BUSINESS MEMO: A BANKING MILESTONE

First National Bank, headquartered at Sikeston, has reached a milestone.

Troy Wilson, chief executive officer and president, announced recently that the bank had achieved $500 million in assets, making it one of the top three independent banks in Missouri.

The bank has 12 branches, including one at Cape Girardeau.

First National has opened four branches, known as Montgomery First National Bank, in the St. Louis area. A fifth metropolitan locations is scheduled to open in South St. Louis this year. But, 80 percent of the assets are in Southeast Missouri, said Wilson.