573 Magazine loves finding local people and businesses that help grow our local communities and economy. We find it inspiring and enjoy watching their efforts as they expand their reach and encourage others to do the same.
First State Community Bank does a lot to keep the local economy level by supporting its people.
First State Community Bank is all about supporting the local community. After all, it’s right there in the name. Between supplying local jobs, helping small businesses get their start, keeping older businesses updated on the latest financial tools and assistance, and sponsoring area programs and teams, First State Community Bank does a lot to keep the local economy level by supporting its people. Recently we were invited to tour the Farmington branch to check out the new renovations. The renovations will be finished in time to celebrate their anniversary. This month marks 68 years of loyalty and service to this area's people and their economy.
We all know that First State Community Bank is one of the most successful local community banks in the country. They have developed a formala that both supports growth and the community at the same time. The main branch is located in Farmington, but there are FSCBs all over the state. The key to their success and continued growth is their ability to act locally keeping the individual communities just that—a local bank with a big bank support system. Unlike big banks which operate on "we serve you as we see fit," FSCB operates on "we serve your needs first," backed up with all the support and technologies of any big bank.
The key to their success and continued growth is their ability to act locally keeping the individual communities just that—a local bank with a big bank support system.
The first thing we spotted when we entered the lobby was Matt Matt Sebastian, Regional President & CEO talking and laughing with a customer at the counter. The friendly and familiar way they chatted was inspiring. It was like they were all old friends, just happy to see each other, but he was like this with everyone he saw. That is what makes FSCB so successful—it's their involvment with the communitiies they support.
We pulled Matt over for a short video interview.
Matt told us, "At First State Community Bank, we feel it’s very important, vital even, that we participate in community activities, community development, and do what we can do to help our community grow. We sponsor a lot of different clubs…the Rotary club, Kiwanis, Lions Club…and we encourage our workers to get involved in these activities. We’re involved in the local Chamber of Commerce, and support local sporting programs for kids. At Farmington High School we have the Black Knight Branch Bank program where we help kids. We introduce them to banking and give them the basics of banking. We want to help them understand the importance of money and how it operates."
You know, small business makes a big, big portion of our economy. One of the most rewarding things that I’ve seen as a banker over the years is making a start-up loan to a small business and watching them grow and prosper.
"We pay attention to all of our customers whether they be big customers or small customers. You know, small business makes a big, big portion of our economy. One of the most rewarding things that I’ve seen as a banker over the years is making a start-up loan to a small business and watching them grow and prosper. It is very exciting to be a part of that, and we’re just a small part of it, but we help plant the seed and then we get to watch them grow and it’s been a very rewarding experience. Banks have to take risks. You get to know the customer and they have a plan and it’s up to us to analyze that plan and the risks and make suggestions on what can be done to make it better if need be. We do that on a regular basis. We’re all about what’s good for our community and what’s good for our customers and sometimes it’s a risk that we have to take."
"We remind people that we are loaning them other people’s money. It’s not our money, it’s our depositors money that we loan out and we have to evaluate the risks and what is best for our community and our customers and we make a decision. 99% of the time, it proves to be the right decision. That’s how our community bank operates and that’s how we operate and we’re very proud of that."
At First State Community Bank we know the people that we serve, we know the community, and we are the decision-makers. I think that’s the number one advantage that community banks have over the larger banks.
"We’re not order-takers, we make decisions here at our local banks. Some of the larger banks gather information and send it off somewhere else, and that’s where the decision is made. That decision maker does not know the customers and they do not know the circumstances behind the loan request or whatever the request may be. At First State Community Bank we know the people that we serve, we know the community, and we are the decision-makers. I think that’s the number one advantage that community banks have over the larger banks."
I think it’s very important to hire among the local communities. Most of our workers here live in Farmington and our other branches hire from within their own communities.
Matt went on to tell us..."I think it’s very important to hire among the local communities. Most of our workers here live in Farmington and our other branches hire from within their own communities. We have local boards of directors at each one of our bank markets. They are from that community and they have a good understanding of what the community needs. They also have a good business sense about them which helps them make decisions. It’s a good formula, it’s worked for us over the years and we stick to it!"
We moved the teller lines closer to the doors, while still giving them plenty of space.
Matt told us..."We recently completed a renovation of the main bank facility here in Farmington. We moved the teller lines closer to the doors, while still giving them plenty of space. We have started a Community Banker concept where a teller is not just a teller, they can also open new accounts and they do account rep work. With this program we can be more efficient and can provide a quicker service to our customers."
We have started a Community Banker concept...a teller is not just a teller, they can also open new accounts and they do account rep work.
Hanna Maize is one of First State Community Bank's more experienced Community Bankers.
"We also have hotel offices where we can give some privacy if somebody is wanting to open up a new account or needing to transact a business. We’re really thankful and happy for what has turned out to be a nice renovation to our main facility."
Matt said, "We take a very personal interest in our customers. We want to make sure that what we do for them helps them obtain and achieve financial success. As for the future, First State Community Bank is going to continue to do what we’ve been doing. It’s worked well for us over the last 68 years. We will continue to look for new innovations in banking, and products, and services that our customers need or desire. Come see us again sometime at First State Community Bank. We’d love to have you."
Watching the wonderful people that worked there and the camaraderie that they share put us in an instant good mood. As they worked, smiled and laughed with each other and their customers, with positive words of encouragement, personal sentiments, and sometimes a little playful teasing, it was as if they were all family or close friends and they treated us the same way.
Dana knows how to serve her community with a smile!
A generational resident of the Farmington area, Dana Corcoran is the Club and Community Coordinator at First State Community Bank. Growing up in a family of Farmington small business owners and hospitality experts, and having gained quite a bit of experience herself in business, design, and customer service, Dana knows how to serve her community with a smile!
Dana Corcoran is the Club and Community Coordinator at First State Community Bank. We stopped by her office to get more information, and she welcomed us in with a good morning and a radiant smile.
Dana explained, "I am the Club and Community Coordinator here at First State Community Bank. I am kind of a social butterfly so this job is perfect for me! Living in Farmington all my life, I pretty much knew most of our customers and the businesses in this town before I even arrived at First State Community Bank."
"I get to attend all the ribbon cuttings for the businesses when they open. I get to plan parties and events for the Horizon and Junior Saver Clubs. I keep all the ads fresh on the local radio stations and the newspaper. I plan fun stuff for the employees to do off-site like bowling and sand volleyball. Country Days is another big part of my job, the float, the hot dog stand, etc. First State Community Bank is a big part of Country Days."
While chatting with Dana, we noticed a super cool money tree collage on the wall behind her...
"Well, my money tree was created because a friend of mine was actually getting rid of that painting, and I thought what a perfect addition to my office! So I hung the tree and then “planted” the money. It’s my money tree, because we all know money grows on trees! What could be more appropriate for a bank that grows your money than a money tree picture?"
Dana's money tree.
Dana went on to tell us, "First State Community Bank in Farmington is having an Open House soon. It’ll be all day during our open hours, from 9AM to 4PM. You'll be able to come and see all the improvements that we've made here at First State Community Bank for our customers to get a better banking experience!"
We left Dana's office to explore a little more. As we walked through the building, we fell in love with the place and all the amazing people in it. Their quirky senses of humor, their kind and humble demeanor, their fun and playful nature, all created a nice and relaxing coming home type vibe and a beautifully sweet working atmosphere.
Tanya Thomas is the Regional Community Bank Manager at FSCB.
Lisa LaPlante, First State Community Bank's kind and caring receptionist, greets you with a warm smile, ready to guide you in the right direction.
Most of the people we met were more than happy to say cheese for the 573. In fact we met more than a few delightful and very outgoing people.
Grace Miller is one of the friendly Community Bankers ready to help you with your banking needs.
Adam Griffith is one of First State Community Bank's Mortgage Loan Officers. A local family man ready to serve his community.
There were also a few funny and feisty ones that ended up starting a little game with the 573 crew. As we roamed the halls looking for fresh “photo victims” we found ourselves in a naturally occurring bout of hide-and-seek! But once they were found the workers couldn’t help but smile for the camera. After all, from what we saw and heard from many of them, First State Community Bank is an amazing place to work, learn, and grow.
Matt Stites, Assistant Vice President, almost got away...We found him hiding out in the office of Darla Hayes, General Bank Officer of First State Community Bank. Tag! You're it Matt!
There are no strangers at FSCB—it always feels like coming home. This is because the people there ARE home, and they share that home with you…their family, their friends, their neighbors. They love and care about the same communities, the same schools, the same causes that you love and care for because that’s where they’re from, and that’s what they do.
First State Community Bank's newest Community Banker, the aptly named Sunny Smith, gives a big bright smile to customers in the FSCB drive-thru.
Whether you go to the FSCB Open House, or visit one of the 573 killer parks or rivers, take the lead from FSCB and smile. We all have a lot to smile about.
GET OUT THERE!
