First State Community Bank

During the recent economic downturn, many financial institutions have been pulling in their figurative horns, riding out the hard times.

Not First State Community Bank.

"We have continued to grow and extend our footprint during these recent difficult financial times," said Henry "Butch" Holyfield, bank president.

Reaching $1 billion in assets in 2010, First State Community Bank is now the largest banking organization headquartered in Southeast Missouri.

During 2010 the bank expanded to five new locations with the acquisition of Truman Bank locations in Jefferson County, and Premier Bank locations in Columbia, Mo.

First State Community Bank employees (submitted photo)

The bank's expanding presence has also allowed the addition of new locations and new representatives offering insurance and financial management products and services.

"Our continued growth has allowed us to increase our service area to 23 communities and 34 locations in southeast and central Missouri," Holyfield said.

The past year saw the promotion of Everett Cassady to vice president of mortgage loans. David Preusser joined staff as a commercial lender. First State Community Bank, which was founded 1954, is owned by First State Bancshares of Farmington, Mo. The first Cape Girardeau branch was opened in 2003 at 1602 N. Kingshighway. A second Cape branch opened in 2005 at 2527 William St.

Just as the bank has expanded geographically during its 57-year history, it has also grown its offering of products and services to meet the financial needs of its growing customer base.

"We not only offer wide range of banking services, but financial management and insurance products as well," Holyfield said.

Holyfield stressed First State Community Bank's commitment to helping its customers achieve financial success, regardless of their individual circumstances and needs.

"Whether we're helping a Junior Savers member set up an account with one dollar or closing a multimillion-dollar commercial loan, we aim at finding the right solution for our customers," Holyfield said. "It could be a new house, it could be starting a new business, or it could even be properly maintaining a checking account. No matter how you define financial success, First State Community Bank is here to help customers achieve it."

Just as the bank is committed to assisting customers, it is equally committed to community involvement. First State Community Bank is instituting a new scholarship program in 2011 to honor Bill Cooper, whose served as chairman of the institution from 1980 until his death in 2010.

Cooper was an entrepreneur who grew a single gas station into a large petroleum jobber before presiding over the bank's expansion over three decades.

"In 2011, our bank is offering a William H. Cooper Memorial Scholarship," Holyfield said. "Through this scholarship program we are able to not only honor his memory, but also his exceptional gift of vision and leadership. We hope that in time, young leaders throughout our communities will also be awarded an opportunity to share in Bill's passion for success."

Details about the scholarship program can be found on the bank's website, www.fscb.com.