%

B.L. Rakes           64          1977          1997      18,446(7)(13)           3.61%

                             DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

F. Courtney Hoge     56          1979          1998       4,965(8)(14)            .97%

Barbara C. Weddle    60          1987          1998       7,178(9)               1.40%

James H. Brock       55          1985          1999       5,497(10)(13)(14)      1.08%

Glen C. Combs        50          1987          1999      11,465(11)(13)(14)      2.24%

Michael M. Kessler   45          1987          1999       5,790(12)(13)(14)      1.13%

</TABLE>

(footnotes appear on next page)


                                       -4-

<PAGE>




(footnotes to table on prior page)

- -----------------
(1)   At June 30, 1997.
(2)   Refers to the year the  individual  first became a director of the Company
      or the Bank.  All directors of the Bank during June 1994 became  directors
      of the Company when it was incorporated in June 1994.
(3)   Includes  shares of Common  Stock held  directly  as well as by spouses or
      minor children, in trust, and other indirect ownership,  over which shares
      the  individuals  effectively  exercise sole voting and investment  power,
      unless otherwise indicated.
(4)   Beneficial ownership as of the Record Date.
(5)   Percentages  are  calculated  on the basis of the  amount  of  outstanding
      Common  Stock,  excluding  Common  Stock held by or for the account of the
      Company or its subsidiaries, plus Common Stock deemed outstanding pursuant
      to the Rules  under  the 1934 Act.  The  amount  of Common  Stock  that an
      individual  has a right to acquire  (e.g.,  pursuant  to the  exercise  of
      options or through the vesting of  restricted  stock)  within 60 days from
      the Record Date is included when calculating that individual's  percentage
      of Common Stock beneficially owned.
(6)   Includes 3,167 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Hart. Includes
      4,694 shares held by Mr.  Hart's IRA,  2,079 shares held by the IRA of Mr.
      Hart's  wife,  and 222  shares  held by Mr.  Hart's  wife,  over  which he
      exercises  shared voting and  investment  power.  Includes 1,140 shares of
      Common  Stock  that the  individual  has a right to  acquire  pursuant  to
      exercisable  options,  and 163 shares of restricted Common Stock that will
      vest  within 60 days from the Record  Date  within 60 days from the Record
      Date.
(7)   Includes 814 shares which Mr. Rakes owns  directly.  Includes 1,863 shares
      of Common Stock  allocated to Mr. Rakes under the ESOP,  1,921 shares held
      in Mr. Rakes' IRA, 750 shares owned directly by Mrs.  Rakes,  6,281 shares
      held in Mrs.  Rakes'  IRA,  298 shares held  jointly by Mr.  Rakes and his
      wife, over which Mr. Rakes exercises  shared voting and investment  power.
      Includes  5,704 shares of Common Stock that the  individual has a right to
      acquire  pursuant to  exercisable  options,  and 815 shares of  restricted
      Common stock that will vest within 60 days from the Record Date.
(8)   Includes 162 shares of Common Stock owned  directly by Mr. Hoge.  Includes
      3,500  shares held  jointly by Mr. Hoge and his wife,  over which Mr. Hoge
      exercises  shared voting and  investment  power.  Includes 1,140 shares of
      Common  Stock  that the  individual  has a right to  acquire  pursuant  to
      exercisable  options,  and 163 shares of restricted Common Stock that will
      vest within 60 days from the Record Date.
(9)   Includes 424 shares of Common Stock owned directly.  Includes 1,365 shares
      of Common Stock allocated to Ms. Weddle under the ESOP, 370 shares held in
      Ms.  Weddle's  IRA, and 1,630  shares held  jointly by Ms.  Weddle and her
      husband,  over  which  shares  Ms.  Weddle  exercises  shared  voting  and
      investment  power.   Includes  2,966  shares  of  Common  Stock  that  the
      individual has a right to acquire pursuant to exercisable  options and 423
      shares of  restricted  Common Stock that will vest within 60 days from the
      Record Date.
(10)  Includes 162 shares of Common Stock owned directly.  Includes 3,500 shares
      owned by Mr. Brock jointly with his wife,  321 shares held in Mr.  Brock's
      IRA, and 211 shares held by Mr. Brock as custodian for his son, over which
      shares he exercises  joint voting and  investment  power.  Includes  1,140
      shares of Common Stock that the individual has a right to acquire pursuant
      to exercisable options and 163 shares of restricted Common Stock that will
      vest within 60 days from the Record Date.
(11)  Includes  5,162  shares of Common  Stock owned  directly.  Includes  5,000
      shares held by an IRA of Mr.  Combs' wife,  over which he exercises  joint
      voting and  investment  power.  Includes 1,140 shares of Common Stock that
      the individual has a right to acquire pursuant to exercisable  options and
      163 shares of  restricted  Common Stock that will vest within 60 days from
      the Record Date.
(12)  Includes 2,362 shares  directly owned by Mr. Kessler and 2,125 shares held
      in Mr.  Kessler's  IRA.  Includes  1,140  shares of Common  Stock that the
      individual has a right to acquire pursuant to exercisable  options and 163
      shares of  restricted  Common Stock that will vest within 60 days from the
      Record Date.
(13)  Excludes 31,951 unallocated shares of Common Stock held under the ESOP for
      which certain  directors serve as members of the ESOP Committee or as ESOP
      Trustees.  Such individual  disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to
      such shares held in a fiduciary  capacity.  The ESOP purchased such shares
      for the exclusive  benefit of ESOP  participants  with funds borrowed from
      the  Company.  These  shares  are held in a suspense  account  and will be
      allocated among ESOP participants annually on the basis of compensation

                                       -5-

<PAGE>



      as the ESOP debt is repaid.  The Board of  Directors  has  appointed  B.L.
      Rakes, John L. Hart, and Michael M. Kessler to serve as the ESOP Committee
      and Michael M. Kessler,  James H. Brock, and Glen C. Combs to serve as the
      ESOP Trustees. The ESOP Committee or the Board instructs the ESOP Trustees
      regarding  investment of ESOP plan assets. The ESOP Trustees must vote all
      shares  allocated to  participant  accounts  under the ESOP as directed by
      ESOP  participants.  Unallocated  shares  and  shares  for which no timely
      voting  direction  is  received  will be  voted by the  ESOP  Trustees  as
      directed by the ESOP Committee.
(14)  Excludes 20,177 shares of Common Stock held by the Management  Stock Bonus
      Plan's trust, to which the individual  serves as trustee.  Such individual
      disclaims  beneficial  ownership  with  respect to such  shares  held in a
      fiduciary capacity.

      The following table sets forth the non-director  executive officers of the
Company and the Bank,  their name, age, the year they first became an officer of
the  Company or the Bank,  and their  current  position  with the Company or the
Bank.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year First
                                         Appointed as
Name of Individual        Age (1)         Officer(2)             Position (3)
- ------------------        -------         ----------             ------------

<S>                         <C>              <C>            <C>                      
Wayne F. Munden             53               1985           Senior Vice President/
                                                              Director of Lending
Mary G. Staples             43               1990                 Treasurer/
                                                                  Controller
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------
(1)   As of June 30, 1997.
(2)   Refers to the year the individual first became an officer of the Bank.
(3)   Mr.  Munden  serves as an  executive  officer of the Bank.  In addition to
      serving as Treasurer/Controller of the Company, Ms. Staples serves as Vice
      President of Operations and as Treasurer/Controller of the Bank.


Biographical Information

      Set forth  below is certain  information  with  respect  to the  executive
officers and  directors of the Company and executive  officers of the Bank.  All
directors  have held their  present  positions  for five years unless  otherwise
stated.

      John L.  Hart  has been an  attorney-at-law  with  his own  general  civil
practice in Roanoke  since 1950.  He also serves as General  Counsel to the Bank
and has a  retainer  agreement  with the Bank (see  "Certain  Relationships  and
Related Transactions" below).

      B.L. Rakes has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of the Bank since 1977 and has been  employed by the Bank since 1959. He
served as Vice  President and Treasurer from 1973 to 1977, and as Secretary from
1974 to 1977.  He is a member and past  President  of the Rotary Club of Roanoke
and an arbitrator for the Roanoke Better Business Bureau.

      F. Courtney Hoge has been an insurance sales  representative  for New York
Life  Insurance  Company,  Roanoke,  Virginia  since 1975. He is a member of the
Blood Services  Committee of the Roanoke Chapter of the American Red Cross, past
President of the E. Price Ripley Memorial  Foundation,  a member of the board of
directors of the Life Line Foundation of the Rescue  Mission,  past President of
the Roanoke  Association of Life  Underwriters and past President of the Roanoke
Valley Estate Planning Council.

      Barbara C. Weddle has been Senior Vice  President  of the Bank since 1985,
in  which   capacity  she  oversees  the  savings,   accounting   and  personnel
departments. She has served as Secretary of the Bank

                                       -6-

<PAGE>



since 1977.  She has been employed by the Bank since 1965 in various  capacities
and served as a Vice President from 1977 until 1985.

      James H. Brock is currently  President of Rusco Window  Company,  Roanoke,
Virginia,  a manufacturer and distributor of home improvement products which has
employed Mr. Brock since 1970.  He is a member and past  President of the Rotary
Club of Roanoke,  past  President of the Better  Business  Bureau,  and a former
member  of the  board  of  directors  of the  Credit  Marketing  and  Management
Association.

      Glen C. Combs is the  President  and sole owner of M&M  Brokerage,  a food
brokerage  located in Roanoke,  Virginia.  Mr.  Combs is a former  member of the
Rotary Club of Roanoke and the Roanoke Food Brokers Association and a past Board
member of Inter-City Athletic Association.

      Michael M. Kessler has been the President and sole  stockholder of Kessler
Associates,  Ltd., a photo processing  company,  since 1984. He is also a member
and past President of the Rotary Club of Roanoke, past President of the Virginia
Professional  Photographers Association, a past member of the Board of Governors
of the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association, past chairman of the
Specialist Group of the  Professional  Photographers of America and a past Board
Member of the  Better  Business  Bureau.  He is listed in Who's Who of  American
Executives.

      Wayne F.  Munden  has been a Senior  Vice  President  since  1985 in which
capacity he is Director of Lending.  He has been employed by the Bank since 1968
and  served as Vice  President  from 1977 to 1985.  He is a member of the Rotary
Club of Roanoke.

      Mary G. Staples has been Vice  President of Operations  for the Bank since
1997. She has served as  Controller/Treasurer  since 1990. She has been employed
by the Bank since 1972 in various capacities.


Stockholder Nominations

      Pursuant to the Company's  Articles of Incorporation,  nominations,  other
than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors,  shall be made
pursuant  to  timely  notice  in  writing  as  set  forth  in  the  Articles  of
Incorporation.  To be timely,  a  stockholder's  notice shall be received by the
Chairman of the  Nominating  Committee of the Board (which notice may be sent to
such  Chairman in care of the  Secretary  of the  Company) or, in the absence of
such a Nominating  Committee,  by the Secretary of the Company, not less than 14
days nor more than 60 days prior to any meeting of the  stockholders  called for
the election of directors;  provided, however, that if fewer than 21 days notice
of the meeting is given to  stockholders,  such written notice shall be received
not later than the close of the tenth day  following  the day on which notice of
the meeting was mailed to stockholders.

      The stockholder's  notice must contain certain  information as required by
and set forth in the Articles of  Incorporation.  In addition,  the  stockholder
making such nomination shall promptly provide any other  information  reasonably
requested by the Company.  The nomination made by a stockholder may be made only
at a meeting of the  stockholders  of the  Company  called for the  election  of
directors at which such  stockholder  is present in person or by proxy,  and can
only be made by a  stockholder  who has  theretofore  complied  with the  notice
provisions set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.


                                       -7-

<PAGE>



Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

      The Company's Board of Directors conducts its business through meetings of
the Board. The Board of Directors of the Company did not have committees  during
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997,  but the  committees of the Bank's Board of
Directors  acted as  committees  for both the Company  and the Bank.  During the
fiscal year ended June 30,  1997,  the Board of  Directors of the Company held 8
regular  meetings.  No director of the  Company  attended  fewer than 75% of the
total  meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company and committees on which
such director served during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.

      During the 1997 fiscal year,  Directors Hoge, Brock, Combs,  Kessler,  and
Weddle acted as the Company's  nominating  committee  ("Nominating  Committee"),
which is  non-standing  committee,  for  selecting the  management  nominees for
election  of  directors  in  accordance  with  the  Company's   Bylaws.  In  its
deliberations,  the Nominating Committee considers the candidate's  knowledge of
the banking business and involvement in community,  business, and civic affairs.
While the Board of Directors will consider nominees recommended by stockholders,
it has not actively solicited  recommendations  from the Company's  stockholders
for  nominees  nor,  subject  to the  procedural  requirements  set forth in the
Articles  of  Incorporation  and Bylaws,  established  any  procedures  for this
purpose.  The  Board of  Directors  of the  Company  met once as the  Nominating
Committee during the 1997 fiscal year.

      The Audit Committee, a standing committee,  is comprised of Directors Hart
(Chairman),  Hoge,  Brock,  Combs,  and Kessler.  The Audit  Committee  annually
selects the  independent  auditors and meets with the accountants to discuss and
review the annual audit. The Audit Committee is further responsible for internal
controls for financial reporting. The Audit Committee met once during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1997.

      The Executive Committee, a standing committee,  consists of Directors Hart
(Chairman),  Rakes,  Combs, and Hoge. The Executive  Committee meets on call. It
offers guidance to the Bank's and the Company's management.  When necessary,  it
performs  functions of the full Board during the intervals  between  meetings of
the Board of Directors.  The  Executive  Committee  held one meeting  during the
fiscal  year ended  June 30,  1997.  The  Executive  Committee  also acts as the
Personnel Committee.

      The full Board of  Directors  acts as a standing  compensation  committee,
however,  at times the  Personnel  Committee is directed to act on  compensation
matters, and any action taken by the Personnel Committee must be approved by the
Board of  Directors.  The Board of Directors  met twice in fiscal 1997 to review
and approve salary adjustments for senior management.

      The Retirement Committee consists of Directors Hoge (Chairman),  Hart, and
Weddle.  The Retirement  Committee  meets on call to review and study the Bank's
retirement  plans. The Retirement  Committee did not meet during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997.

Directors' Compensation

      The Company pays Board of Director  fees of $3,600 per year to each member
of its Board of Directors. The Company paid a total of $25,200 in directors fees
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.

      The Bank also pays Board of Director  fees.  Chairman  Hart  receives $400
monthly and $350 per meeting  attended and all other directors are paid $350 per
meeting attended.  Directors Rakes and Weddle do not receive fees for attendance
of meetings of the Board of Directors of the Bank or any of its

                                       -8-

<PAGE>



committees.  Each  non-employee  director  attending a meeting of the  Executive
Committee, Retirement Committee, or Loan Committee of the Bank receives a fee of
$100 per  meeting  attended.  The  Bank  paid a total of  $31,950  in board  and
committee fees to members of the Board of Directors during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1997.

      Stock  Awards.  On October  25,  1995,  the  stockholders  of the  Company
approved the SWVA  Bancshares,  Inc.  1994 Stock Option Plan ("1994 Stock Option
Plan") and the Southwest  Virginia Savings Bank, FSB Management Stock Bonus Plan
("Management Stock Bonus Plan"). Directors Hart, Hoge, Brock, Combs, and Kessler
each received (as of the date of stockholder approval) options to purchase 2,852
shares of Common  Stock  under the 1994 Stock  Option  Plan and 1,141  shares of
restricted  stock under the Management  Stock Bonus Plan. The options granted to
these  directors  will be first  exercisable  at a rate of 20% one year from the
date of grant and 20% annually thereafter. Restricted stock granted to the above
named  directors  will vest  14.28%  one year from the date of grant and  14.28%
annually thereafter.

Executive Compensation

      Summary  Compensation  Table.  The following table sets forth the cash and
non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company.  No executive  officer of the Company had a salary and bonus during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 that exceeded  $100,000 for services rendered in
all capacities to the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Long Term Compensation
                                         Annual Compensation                     Awards
                                 ----------------------------------    ----------------------------

                                                                                        Securities
                                                                        Restricted      Underlying
Name and                         Fiscal              Other Annual         Stock          Options/      All Other
Principal Position     Year      Salary     Bonus   Compensation(1)    Awards($)(2)       SARs(#)    Compensation
- ------------------     ----      ------     -----   ---------------    ------------     ----------   -------------

<S>                    <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>               <C>              <C>           <C>       
B.L. Rakes             1997      $97,245    $  --      $3,800               --              --          $24,050(4)
President              1996      $95,995    $  --      $4,760            $95,202(3)       14,264        $23,098(5)
                       1995      $95,995    $  --      $2,900               --              --          $19,610(6)
</TABLE>


- ------------------------
(1)         Consists  of board of director  fees from the Company and  Southwest
            Virginia  Service Corp.  Does not include the value of certain other
            benefits, such as automobile allowances,  which do not exceed 10% of
            the total salary and bonus of the individual.
(2)         As of the end of the 1997 fiscal year, Mr. Rakes had 5,705 shares of
            restricted stock in the aggregate which had a total value of $91,280
            (calculated by multiplying the aggregate  number of restricted stock
            by the Common Stock's closing market price as of the last day of the
            1997 fiscal year).  Dividends will be paid on the  restricted  stock
            awarded.
(3)         The value of restricted  stock granted is calculated by  multiplying
            (i) the  number  of  restricted  stock  granted  by (ii) the  Common
            Stock's closing market price as of the date of grant.
(4)         Includes  614 shares of Common Stock  allocated,  in the 1997 fiscal
            year,  under the ESOP with a market  value as of June 30,  1997,  of
            $16.00 per share, for a total value of $9,824, and includes accruals
            under the Bank's Supplemental  Executive  Retirement Plan of $14,226
            for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997.
(5)         Includes  626 shares of Common Stock  allocated,  in the 1996 fiscal
            year,  under the ESOP with a market  value as of June 30,  1996,  of
            $15.60 per share, for a total value of $9,766, and includes accruals
            under the Bank's Supplemental  Executive  Retirement Plan of $13,332
            for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996.
(6)         Includes  596 shares of Common Stock  allocated,  in the 1995 fiscal
            year,  under the ESOP with a market  value as of June 30,  1995,  of
            $11.938 per share,  for a total value of $7,115.  Includes  accruals
            under the Supplemental  Executive Retirement Plan of $12,495 for the
            fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.

                                       -9-

<PAGE>


Employment Agreement

            The  Bank  maintains  an  employment   agreement  with  B.L.  Rakes,
President and Chief Executive  Officer of the Bank. The employment  agreement is
for a term of three  years at his then  current  salary  level.  The  employment
agreement  may be  terminable  by the Bank for "just  cause" as  defined  in the
employment  agreement.  If the Bank  terminates Mr. Rakes without just cause, he
will be entitled to a  continuation  of his salary from the date of  termination
through the remaining term of the employment agreement. The employment agreement
contains a provision stating that in the event of his involuntary termination of
employment in connection  with, or within one year after,  any change in control
of the Bank,  Mr. Rakes will be paid in a lump sum an amount equal to 2.99 times
his average annual  compensation  for the prior five years. If Mr. Rakes becomes
disabled he will receive  100% of his salary for the first twelve  months of his
disability and 65% of his salary for the next 24 months or the remaining term of
the employment  agreement,  whichever is less.  The employment  agreement may be
renewed  annually by the Board of Directors upon a determination of satisfactory
performance.

Other Benefits

            Pension   Plan.   The  Bank  is  a   participating   employer  in  a
multiple-employer   pension  plan   sponsored  by  the  Financial   Institutions
Retirement Fund (the "Pension  Plan").  All full-time  employees of the Bank are
eligible to  participate  after one year of service and  attainment of age 21. A
qualifying  employee becomes fully vested in the Pension Plan upon completion of
five years  service or when the normal  retirement  age of 65 is  attained.  The
Pension Plan is intended to comply with the Employee  Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended.

            The Pension Plan provides for monthly payments to each participating
employee  at normal  retirement  age.  The annual  allowance  payable  under the
Pension Plan is equal to 1.5% of the average annual salary  (excluding  overtime
and  bonuses)  for the five  highest  years of salary  during  benefits  service
multiplied  by the number of years of credited  service.  A  participant  who is
vested  in the  Pension  Plan,  with 15  years  of  service,  may  take an early
retirement and elect to receive a reduced monthly benefit  beginning as early as
age 55. The Pension Plan also  provides for payments in the event of  disability
or death. At June 30, 1997, Mr. Rakes had 37 years of credited service under the
Pension Plan.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

            The  Bank has  adopted  a  supplemental  executive  retirement  plan
("SERP") for the benefit of B.L. Rakes,  President and Barbara C. Weddle, Senior
Vice  President.  The  purpose of the SERP is to furnish  each  individual  with
supplemental  post-retirement  benefits  in  addition  to  those  which  will be
provided  under the Pension Plan and other  retirement  benefits.  In accordance
with the SERP,  upon  retirement  at age 65,  each  participant  will  receive a
monthly  payment  for a period of 240  months  equal to the  equivalent  monthly
amount  constituting  75% of the highest  five year  average  salary  reduced by
benefits  payable  under the  Pension  Plan.  Benefits  may be paid  upon  early
retirement  after age 55 and 15 years of service with the Bank.  Payments  under
the SERP will be accrued for financial  reporting  purposes during the period of
employment of the participant.  The SERP will be unfunded.  All benefits payable
under the SERP will be paid from  current  assets of the Bank.  There are no tax
consequences  to either the participant or the Bank related to the SERP prior to
payment of benefits.  Upon receipt of payment of benefits,  the participant will
recognize  taxable  ordinary income in the amount of such payments  received and
the Bank will be entitled to recognize a tax-deductible  compensation expense at
that time.  Benefits under the SERPs shall be immediately  payable upon death or
disability of the  participant,  or upon  termination of participant  within one
year of a change in control of the Bank.


                                      -10-

<PAGE>



1994 Stock Option Plan

            Pursuant to the SWVA Bancshares,  Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan ("1994
Stock Option  Plan"),  shares of Common Stock were  reserved for issuance by the
Company upon exercise of stock options granted to officers,  directors,  and key
employees of the Company (or any present of future  parent or  subsidiary of the
Company).  The purpose of the 1994 Stock  Option  Plan is to provide  additional
incentive to certain  officers,  directors,  and key  employees by  facilitating
their purchase of a stock  interest in the Company.  The 1994 Stock Option Plan,
which  has  previously  been  approved  by the  Company's  stockholders,  became
effective on October 25, 1995 and provides for a term of ten years,  after which
no awards  may be made,  unless  earlier  terminated  by the Board of  Directors
pursuant to the terms of the 1994 Stock Option Plan.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END
                               OPTION/SAR VALUES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Number of Securities
                                               Underlying Unexercise     Value of Unexercised
                        Shares                    Options/SARs         in-the-Money Options/SARs
                      Acquired on   Value      at Fiscal Year-End           at Fiscal Year-End
                       Exercise   Realized             (#)                         ($)
        Name             (#)         ($)     Exercisable/Unexercisable   Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                        <C>       <C>          <C>                           <C> 
     B.L. Rakes            0         $0           2,853/ 11,412                 $0 / $0 (1)

</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1)   Based upon an exercise price of $16.69 per share versus a closing price of
      $16.00 at June 30, 1997.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            Director  Hart  serves  as the  Bank's  General  Counsel  and  has a
retainer  agreement  with the Bank.  During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997,
Director  Hart  earned  legal  fees  from the  Bank in  connection  with  title,
foreclosure, and deed services and retainer fees.

            Except  as  noted  below,  no  directors,   executive  officers,  or
immediate family members of such  individuals were engaged in transactions  with
the Bank or any  subsidiary  involving  more than $60,000 during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997. Furthermore,  the Bank had no "interlocking"  relationships
existing  on or after  June 30,  1997 in which (i) any  executive  officer  is a
member  of the  Board of  Directors/Trustees  of  another  entity,  one of whose
executive  officers is a member of the Bank's Board of Directors,  or where (ii)
any  executive  officer  is a member of the  compensation  committee  of another
entity,  one of whose  executive  officers  is a member of the  Bank's  Board of
Directors.

            Set forth below is certain information as of June 30, 1997, relating
to mortgage and other loans given to executive  officers and directors and their
immediate  family who had aggregate  outstanding  loan balances with the Bank of
$60,000 or greater.

            The Bank, like many financial institutions, has followed a policy of
granting  various types of loans to officers,  directors,  and  employees.  Such
loans have been made in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the
same terms,  including  interest rates and collateral as those prevailing at the
time for comparable  transactions  with the Bank's other  customers,  and do not
involve more than

                                      -11-

<PAGE>



the normal risk of  collectability,  nor  present  other  unfavorable  features.
However,   as  part  of  the  Bank's  compensation   program,   the  Bank  makes
adjustable-rate first mortgage loans to full-time employees, officers, directors
and related  parties at 1% above the bank's cost of funds while  adjustable-rate
second  mortgages and cash out refinances are made at 1.5% above the Bank's cost
of funds.  Such rates are only  effective  while  such  persons  are  employees,
officers,  directors (including loans to related parties of such individuals) of
the Bank and  continue  to occupy the real  estate  securing  the loans as their
primary residence.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Highest Unpaid
                                                                                                 Balance
                                                                                               Outstanding
                                                                                               During Last          Unpaid
                                                      Original     Interest  Prevailing Rate    Two Fiscal         Balance As
 Name of Officer                          Date          Loan         Rate     at Time Loan      Years Ended        Of June 30,
   or Director       Type of Loan      Originated      Amount      Charged      was Made       June 30, 1997          1997
- -----------------    --------------    ----------     ---------    --------  ---------------   -------------       -----------

<S>                   <C>               <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>                     <C>          
Wayne F. Munden       Home Mortgage     05/30/97      $200,000      5.50%(2)       5.50%       $200,000              $200,000
                      Bridge Loan       05/23/97      $ 85,000      9.50%(3)       9.50%       $ 85,000              $ 85,000
                      90-Day Note
</TABLE>

- ----------------------
(1)   The interest rate of 5.50% on the home mortgage loan is an adjustable rate
      mortgage  plan.  The loan was modified at the time the loan was made to 1%
      above the cost of Bank's funds  rounded to the next  one-quarter  percent.
      The rate on this loan adjusts annually.
(2)   The bridge  loan of  $85,000  will be paid off when Mr.  Munden  sells his
      present  home.  As of August 18, 1997,  Mr.  Munden had a contract for the
      sale of his home.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            PROPOSAL II -- RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Cherry Bekaert & Holland L.L.P.  served as the Company's  auditors for the
fiscal  year  ended June 30,  1997.  The Board of  Directors  has  approved  the
selection of Cherry Bekaert & Holland L.L.P. as its auditors for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1998,  subject to ratification by the Company's  stockholders.  A
representative  of Cherry Bekaert & Holland L.L.P.  is expected to be present at
the Meeting to respond to stockholders'  questions and will have the opportunity
to make a statement if he or she so desires.

      Ratification of the appointment of the auditors requires the approval of a
majority of the votes cast by the  stockholders  of the Company at the  Meeting.
The Board of Directors  recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" the ratification
of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert & Holland L.L.P. as the Company's  auditors
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 OTHER MATTERS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      The Board of  Directors  is not aware of any  business  to come before the
Meeting  other  than those  matters  described  above in this  Proxy  Statement.
However,  if any other matters  should  properly come before the Meeting,  it is
intended that proxies in the accompanying  form will be voted in respect thereof
in accordance with the judgment of the persons named in the accompanying proxy.


                                      -12-

<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 MISCELLANEOUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      The cost of soliciting  proxies will be borne by the Company.  The Company
will reimburse  brokerage firms and other  custodians,  nominees and fiduciaries
for  reasonable  expenses  incurred by them in sending  proxy  materials  to the
beneficial  owners  of Common  Stock.  In  addition  to  solicitations  by mail,
directors,  officers,  and regular  employees of the Company may solicit proxies
personally or by telegraph or telephone  without  additional  compensation.  The
Company has  retained  Kissel  Blake Inc.,  New York,  New York to assist in the
solicitation  of  proxies at a cost to the  Company  not  anticipated  to exceed
$4,500 plus reimbursement of certain incurred expenses.

      The Company's  1997 Annual  Report to  Stockholders,  including  financial
statements,  will be mailed to all persons who were stockholders of record as of
the close of business on September 5, 1997. Any stockholder who has not received
a copy of the 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders may obtain a copy by writing to
the Secretary of the Company.  The 1997 Annual Report to  Stockholders is not to
be  treated  as a part of the proxy  solicitation  material  or as  having  been
incorporated herein by reference.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials for
next year's Annual Meeting of  Stockholders,  any  stockholder  proposal to take
action at such meeting must be received at the  Company's  executive  offices at
302 Second Street,  S.W., Roanoke,  Virginia  24011-1597,  no later than May 14,
1998. Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules
adopted under the 1934 Act.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  FORM 10-KSB
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A COPY OF THE  COMPANY'S  ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30,  1997,  AS FILED  WITH THE SEC,  WILL BE  FURNISHED  WITHOUT  CHARGE TO
STOCKHOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE UPON WRITTEN  REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY,  SWVA
BANCSHARES, INC., 302 SECOND STREET, S.W., ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24011-1597.

                                    BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


                                    /s/ Barbara C. Weddle
                                    Barbara C. Weddle
                                    Secretary
Roanoke, Virginia
September 11, 1997

                                      -13-

<PAGE>

[__]  PLEASE MARK VOTES                                     REVOCABLE PROXY
      AS IN THIS EXAMPLE                                 SWVA BANCSHARES, INC.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 October 7, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                        <C>                                   <C>   <C>   <C>   
                                                                                                                       With- For All
                                                                                                                 For   hold  Except
      The undersigned hereby appoints the Board of Directors of SWVA       1.  The election as director of all   [__]  [__]  [__] 
Bancshares, Inc. ("Company"),  or its designee, with full powers of            all nominees listed below, each 
substitution,  to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned,            for a three year term (except 
to vote all shares of Common Stock of the Company which the undersigned        as marked to the contrary:
is entitled to vote at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
("Meeting"),  to be held at the corporate offices of the Company               John L. Hart         B.L. Rakes
located at 302 Second  Street,  S.W.,  Roanoke,  Virginia on October 7,
1997, at 10:30 a.m. and at any and all adjournments thereof, in the        INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any
following manner:                                                          individual nominee, mark "For All Except" and write
                                                                           that nominee's name in the space provided brlow.
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                               For  Against  Abstain
                                                                           2.  The ratification of the         [__]  [__]     [__] 
                                                                               appointment of Cherry
                                                                               Bekaert & Holland L.L.P.
                                                                               as independent auditors 
                                                                               for the Company for the 
                                                                               fiscal year ending 
                                                                               June 30, 1998.      

                                                                           PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING  [__]
 
                                                                           In their  discretion,  such  attorneys and proxies are  
                                                                           authorized to vote any other business that may properly 
                                                                           come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

                                                                           THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ALL OF THE
                                                                           ABOVE LISTED PROPOSITIONS.

Please be sure to sign and date         | Date                        |    Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy.
  This Proxy in the box below.          |                             |    When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, 
_______                                 |                             |    trustee or guardian, please give your full title.  If
|                                                                     |    shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.
|                                                                     |    
|_______Stockholder sign above______Co-holder (if any) sign above_____|    THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
                                                                           
</TABLE>



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.


                             SWVA BANCSHARES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE PROPOSITIONS  STATED.  IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS
IS  PRESENTED AT THE  MEETING,  THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE NAMED IN THIS
PROXY IN THEIR BEST JUDGMENT.  AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS
OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Should the  undersigned be present and elect to vote at the Meeting,  or at
any adjournments thereof, and after notification to the Secretary of the Company
at the Meeting of the stockholder's  decision to terminate this proxy, the power
of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further force
and effect. The above-signed may also revoke this proxy by filing a subsequently
dated proxy or by notifying  the Secretary of the Company of his or her decision
to terminate this proxy.

      The  above-signed acknowledges  receipt  from  the  Company  prior  to the
execution  of this  proxy of a Notice of Annual  Meeting and a proxy statement
dated September 11, 1997.

                              PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY
                    SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY




<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (Rule 14a-101)

                     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
           Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                      Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )


Filed by the registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]

Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement     [ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission
                                        Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material pursuant to ss. 240.14a-11(c) or ss. 240.14a-12

                             SWVA Bancshares, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
  [X]       No fee required
  [ ]       Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
            0-11.

      (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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      (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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      (3) Per unit  price  or other  underlying  value of  transaction  computed
pursuant  to Exchange  Act Rule 0-11.  (set forth the amount on which the filing
fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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      (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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      (5)  Total fee paid:
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  [ ]   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

  [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as  provided  by  Exchange  Act
Rule  0-11(a)(2)  and identify the filing for which the  offsetting fee was paid
previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration  statement  number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

      (1) Amount previously paid:
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      (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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      (3) Filing Party:
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      (4) Date Filed:
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