LIMBAUGH RETURNS TO BANKING

James P. Limbaugh is returning to banking.

Limbaugh, who served 10 years as president and chief executive officer of Boatman's National Bank of Cape Girardeau and then as a regional executive with NationsBank, will become president of First National Bank of Cape Girardeau Monday.

Most recently Limbaugh was a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch.

Limbaugh's appointment was announced Friday by Troy L. Wilson, chief executive of First National Bank headquartered at Sikeston.

Limbaugh succeeds Phil Ivers as the Cape Girardeau bank president. Ivers is now director of financial services for the bank in the Sikeston office.

"Limbaugh represents the best local bank relationship that management has to offer," said Wilson. "Cape Girardeau knows and trusts him, and his record is a testimony to his expertise and integrity."

Limbaugh, who holds degrees from Southeast Missouri State University, is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Commercial Lending Graduate School.

As president of First National-Cape Girardeau, Limbaugh will be responsible for commercial banking activities, lending and deposit management, and client business development and enhancement throughout the area.

"I've been on the sidelines wanting to get back in the game," said Limbaugh. "I believe that a community bank can and will continue to play a major role in our communities. It feels right to return to an industry that really offers the area a full menu of financial solutions and opportunities."

Limbaugh said he is ready to get back to community banking. He said he is fortunate to have been surrounded by great people at Boatman's, NationsBank and Merrill Lynch.

Limbaugh said: "The last two-and-a-half-years at Merrill Lynch have given me experience in areas I was previously unfamiliar with. It has been an invaluable experience, and I now have a better understanding of both sides of the balance sheet."

First National Blank, chartered in 1903, has assets of $650 million and has 10 branches from St. Louis to the Bootheel.

The First National BankCape Girardeau opened in 1991 at 2027 Broadway.