The Selma Times-Journal

By Kati Burns

The Selma Times-Journal

The Peoples Bank and Trust Company opened for business in the city of Valley Grande this month and celebrated the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

This will be the company’s fourth bank in the Dallas County area and the first bank in Valley Grande. Construction on the bank began a little over a year ago by Frasier Ousley Construction and was completed a few weeks before the opening. The bank will offer drive-thru banking and ATM checking.

“This is part of a dream that started three and a half years ago,” said Valley Grande Mayor Tom Lee. “There’s many important places you need when you make a community and a bank is one of them. We’re tickled to death to have a hometown bank and we appreciate the company making the investment.”

The small turnout for the ribbon cutting ceremony enjoyed cold drinks and snacks of fruit and cheese – a welcome respite from the heat of the day. The new bank has already had several accounts opened since its first day in business.

“We’ve seen positive growth in this area and hopefully we will continue to see a lot of doors opened,” said Peoples Bank Regional President Ed McCurdy. “Peoples is the only community bank in Selma and this allows us to interact and work with the community. We’re tremendously excited about being here and we hope to develop new relations in this area quickly.”

Peoples of Valley Grande will celebrate their Grand Opening on Friday, June 9, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be available and gift drawings will take place in honor of the opening. The first 100 people to open new accounts with the bank will receive a free trip.

“We’re excited to be in this part of the county,” said Marketing and Internet Banking Director Roberta Leach. “We see great potential here.”