Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 3 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Marion Bank celebrates first year at location
Published Friday, February 27, 2009
At Marion Bank & Trust Co., the banking crisis seemed as distant as the moon.
Customers buzzed around the lobby drinking punch and nibbling cookies. The bank, located on Highway 80 West, celebrated its first anniversary Friday. City president Forrest Hatfield said business boomed in 2008, despite a poor economy.
"Better than we even anticipated," Hatfield said.
Marion Bank & Trust Co. opened in Marion in 1934. The company opened a Selma branch in 2008 due to the high volume of customers banking at the Marion branch. Hatfield said while larger national banks struggle, community banks continue to thrive and grow. The Selma branch has more than 2,000 customers.
"We've been very well received in the community," Hatfield said.
Frances Brantley opened a CD at the Selma branch as soon as it opened. She said the service is second to none. Brantley said she never feels rushed or out of place at the bank.
"They're all so courteous and nice to you," she said. "I love all the pictures they have on the wall."
The building measures more than 5,000 square feet. Hatfield said the bank features all the amenities of larger banks such as multiple types of checking and savings accounts, safety deposit boxes and a freestanding ATM. He said the ATM sets the bank apart from many others in the area. Since it is not connected to the building, customers can avoid long lines at the drive-thru.
"That's a little different concept," Hatfield said.
Rhonda Caver, a loan assistant, said the bank prides itself on bucking trends. While many banks' loan departments struggle, Marion Bank &Trust Co. receives multiple inquiries and approves loans each day.
"We're doing loans daily," Caver said. "Answering questions and making loans."
Caver echoed the bank's community approach. She said the staff cares about more than just the customers' finances. It sounds almost like Cheers, with a vault.
"You're never going to walk in here and not be greeted," Caver said. "When you walk in, you become a friend."
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by renigade (anonymous) on February 28, 2009 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to commend Marion Bank for locating in the Selma area. They bring a different atmosphere to the industry. Their employees are being trained to treat people as individuals not as numbers. I first dealt with this bank when they were only located in Marion and it was very surprising to see how many people from Selma were doing the same. Selma area lost one of their most professional and friendly employees to this bank 4 years ago (Darlene Wendell) Way to go Marion Bank. Too bad the other banks do not have this individuality...this speaks to why this bank does so well. This demonstrates good leadership at the top.....can mean a lot!
Posted by catchem (anonymous) on February 28, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Under the leadership of Conrad Taylor, Roger Fuller, and many others my companies have switched most of our accounts because of the strength and true genuine courtesy of this Bank. God be with Roger.
Posted by crimson (anonymous) on February 28, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When my wife and I decided to build 3 years ago,we were concerned about the financing.We talked to several institutions about loans,and everyone one was telling us something different.We were told to go see Mr.Conrad Taylor at the Marion Bank and Trust. That was the easiest part of our whole construction.Mr. Taylor was so EASY TO TALK WITH,he was truly interested in us as people. Mr.Taylor in my opinion is the best person in banking that I have ever met.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)