Area institution has been a financial force for 52 years

How does someone choose a bank to handle their financial needs?

Butch Holyfield of First State Community Bank in Cape Gir-ardeau said it's simple: "You need to choose us."

"There are a lot of banks in town but pleasing the customer is our primary focus," Holyfield said.

First State Community Bank is at 2527 William St. and 1602 N. Kingshighway.

The Cape Girardeau bank has been in town for more than three years, owned and operated by First State Bancshares in Farmington, Mo. FSCB has been in business in Southeast Missouri more than 52 years since first opening its doors as First State Bank of Farmington on May 9, 1954. When the economy wasn't at its strongest, B.J. Jennings believed Farmington needed a locally-owned bank, so he gathered enough investors to see his dream fulfilled. Jennings oversaw the continued growth and progress of the bank until he retired in 1980. William H. Cooper purchased control of the bank in 1980 and was elected chairman, still holding it today. The driving force behind the bank was Cooper himself, a man respected for his ideas, keen business sense, vision for the future and drive to achieve his goals.

From that moment, First State Community Bank's history has been a story of success. With its long history of community development and civic involvement, FSCB made a name for itself as the "Friendly First," maintaining a tradition of personal service and long-term customer relationships throughout the years.

First State Community Bank offers a multitude of banking products and services. Checking is free, and it offers free Internet banking and bill paying. Commercial business management services are available as well, along with loans and mortgages to fit everyone's needs.

The bank also has investment services provided by Conservative Financial Services as well as a full line of insurance products and services available through First State Insurance Agency.

Since First State Community Bank has been a leader in the community banking industry for more than 50 years, its record speaks for itself. In fact, the bank is proud to boast now that it has 22 locations throughout Southeast Missouri.

"We are truly unique because we have the right people in the right jobs. Our employees truly care about our customers," Holyfield said. The bank makes service a priority. Customers are not simply a number at FSCB, he says. It strives for the technology and products to help customers stay on top of their financial needs.

FSCB owns and operates banks from Washington, Mo., in the northeast, to Hayti, Mo., in the south, and many points between. The small community bank started in 1954 has grown to become the second-largest banking corporation headquartered in Southeast Missouri.