Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Find Your Local Branch
Back
Scroll to top

Branch Spotlight: Foundational Community Banking in Lee County

Across The Carolinas 6 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch

The community bank of choice in Lee County

First Bank is grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the businesses, schools, farms, organizations, and families that make the Lee County community so strong. As an independent community bank, we draw inspiration from the innovation and determination of our neighbors. Lee County’s rich history of manufacturing brick and throwing pottery is specifically admirable. The contrast between mass-producing foundational, sturdy, and structurally sound material like brick and the custom, unique, hand-thrown intricacies of pottery is a great metaphor for First Bank’s services. Yes, an established, strong and methodical foundation is essential but our ability to also mold tailor-made solutions for our customers is what really sets us apart from other banks..

What is a community bank?

Our designation as a community bank means that our primary focus is to build banking relationships within the communities where we operate. As a result, your hard earned money stays within your local economy where it can fund small business loans, help your home value grow so you can tap into your home’s equity, and invest in the future of your community. First Bank was founded in Troy, North Carolina during the Great Depression and has since grown to 118 locations with over 1,400 employees across North and South Carolina. Everyone from our forward-facing personal bankers to our back-office support associates are your neighbors who care about the success of this community.

Committed to Your Success in Lee County

Our team has decades of combined banking experience specific to Lee County. We offer the same services as the national banks, but specialize in personalized service from bankers who know your name and live in your neighborhood. Meet a few members of our Lee County First Bank team:

Get Connected with a Lee County Branch ↓

Meet Your Lee County Community Bankers

Rich Trogdon

Area Executive | Sanford Main Branch

Committed to Community

“I think it’s important to create a community atmosphere for customers so they receive the same care and attention that our own family would. As a community banker I am not just serving my customer’s community, it is my community as well and I want to see it flourish.”

 

Angela Poole

Branch Manager | Sanford Main Branch

Trusted Advisor

“Trust is the most important value in developing relationships with my customers. By ensuring there is an open line of communication, my customers know I am on their side and that my goal is to see them achieve theirs. It brings me joy to see how far my customers have come, and how I have been able to help along the way because of the level of trust we share.”

Kathy Harrington

Branch Manager | Broadway Branch

Devoted to Customers’ Success

“The reason I’ve enjoyed working at First Bank for so long is because I can make personal connections with my customers and community. The sense of community that is fostered at First Bank allows customers to receive the care they deserve. I enjoy that my customers share their personal milestones so I can see how my efforts are helping them achieve their goals.”

Merritt Foushee

Business Development Officer | Sanford Main Branch

Rooted in the Community

“Sanford has always been my home so I take personal pride in helping build up the community. I want the community to thrive and I am able to do that by developing relationships with my customers. Simply being there when a customer needs you ensures they can fulfill their goals which helps the community grow as well.”

Justin Gaines

Business Development Officer | Sanford Main Branch

Dependable Business Advisor

“Building customer relationships is more than something purely transactional. Through the development of trust and transparency, my customers know that I will be there to fulfill their needs. I enjoy being a sounding board to help them achieve success in business.”

Valentina Mejia

Personal Banker | Sanford South Horner Branch

Dedicated Bilingual Community Banker

“Being able to help the Hispanic community receive the support they need to achieve their financial goals is important to me. It can be difficult to navigate finances when there is a language barrier present. I am able to take the time to get to the root of what my customer’s need and communicate solutions in a manner that they can understand.”

Donna Covington

Branch Manager | Sanford South Horner Branch

Committed to Making a Positive Impact

“Listening, applying critical thinking, and offering solutions that fit their needs are how I am able to make a positive impact on my customers. As a banker for a community bank, I can take the time to understand customers’ needs and recommend solutions tailored to them in order to make the best impact in their lives.”

The First Bank Difference

Commitment to providing exceptional customer service is a pillar of our organization. Going the extra mile for our clients is in our DNA.

Meaningful Relationships

Our community bankers are here to help you achieve financial independence and realize your dreams. We care about your goals and will take the time to listen to your needs.

Community-Focused

Our goal to make a positive impact on the communities where we operate isn’t just limited to our banking services. The First Bank Power of Good program is our corporate citizenship initiative that gives back to exceptional change-makers and leaders across the Carolinas. Power of Good projects, programs, experiences, and relationships are focused on four key impact areas: affordable housing, education, financial education and wellness, and food scarcity and supply.

Long-Term Solutions

Achieving financial independence can take time. As members of your community, we understand and share your vision for success. We’re in it for the long haul too. Our mission is to help build sustainable solutions that benefit everyone across the county.

Click to Find Your Lee County Branch Info

Background image Sanford Main
Background image Sanford South Horner
Background image Broadway

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch
Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Meg Roberts, business owner and maker Crafting a Future: Part One We have been reading a lot about profitable DIY-ers—those who turned hobbies into successful thriving companies. So we set out to answer this question: could small-scale makers have big impact? 4 min read
Close up image of fresh produce. How Local Produce Leads to Local Innovation When you take a bite of an apple or dig into some leafy greens, do you ever think about where they came from and how they were grown? With the wealth of information available via the Internet, wary consumers in North Carolina (and beyond) are getting invested in and engaged with where and how their food is produced, from the chemicals involved to the methods used to get the goods from the farm to their forks. It’s no surprise that many are finding it’s often more beneficial for their bodies, their families, and their communities to purchase food products from local farms. Paul Jones, Media Marketing Specialist of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, explains that the interest in organic, locally grown food is nothing new in North Carolina. “Agriculture has such a rich heritage in North Carolina and continues to be the state’s top industry,” he explains. “I think both those factors contribute to our strong interest in local food.” But the rebirth of the farm-to-table movement nationally has been “tremendously beneficial” to farms that dot the state, says Jones. One such business is Pine Knot Farms located in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina. Pine Knot Farms: Organic Original The Orange County farm was originally built for large tobacco crops but is now known more for its certified organic vegetables including collards, kale, and sweet potato greens. Owner Stanley Hughes and his wife, Linda Leach Hughes, are proud to carry on the century-old tradition of organic farming that started when Stanley’s grandfather purchased the land in 1912. “Back in the day, they were farming organically, but there was no term for it,” says Linda. “It was just the way things were done. This land is over 100 years old and has never had any chemicals on it.” Stanley says that the local movement has led to increased demand of Pine Knot’s organic products. “We’ve seen an increase of 15-25% a year in the last 10 years because folks are more educated about what they eat.” Buying Local Helps Local Economies And they are not alone. The Hughes say they have seen many other farms benefiting from consumers who keep their food spending within the community. “It’s helped them to maintain 5 min read
South Carolina Industries South Carolina Industries and Their Economic Impact [INFOGRAPHIC] Check out this South Carolina infographic to learn more about areas for job growth and business opportunities. 1 min read
Image for tile. Hurricane Helene Recovery: Financial Assistance Options 1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans The SBA offers a range of disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not covered by insurance or FEMA. These loans help cover both personal and business expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. October 15, 2024 Update: The SBA announced that it has exhausted funds for its disaster loan program. Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers. The SBA is encouraging individuals and small businesses to continue to apply for loans given assurances from congressional leaders that additional funding will be provided upon Congress’s return in November. Click here to read the press release. Home Disaster Loans: Available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Business Physical Disaster Loans: These loans are designed for businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged property owned by the business, such as real estate, machinery, equipment, and supplies. Private non-profit organizations like charities and churches are also eligible. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): These are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofits meet financial obligations they can’t cover due to the disaster. These loans are meant to support recovery during the disaster recovery period. For more information, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website or contact them directly. 2. FEMA Disaster Assistance FEMA offers a wide range of financial assistance programs for those impacted by natural disasters. If you have insurance, file a claim immediately, as FEMA cannot cover losses that are already insured. FEMA provides grants for: Temporary housing Home repairs Other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance You can apply for FEMA assistance online or by calling 800-621-3362. 3. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Individuals who have lost their jobs or had their employment interrupted due to Hurricane Helene may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This program extends unemployment benefits to those who may not be eligible for state unemployment, such as the self-employed or small business owners. To qualify, you must: Live, work, or were scheduled to work in a federally declared disaster area. Have lost employment or had employment interrupted due to the disaster. Have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined weekly, so you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster to maintain benefits. Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance page of the NC Department of Commerce website for more information about this program.  4. Freddie Mac, HUD, and FHA Mortgage Assistance If your home has been affected by Hurricane Helene and you are struggling to make mortgage payments, Freddie Mac, HUD, and the FHA offer mortgage relief options. These include: Forbearance plans to temporarily suspend or reduce your mortgage payments. Loan modifications to make your mortgage more affordable over the long term. Mortgage assistance programs designed specifically for disaster recovery. Contact your mortgage provider to inquire about disaster relief programs available through these organizations. 5. NC Bankers Association Disaster Relief The NC Bankers Association provides resources and guidance for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters. Through their network, they can help you access financial institutions offering relief, including special loan programs and deferral options for existing debts. It’s worth reaching out to your local bank or lender to inquire about specific programs that may be available to you. Visit the Hurricane Helene page of the NC Bankers Association website for a comprehensive list of resources. 6. WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Mountain BizWorks In response to Hurricane Helene, the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, led by Mountain BizWorks, is providing financial relief for businesses across Western North Carolina. This fund is designed to support local businesses that were impacted by the hurricane, offering critical recovery resources, including: Low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild. Emergency financial support to address urgent needs like working capital, repairs, and more. Mountain BizWorks is a community-focused lender that helps small businesses in the region thrive, even in the face of disaster. They are committed to supporting business owners through the recovery process with accessible financing options. Visit their website for more details on how to apply. 7. SBA Microlenders for Business Recovery The SBA also partners with microlenders across the country to provide small loans, typically up to $50,000, to businesses in need of capital. These loans can help cover immediate business needs such as payroll, inventory, and repairs. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these microlenders are valuable resources for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing options. To find an SBA microlender in your area, visit the SBA Microlender List. 8. Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Appalachian Community Capital has partnered with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants to small businesses harmed by Hurricane Helene. The grant program is called the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. Small businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 to cover expenses related to recovery and reopening including repair and replacement of physical damage, environmental cleanup, payment of business-related rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more. The application window for this grant is from October 30 through November 27, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit their website here. First Bank is Here to Help If you have any questions about these resources, our bankers are more than happy to help you navigate the questions you may have. Recovering from Hurricane Helene is a challenging process, but these resources are designed to provide financial relief when it’s needed most. If you’ve been affected, be proactive in exploring the options available to you, from disaster loans to mortgage forbearance.  While the road to recovery may be long, these programs can ease some of the financial burdens and help you rebuild your life or business. 5 min read
First Bank logo
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website are the most popular and useful.