First things first
Not many businesses in Warren County can boast of a 150-year history. The Southern Standard goes pretty far back but, at 145-years-old, even we don't predate First National Bank.
Founded on Oct. 30, 1874, First National Bank is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Far from turning the year into only a nostalgic look back, however, FNB President and CEO Pieter van Vuuren and the bank's leadership is operating with an eye toward the future and an effort to ensure the bank survives and thrives for at least another 150 years.
First National held a ceremony Thursday at noon at the main office on Main Street to launch a new campaign and to remove some of the mystery behind the cryptic signs and advertisements which have been alongside Sen. Jerry Cooper Hwy., in the pages of the Southern Standard and other places around town for the last month or so.
The signs, in a striking black and white with a pop of yellow and bearing the phrase "We Show Up," turned out to be a hint at the new branding and slogan for the venerable bank.
During the event Thursday, First National Bank Chairman of the Board Levoy Knowles got things started with a speech touching on the bank's history and its commitment to its customers before introducing a moving video titled, "If These Walls Could Talk." In the video, a voice symbolizing the voice of the bank itself spoke as a witness to history for 150 years touching on the biggest changes in the world and how the bank has adapted along the way.
Following the video, a banner featuring what has been the bank's current logo was pulled down, revealing the new branding the bank will be using going forward. A clean, simple graphic placing an emphasis on the word "FIRST," the branding uses primarily black, white and a brighter yellow in place of the bank's traditional gold color.
Van Vuuren then took to the podium to speak on the strengths which have contributed to the bank's longevity while turning attention to the bank's future and changes ahead.
Van Vuuren said the new logo will be rolling out everywhere the bank is involved over the next few weeks, including the bank's website, app and debit and credit cards.
He also introduced the new slogan which will go along with the branding, "We show up," and explained that, more than a slogan, it is a mission statement for the bank. "If a customer needs us, we will show up for you. When you need First National, we will be there for you," van Vuuren said.
As I've reported in Business Pulse previously, First National is looking to grow, including remodeling the Smithville Highway branch as well as building a location in Franklin near Cool Springs. The new buildings will come with an emphasis on customer service, including a community conference room and a more open, welcoming layout which removes the traditional, formal bank feel that sometimes feels like a barrier between the employees and the customer.
Among the other notable things van Vuuren touched on was the announcement of a brand new bank building to replace First National's branch in Morrison, to be built on the same property. Construction is set to begin later this year. "I think the time has come for us to invest in that Morrison location," van Vuuren said.
While First National certainly has a proud, rich history, it is clear that bank leadership isn't satisfied resting on their lofty laurels and has a clear vision for how to push forward. The history is storied, and the future appears bright.
