EXHIBIT 16 Letter of Former Accountants Exhibit 16 March 17, 1998 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Gentlemen: We have read the statements made by Peoples Building and Loan Association (copy attached), which we understand will be filed with the Commission as part of the Company's Form SB-2. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form SB-2. Very truly yours, /s/ Umbach & Associates UMBACH & ASSOCIATES Attachment