For four years, the First Bank has served our small community. This year to celebrate their appreciation, First Bank asked Marie Jappe, owner of the Mint, to serve lunch on the bank's grass. Numerous tents were set up so customers could eat in the shade. Marie served barbeque shredded pork, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, cold drinks, and dessert.
When First Bank first came to Big Sandy, I asked them to give us information about who they were. First Bank became a division of Glacier Bank in 2006. Glacier Bank operates in over 100 communities across Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.
It has a Community Bank philosophy. Glacier Bank acquires small community banks where they leave the current management in place, allowing the smaller community bank to be personalized but with the full service of a larger institution.
Dean Comes said, "It gives the resources and horsepower to handle any loan, deposit, or loan in small communities."
Loans are available for all agricultural, commercial, consumer, residential, recreational, and vehicle loans.
First Bank needs to become a part of the community. They want a personal connection to the community. "The employees in all seven locations (of the First Bank Division) are homegrown. Our employees are very involved in community projects and clubs. We believe in these small communities. First Bank is expanding in these small agricultural communities, which we are very proud of. We will be involved with, not only from a workforce but also funding for anything for the betterment of the community."
The bank still has "Totally free checking. Every free checking account includes no minimum balance, no monthly service charges, no per-check charges, unlimited check writing, a free debit card, free online banking, free bill pay, free mobile banking, and free statements. Business accounts are also free.
The president repeated to me, "Community support is taken to heart. We must be involved. We are excited to be there. We are excited to be a part of Big Sandy."
