<proxyVoteTable xmlns="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/document/npxproxy/informationtable" xmlns:common="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/common" xmlns:sccommon="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/sccommon" xmlns:iso="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/iso_statecodes" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/document/npxproxy/informationtable eis_NPX_PROXY_VOTING_RECORD.xsd">
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>MAGYAR BANCORP, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>55977T208</cusip>
    <isin>US55977T2087</isin>
    <meetingDate>02/11/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>An advisory vote (non-binding) to approve the
compensation paid to our named executive officers</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>183317</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>183317</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>453838609</cusip>
    <isin>US4538386099</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of an advisory (non-binding) resolution to
approve the compensation paid to our executives.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>318985</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>318985</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>453838609</cusip>
    <isin>US4538386099</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of an advisory (non-binding) resolution on the
frequency of future advisory votes on executive
compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>318985</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>1 YEAR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>318985</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>SB FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>78408D105</cusip>
    <isin>US78408D1054</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/22/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve a non-binding advisory resolution to approve
the compensation of SB Financial&apos;s named executive
officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>6010</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>6010</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FIRST HORIZON CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>320517105</cusip>
    <isin>US3205171057</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/28/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of an advisory resolution to approve executive
compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>85420</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>85420</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>320866106</cusip>
    <isin>US3208661062</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/29/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>An Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>3344</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>3344</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>704699107</cusip>
    <isin>US7046991078</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/29/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve on a non-binding basis, the compensation of
the Company&apos;s named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>41393</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>41393</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FIRST BANK</issuerName>
    <cusip>31931U102</cusip>
    <isin>US31931U1025</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/29/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve an advisory resolution approving the 2025
compensation of our named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>478887</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>478887</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>687380105</cusip>
    <isin>US6873801053</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/05/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve a non-binding advisory vote regarding the
compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers
(&quot;Say-On-Pay&quot;).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>61164</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>61164</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>F.N.B. CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>302520101</cusip>
    <isin>US3025201019</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of the 2025 named executive officer
compensation (an advisory, non-binding &quot;Say on Pay&quot;
resolution).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>300287</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>300287</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>05990K106</cusip>
    <isin>US05990K1060</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval, on an advisory and non-binding basis, of the
compensation paid to the Company&apos;s named executive
officers, as disclosed in the Company&apos;s proxy statement
for the Annual Meeting.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>2943699</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>2943699</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>05990K106</cusip>
    <isin>US05990K1060</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of the Company&apos;s Second Amended and
Restated 2018 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>2943699</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>2943699</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>HORIZON BANCORP, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>440407104</cusip>
    <isin>US4404071049</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/07/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory vote to approve executive compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>1408373</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>1408373</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP</issuerName>
    <cusip>293712105</cusip>
    <isin>US2937121059</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/13/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>An advisory (non-binding) vote to approve executive
compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>613276</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>613276</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>F &amp; M BANK CORP.</issuerName>
    <cusip>30237P106</cusip>
    <isin>US30237P1066</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/16/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval, in an advisory (non-binding) vote, of the named
executive officers&apos; executive compensation disclosed in
the proxy statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>35153</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>35153</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>320817109</cusip>
    <isin>US3208171096</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the
compensation of First Merchants Corporation&apos;s named
executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>686260</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>686260</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>NBT BANCORP INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>628778102</cusip>
    <isin>US6287781024</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the
compensation of NBT Bancorp Inc.&apos;s named executive
officers (&quot;Say-on-Pay&quot;).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>198566</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>198566</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP</issuerName>
    <cusip>335925103</cusip>
    <isin>US3359251036</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve a non-binding advisory proposal on the
compensation of the Company&apos;s named executive
officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>38325</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>38325</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>317585404</cusip>
    <isin>US3175854047</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/20/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named
executive officers</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>1812679</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>1812679</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>PRIMIS FINANCIAL CORP.</issuerName>
    <cusip>74167B109</cusip>
    <isin>US74167B1098</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
To conduct a non-binding vote to approve the
compensation of the Company&apos;s named executive
officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>237241</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>237241</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FINWARD BANCORP</issuerName>
    <cusip>31812F109</cusip>
    <isin>US31812F1093</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the
executive compensation of the named executive officers
included in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>348240</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>348240</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>74274F100</cusip>
    <isin>US74274F1003</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/27/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of Equity Incentive Plan. To approve the Private
Bancorp of America, Inc. 2026 Omnibus Equity Incentive
Plan.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>7000</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>7000</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>RICHMOND MUTUAL BANCORPORATION, INC.</issuerName>
    <cusip>76525P100</cusip>
    <isin>US76525P1003</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/27/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the
compensation of Richmond Mutual&apos;s named executive
officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>61719</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>61719</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>COMMUNITY WEST BANCSHARES</issuerName>
    <cusip>203937107</cusip>
    <isin>US2039371073</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/27/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To adopt a non-binding advisory resolution approving
executive compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>329551</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>329551</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>CHEMUNG FINANCIAL CORPORATION</issuerName>
    <cusip>164024101</cusip>
    <isin>US1640241014</isin>
    <meetingDate>06/02/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the
compensation of the Named Executive Officers of the
Corporation (&quot;Say-on-Pay&quot;).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>109336</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>109336</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
</proxyVoteTable>
