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The First National Bank of Bells/Savoy
       
 
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The First National Bank of Bells/Savoy
 
 
Mission statement: 

First National Bank will seek to be the outstanding financial institution in our community by providing:
A high level of personalized service and attention to its targeted customer base.
Deposit and loan products and services to individuals, small to meduim-sized businesses, and professionals.
A challenging and rewarding work environment for its staff of skilled professional bankers.
Attractive and convenient banking quarters with current IT applications.
Maximum returns on investment to shareholders commensurate with safe and sound banking practices.
Overview: 

Our bank has served the needs of our customers and community while weathering many challenges of the economy and the banking industry. Our industry now faces some of the utmost challenges. These problems were not caused by community banks but I believe that community banks will provide significant resources in resolving these problems. We are fortunate to be in Texas, with a strong customer base, and banking credentials that will allow us to survive and be resilient as we work through these turbulent times.

The entire staff of First National Bank has begun this year with the challenge of changing our internal software platform system. This change will allow our customers real time on funds availability through their debit card, ATM, and internet banking. More flexibility on our cut-off time and in the near future we will begin the development of our remote capture product. We were successful in this conversion as of April 13th and look forward to the additional products and services that the system will allow. As we proceed with these changes, we hope that we are able to overcome any problems that may arise. We welcome your comments as we strive to meet and exceed your banking requirements.

We will continue our efforts of evaluating our potential branch location north of Bells beside the high school this year. We are working with our engineers to further that development and hope that we will have a facility in place in the near future.
History: 

Farmers & Merchants Bank, owned by G.D. Simpson, operated in Bells two years prior to December 24, 1904, when First National Bank of Bells received its charter and W.B. Blanton  became the first President.  Succeeding presidents included C.R. Badgett, W.P. Ferguson,  N.C. Ferguson, G.D.F. Whiting, T.P. Wells, Jeffer Dickins, Paul Wilson, and Jim McCellan.

In 1965, the bank was sold to R.B. Detro, who wanted an ultra modern bank building, and in 1966, built a new building at the intersection of Hwy. 69 and (what was previously known as) Hwy. 82. The bank became known as “The Bank at the Crossroads”.

Mr. Detro’s idea of modern banking included replacing teller cages with desks.  This was the norm for the bank until July, 1973, when the bank was robbed for the second time in its history.  The bank underwent a redesign whereby teller cages were constructed.

In 1970, the bank was sold to A.L. Geer and Associates, an investor group from Anna. Wallace Carr was installed as President.  The bank enjoyed stability and prosperity for eight years when, in 1978, the bank was sold to Don Anderson, who was major stockholder and also served as President.

Anderson built the current bank building in 1982 and, in the same year, sold it to a family trust. Larry Cornell became President and served until September of 1984, when Shirley Mullinix was named President/CEO.  Upon her retirement December 31, 2008, C.Alan Renfroe  succeeded her and is currently serving as President/CEO.  

The bank has had a distinctive and interesting, if not somewhat colorful, history with just a few instances bearing mention:
It holds the distinction of being one of the few banks that did not close during the depression of the 1930’s and overcame the multitude of Texas bank failures of the 1980’s emerging as more than merely viable but a strong, solid financial institution.
The bank was targeted for robbery twice.  First, November 21, 1934, by three men in an automobile who were thwarted in their efforts by barking dogs. Second in July,1973, when the bank was “cased” by the robber who later came back and was remembered by employees who had encountered him earlier.
The bank made headlines when guns were found stored at the bank. A thorough investigation ensued with no wrong doing found.

After the Savoy Mayor, on behalf of the town, approached bank management pointing out that with the bank’s location being almost half way between Bells and Savoy and that since the bank served both communities, requested Savoy be added to the bank’s name. After due consideration, management, the Board of Directors, and the Stockholders did not feel it to be an unreasonable request, and in 1993 the bank’s name became the First National Bank of Bells/Savoy.

In 1997 the bank underwent a total interior make over.  Increased square footage provided a conference room for Directors to meet and conduct business, additional office space, work area, and storage.  The lobby was redesigned and redecorated.

Even with our makeover, the plate glass windows in front have proved a hazard.  Not once but twice and during banking hours, cars, being unable to stop, have found themselves inadvertently “parked” in the lobby.  Luckily, no one was injured.

Directors, Officers, and Employees of First National Bank of Bells/Savoy are very proud of its 105 year history and look forward to many more as your community bank.  The bank prides itself on being an integral part and active supporter of both communities’ activities. The bank also prides itself on being a strong, solid institution that has not engaged in the type of activities which have caused trouble for the banking industry.


 
 
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