Face of Banking
First Community Bank
Dale Cole, Chairman & CEO
The vision of 153 local investors came together on Aug. 4, 1997, when First Community Bank opened for business at 710 St. Louis St. in Batesville with 14 employees and $3.5 million in capital. Today, First Community Bank has grown to 470 employees and is proud to be the seventh largest bank chartered in Arkansas.
At First Community Bank, the motto has been, “Where community comes first,” since its inception, and the dedicated staff truly believe that a community-oriented mindset is what sets the bank apart from its financial-industry peers.
First Community Bank’s biggest strength has always been its employees, and hiring the right staff remains a top priority as the company expands into new markets. Dale Cole, Chairman & CEO, notes a key moment in the company’s success.
“If I had to name a pivotal moment in our history, it was hiring the original team in Batesville followed by the addition of David Wood, market president, in our Searcy and Cabot region,” Cole says. “We use the same model of relationship banking today that we did in the beginning, not much has changed with the exception of technology to make the process easier.”
Cole knows that wherever you find a strong bank, you will find a strong community. And wherever you find strong communities, you will find strong banks.
“The thing I love most about my job is being able to help others succeed, whether it’s our customers or our employees. It can be anything from a startup business loan to a first-time home buyer, it’s rewarding to help people achieve their dreams,” he says. “By working together, we can make good things happen for everyone in our community.”
First Community Bank • 870.612.3400 • firstcommunity.net
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