First Port City Bank Celebrates Community Banking Month
When you support your local, independent bank, you support your community.
First Port City Bank is reminding consumers: where you choose to bank and with whom matters. This reminder comes in celebration of the Community Banking Month in April.
Community banks support local startups—funding more than 60 percent of small businesses and more than 70 percent of agriculture loans. They contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities and keep local neighborhoods viable and vibrant.
When choosing who to trust with your hard-earned money, First Port City Bank wants consumers to know:
- Community banks respect and honor their community ties. Community banks have symbiotic relationships with their communities—one cannot thrive without the other.
- Community banks are relationship lenders. They know their customers and understand their financial needs.
- Community banks understand and embrace local businesses. A study from the Federal Reserve Banks found that small businesses that apply for loans with community banks are the most successful and most satisfied.
- Community banks give back. Serving local communities is second nature to community banks.
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First Port City Bank Promotes Carol Cason to SVP & Director of Retail Banking
Carol Cason promoted to SVP & Director of Retail Banking. Carol will manage and supervise front-line operations for our Branches, including the oversight of our Branch Managers, Customer Service, and Teller activities. With her experience of 30 years in Banking, Carol began her career on the “front-line” with Barnett Bank, earning her way through Management Training. Following 12 years in Barnett, she furthered her career, joining the start-up operation of First National Bank of Nassau County as Branch Manager. Becoming CBC National Bank in 2006, Carol was instrumental in the success of the operation, managing Teammates, mentoring Trainees, building relationships, and most of all, establishing high expectations. She is a firm believer in “It’s our people that set us apart”.
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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Announces Annual Business Award Winners - First Port City Bank SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Brooks Recognized as 2021 Business Leader of the Year.
Nassau County, FL (March 31, 2022) On Monday, March 28, 2022, more than 430 Chamber members and community leaders came out to celebrate the local business community at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner & Gala. 65 businesses, organizations, and business leaders were nominated by members of the public. Winners were selected by votes from the Board of Directors and Chamber of Commerce members.
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Kyle Staples Joins First Port City Bank Family (9/21/2021)
Scott Ewing, President, and CEO of First Port City Bank is pleased to announce that Kyle Staples has joined the First Port City Bank lending team as Vice President/Commercial Lender. A graduate of The Stafford School of Business at ABAC in Tifton, Georgia, Kyle will be working out of the Main Branch of First Port City Bank in Bainbridge, where he will be handling all aspects of commercial lending. Kyle comes to Bainbridge from Forsyth, Georgia, where he has been in banking and finance for 6 years. He is married to the former Brock Bailey of Bainbridge and they have a two-year-old son.
When ask about his move to Bainbridge and his employment at First Port City Bank, Kyle says, “It is great to be near family and have this tremendous opportunity with First Port City Bank. Bainbridge is an amazing town to raise a family and First Port City Bank is the ideal community bank. I am thankful for the chance to grow and learn from the best in the business and do my part to help in the bank’s continued growth.”
“Kyle really exemplifies our core values and is a great addition to the First Port City Bank family. His desire to exceed the expectations of his customers, and to also serve within this community, is a great compliment to what we do each day as a company.” Mr. Ewing says as he welcomes Kyle to First Port City Bank. Kyle is available immediately to help with all your commercial lending needs.
#PuttingPeopleFirst #BankLocal #BestBank #LoveWhereYouWork #ThankYou #BestPlaceToWork2021
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First Port City Bank Recognized "BEST" in 5 Categories For "2021 Best In Bainbridge - Readers Choice Awards - Post Searchlight (7/21/2021)
At First Port City Bank we strive to provide the very best service for each and every customer, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve your banking experience and exceed your expectations. The Best of Bainbridge - Readers Choice Awards by The Post-Searchlight celebrates and recognizes the best our community has to offer. Each year our readers vote on their favorite business in dozens of categories. This year over 22,000 total votes were cast during our 3 week-long voting period. First Port City Bank was voted "Best Bank", "Best Customer Service", "Best Mortgage Lender", "Best Financial Services", and "Best Place To Work" (Medium Size Business). #PuttingPeopleFirst #BankLocal #BestBank #LoveWhereYouWork #ThankYou #BestPlaceToWork2021
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First Port City Bank & Port City Bank Holding, Inc., Welcomes Robert M. Cohen III and Brad Thompson to our Board of Directors (3/23/2021)
Mr. Cohen is a lifelong resident of Bainbridge, Georgia. Rob presently serves as president of the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association and as Director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association. He is owner of RMC III, a family-owned farming operation, President and Owner of Southeastern Fumigants, LLC, and SunKing Distribution Company. Mr. Cohen is also the Chairman of Decatur-Seminole Joint Development Authority Board.
Mr. Thompson is a 4th generation farmer from Seminole County, Georgia and is actively involved as a shareholder in the American Peanut Growers Group and Clover Leaf Gin & Warehouse. Together Brad, wife Amy, and two daughters make up Thompson Family Farms, currently farming approximately 3000 acres. They also own and operate AAA Aviation, LLC which primarily does aerial application by plane.
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Chandler Ray Joins First Port City Bank as a Lender in the Southside Branch in Bainbridge, Georgia. (1/15/2021)
First Port City Bank is excited to announce the hiring of Chandler Ray as a lender in the Southside Branch in Bainbridge, Georgia. Chandler is primarily focused on consumer, agriculture, and mortgage lending. Chandler is from the Arlington, Georgia area and grew up around agriculture. Chandler is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University with a degree in Marketing and has a sales and agricultural background prior to banking. Chandler and his wife, Jennifer (Voyles) reside in Bainbridge.
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Mark Sobolewski Joins First Port City Bank as as Senior Vice President & Manager of the Commercial Lending Division In Florida. (1/11/2021)
First Port City Bank (FPCB), Fernandina Beach, Florida, is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Sobolewski to its Team. Mark joins First Port City Bank as Senior Vice President & Manager of the Commercial Lending Division.
“Historically, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with Mark, beginning in 2002. In addition to experience and knowledge, Mark brings a different skill-set to our industry. Not only does he provide his clients with a successful strategy, he engages them, providing each business a blueprint for long-term success,” said Durand Childers, President of First Port City Bank Florida Division. “Having his work ethic, his drive, and his dedication on our Team is an asset to both our Team and our Community.”
Mark Sobolewski maintains over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, specializing over the last 12 years in Government Guaranteed Lending. Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management from Florida Southern College. Prior to joining First Port City Bank, Mark was an SBA/USDA Government Guaranteed Lender for Ameris Bank.
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First Port City Bank Is Expanding In Donalsonville, Georgia. Purchases Ponder Enterprises-Webb House Property For New Branch Location (1/01/2021)
First Port City Bank has purchased the former Ponder Enterprises-Webb House property on Highway 84 for its new Donalsonville Branch location.
Nancy Jernigan, FPCB Executive Vice President, and Chief Lending Officer commented, “We are excited about our future in this new location where we will continue to offer full-service banking and an exceptional customer experience”.
Plans are to maintain the integrity and historical elements of the Webb House property as it currently is, with limited changes inside to accommodate banking activities. The Thomas House, shown above at the far left, will be removed to oblige a new parking area and drive-thru facility.
The staffing of the bank will remain as it currently is with Dave Fain, Lender, LaToya Fennell, Branch Manager, Tiffany O’Hearn, Assistant Branch Manager, Ellen Taylor, Loan Assistant, Konner Gordon, Teller, and Nancy Jernigan EVP/CLO.
Scott Ewing, FPCB President & CEO added, “We could not be more excited about having the opportunity to continue the legacy of this beautiful property, and we are committed to carrying on the tradition of serving Seminole County as a true community partner like the Webbs and Ponders have done for many years. We have a wonderful banking team that is dedicated to serving the needs of our customers and exceeding their expectations of what a true community bank can do. We believe this new branch location is reflective of our commitment to Donalsonville, and we look forward to many good things to come in the years ahead.” #betterservecustomers #investingincommunity #puttingpeoplefirst
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Two Donalsonville Georgia Bank Veterans Join First Port City Bank (11/09/2020)
First Port City Bank (FPCB), Bainbridge, Georgia, is excited to announce the hiring of two Donalsonville area bank veterans, LaToya Fennell and Dave Fain.
LaToya Fennell has worked for over 24 years in the Donalsonville market in several capacities, but most recently as a branch manager. LaToya will be the new branch manager of our Donalsonville branch located at 201 South Woolfork Avenue.
Dave Fain will be joining First Port City Bank as a Commercial Loan Officer. Dave has over 15 years of experience in consumer, commercial and agricultural lending.
“Both LaToya and Dave have strong ties to Donalsonville and are both very active in the community,” said Scott Ewing, President and CEO of First Port City Bank. “We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to bring this level of experience to our bank and the community.”
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First Port City Bank Hires USDA Industry Veteran Richard Duncan in the Bank’s SBA/USDA Lending Division (11/03/2020)
First Port City Bank (FPCB), Fernandina Beach, Florida, is pleased to announce it has hired United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) industry veteran Richard Duncan to its SBA/USDA lending division.
Duncan will work as an SBA and Government Guaranteed Lender (GGL) giving specific focus to his specialty area of USDA business and industry loans. His lending will focus on the geographic areas of the southeastern United States.
Duncan has over 15 years of experience in the Financial Industry with the past 10 years dedicated to USDA Financing and Business Development in rural America. Rich’s dedication and desire to assist businesses in rural America provides your business the expertise in navigating the challenges of operating and acquiring funds in rural communities. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Flagler College. Rich served for 8 years in the United States Marine Corps before entering the Financial Industry. Rich’s vast experience makes him the perfect partner to assist with your USDA financing needs.
“We welcome Rich to our team and look forward to his contribution in helping expand our capabilities in USDA lending,” said John McClure, senior vice president and managing director of First Port City Bank’s SBA/USDA lending division. “Rich’s targeted expertise will be an asset to our SBA division as we continue to grow our government-guaranteed platform across our geographical footprint.”
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First Port City Bank Earns Preferred Lender Status From Small Business Administration (SBA) (10/20/2020)
The highest bank designation reserved for top-tier lenders. The Preferred Lender status provides First Port City Bank with the authority to process, close, service and liquidate most SBA-guaranteed loans without prior review to provide faster financing to the small business community.
The Preferred Lenders Program (PLP) was created by the SBA in an effort to streamline lending procedures and the approval process needed to provide financial assistance to the small business community. To earn the designation, lenders must demonstrate a high proficiency in processing and servicing SBA-guaranteed loans and a thorough understanding of SBA lending procedures and policies.
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Promotion of Marvalynn Carroll to Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer & Chief Risk Officer. (09/15/2020)
“Marvalynn consistently demonstrates the qualities that define the corporate culture we have built at First Port City Bank with an unwavering commitment to supporting our customers, our employees and our community,” said Scott Ewing, President and CEO of First Port City Bank. “We are especially pleased to recognize the significant contributions she has made to the bank, and equally as important, to our community.”
Marvalynn is celebrating over 39 years of service with First Port City Bank. During this time, she has held many titles within the organization, beginning as a Bookkeeper. Thereafter, she became a Teller, Loan Administrator, Compliance Officer/Auditor, and Operations Officer before her promotion to Chief Financial Officer in 2016. Outside of work, Marvalynn donates her time regularly to the Chamber of Commerce BOD, Hospital BOD, GYSTC BOD, and BHS Council, while also serving her Church as Secretary.
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First Port City Bank Celebrates 45th Anniversary
First Port City Bank was founded in 1974 by a group of local business people who believed that the owners of a financial institution should be made up of friends and neighbors within the community. Our roots run deep, and we are grateful for the tremendous support we have received. While many things have changed over our 45 years, operating as a true community bank is one thing that has remained constant. We pride ourselves on serving our wonderful community in an effort to help improve the quality of life for everyone.
“On October 7th, we reached our 45-year anniversary and I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our Customers, Founders, Shareholders, Directors, and of course our wonderful staff who have made us a success,” said Scott Ewing, President & CEO of First Port City Bank. “ Our 45 years of operations have been met with many challenges including one of the most significant modern-day recessions in history, and we remained steadfast in our mission and resolve to manage through the times and become what we are today, which is a high performing financial institution and a true community partner.”
Board Chairman, Major H. (Hal) Brannen, Jr. said, “We are very happy to have reached this anniversary and thank all of our supporters and staff for their contribution over the last 45 years.”
First Port City Bank will be celebrating its 45-year anniversary in the branches with special product offerings to mark the occasion. In August the bank rolled out a variety of checking and savings accounts that earn monthly cash rewards to customers. You can visit their website at www.firstportcity.com or a local branch for more information about the products.
First Port City Bank has been known as “The Locally-Owned Bank of Personal Service” since its founding, not only because of the personal service it offers its customers, but also for the “family” atmosphere that exists among its employees.
“We still offer that same neighborly, community bank feeling today as we did back in 1974, only now with the advanced technology and innovation that is so necessary in today’s competitive banking world,” said Scott Ewing, President & CEO of First Port City Bank.
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First Port City Recognized Nationally and Locally For Its Outstanding Service To The Community
August 6, 2019 - First Port City Bank is honored to announce it has once again earned BauerFinancial Inc.’s highest 5-Star Superior rating. A 5-Star rating indicates that First Port City Bank is one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation, excelling in such areas as capital, loan quality, profitability and much more. First Port City Bank has earned this highest rating for 28 consecutive quarters. BauerFinancial, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of the U.S. banks since 1983.
"This represents the 7th consecutive year First Port City Bank has been designated as one of the strongest banks in the country," said bank President and CEO, Scott Ewing. "It is a winning combination when you have unique banking products, excited customers who are appreciated every day and strong bank employees that continue to look for quality opportunities to build banking relationships.”
First Port City Bank also receives People’s Choice for the “Best Bank” in Decatur County. People’s Choice Awards is an annual competition put on by Bainbridge Post SearchLight Newspaper out of Bainbridge, GA. Locals in the community vote online for their favorite businesses.
"Out of all the awards we receive throughout the year, this award is the most important to us.” said bank President and CEO, Scott Ewing. “At First Port City Bank our mission is to “Exceed our Customers Expectations” and focus on “Putting Our Customers First.” Being voted by our community 8 times for being the “Best Bank” is rewarding and reflects the hard work of our employees. Not only do they come to work every day and focus on providing the very best customer experience, many of them personally support the local community by volunteering or donating to many local causes. We are proud to be South Georgia’s Bank of Choice.”