Across the Carolinas Articles

From the mountains to the coast, you’ll find members of the First Bank team working hard to make the community a better place.

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Finding Success Amidst Uncertainty: Lessons from Anne Till Navigate business ownership’s unknown risks with confidence. Here are 3 pieces of advice from Anne Till, owner of Anne Till Nutrition Group, to help you thrive as an entrepreneur. 4 min read

Branch Spotlight: Combining Finance, Community Building, and Line Dancing in Florence, SC No team in banking understands the nuances of line dancing and banking quite like our Florence-Main branch. Join them for line dancing on Friday mornings! In March of 2023, we expanded our South Carolina footprint with the purchase of GrandSouth bank, adding 8 branches to the First Bank family. Our Florence-Main branch, operated by Paul Seward, Area Executive, and newly promoted City Executive, Ashley Christenbury, kicks off every Friday morning with some good old fashioned line dancing. You might think that line dancing and banking don’t have anything in common, but our team at the Florence-Main branch is here to prove you wrong. The choreography, methodical steps, camaraderie, and community-building aspects of line dancing have direct parallels with banking – and with First Bank specifically. Much like the choreography needed for a group to do the “Biker Shuffle” in unison, the moving parts needed to operate one of the nation’s most successful banks must work together seamlessly. First Bank’s mission combines financial safety and soundness with community trust and confidence. Throughout our organization’s 87-year history, we have seen recessions, depressions, and many banks come and go. Because of our commitment to being safe and sound and serving our customers, we have been awarded as a Number 1 Best-in-State Bank by Forbes, as an Annual KBW Bank Honor Roll Award winner, and one of the Top 10 best-performing public banks in the nation by S&P Global, along with many other accolades. The energy and teambuilding atmosphere cultivated at a line dance is hard to beat. As everyone works together, each dancer contributes to creating something larger than themselves. As the group grows in size and complexity, the more impressive the dance becomes. Similarly, banks that work together with their neighbors foster mutual growth, lasting impact, and impressive communities. An actively involved local bank can provide their neighbors with increased access to small business loans, mortgages, charitable donations, and overall financial wellness. When asked about her favorite part of working at First Bank, Ashley said, “First Bank’s commitment to the local communities we serve across our footprint is incredible. First Bank makes it a priority to support various initiatives on a corporate level and we are expected and encouraged to be involved 3 min read

First Bank Celebrates Anne Stoneham During Women’s History Month Anne Stoneham serves as First Bank’s Senior Director of Human Resources, leading Compensation & Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Training & Talent Development, and Internal Communications. Although her path from college to the workforce was anything but linear, she has been fortunate enough to work in the business/banking industry for 39 years. In her senior year, Stoneham realized that she did not want to pursue a career in her major. Upon graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, she worked at a bank until figuring out what her next steps were. Before this, Anne never even considered banking or business as a career choice, but there she found her love for helping her customers and teammates find the right solutions. She found career direction about a year and a half later when she was offered a position in the training department. There she was able to utilize her strengths, helping her to excel in her field and setting her up for many years of future growth and success. Anne has been fortunate enough to have a number of smart, strong, and capable women in all facets of her life that have been role models, showing her how to be authentic to who she is and how to navigate an industry dominated by men. Having strong admiration for her aunt and grandmother, Stoneham stated, “They were such great examples of grace and strength. I learned a lot from just growing up around them.” Her mother was also a vast influence on her growing up. As a student graduating from high school at the age of 15, Anne’s mother was a model of perseverance for her, always encouraging her to go the extra mile. Professionally, Anne gives gratitude to two leaders in her life; one who thought strategically and sparked Stoneham’s interest in leadership and the other who showed her how to be a true advocate, valued her opinion, and taught her how to preserve in the workplace. Anne stated, “Role models are all around us if we are just willing to be open and take the gifts that each individual can give us, because you can learn something from everyone.” When thinking about her role as a woman in leadership, Anne thinks that the greatest 4 min read

First Bank Celebrates Elizabeth Bostian During Women’s History Month Beginning her career in a male-dominated industry, Elizabeth Bostian, First Bank’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has risen above gender stereotypes to pave a way for generations to come through her perseverance and high-standing achievements. With a major in English Studies and unable to define the purpose of an invoice, Bostian had much to learn about the industry she would soon enter. During college, Elizabeth worked alongside a business manager, where she quickly developed a passion for law. Following her obtainment of a law degree, Bostian spent 5 years at a law firm in Greensboro before she began working for First Bank. During her tenure at the bank, she has worked to develop her capabilities to the fullest by embracing unfamiliar territory in a safe space. “First Bank has allowed me to feel safe enough to say ‘I don’t know’ or to ask questions” stated Bostian. With a determined mindset and secure environment, Elizabeth’s ability to safely fail at times granted her the ability to grow in the most unexpected ways. As the third generation Elizabeth, Bostian always admired her mother and grandmother as they encouraged her to have a growth mindset and embrace the challenges ahead. Elizabeth noted the role her late grandmother played in her life by being a well-educated and traveled woman for her age as well as demonstrating the confidence and courage it takes to shape the life you aspire to have. Being raised by a single mother, Bostian was also aware of the obstacles faced by women and the deterrent effects of unconscious bias against those who wished to obtain a higher degree. Along with the equal expectations set in place for Elizabeth and her siblings, Bostian’s mother and grandmother built the foundation that drives her to advocate for gender equality. Throughout her professional life, Bostian emphasized the importance of every woman that has come before her. Influenced by the women around her, she gained the knowledge of how to navigate male-dominated industries and developed strong relationships with those who valued her abilities and provided wisdom on how to elevate them to make a difference. As a result of her mentorship and self-discovery in the banking industry, she aspires to encourage women of the younger generation 4 min read

First Bank Celebrates Twinkal Patel During Women’s History Month Twinkal Patel, First Bank’s Level III IT Specialist, wants to promote growth and education, inspiring others to achieve their goals. Twinkal was born and raised in India. Once she moved to the United States, she obtained her degree in Computer Science. Afterwards, she started her banking career as a manager in training and quickly became a branch manager. Her willingness to learn, along with the skills she has developed from her work experience have made her into the effective leader that she is today. She has had the opportunity to work in several different roles throughout her career, all of which contributed to her knowledge of banking and understanding of different departments. There is nothing she can think of that she hasn’t done, and to her that’s the beauty of working at a community bank. Twinkal stated, “Although with our merger we’re not truly titled a community bank, we are community minded. That’s the key! Being community minded is what we need to always think about and look forward to on a daily basis.” As she thought back to earlier years, she has known the most influential women in her life to be her mother and grandmother. “My mother taught me to be strong, independent, and confident,” stated Patel. For her, Twinkal’s grandmother was a great role model as her kindness, positivity, and compassion touched the lives of so many people. She is so blessed to have these two amazing women in her life, as they continue to motivate her and inspire her every single day. When asked how she views her role as a woman in leadership, Twinkal reflected and stated, “It is very important to empower your team members, regardless of their gender.” She believes that as a leader, we should be establishing an equal and positive work environment, so that each of our team members feel that they are an essential part of the team. Furthermore, we need to always remember that leaders are chosen to set a vision; they encourage and achieve goals as a team, and lead by example to earn the respect of their team members. Twinkal tells other women who want to take on more leadership roles that no dream is too big. 3 min read

First Bank Celebrates Donielle Bacon During Women’s History Month Donielle Bacon, First Bank’s Area Retail Manager, is driven to overcome the societal and cultural expectations set for an African American woman. Starting out in the hospitality industry, working many years as a wait staff trainer and bartender, Bacon was able to develop exceptional customer service and cross-selling skills, aiding her as she began her unexpected career path into the banking sector. Because the job roles she held were seasonal due to the venues, Bacon began searching for a side job, which led her to work as a part-time teller for a credit union in San Diego almost 20 years ago. Throughout her time as a teller, Bacon found a passion for assisting customers with their financial needs. Over the years, Bacon has led by example and managed teams full of individuals with various backgrounds. As a branch manager for First Bank, Bacon has exemplified true leadership and courage by stepping out of her comfort zone, into a new role and successfully learning how to balance the talents and strengths of the individuals on her team. Growing up, Bacon was particularly influenced by her mother both personally and professionally. “From a young age, she always tried to push me out of my comfort zone” stated Bacon. Her mother inspired her to dream large and live life to the fullest against all odds, instilling in her the importance of being independent and embracing the gender and racial differences that she represented, instead of allowing them to hold her back. When asked about her role as a woman in a leadership position, Bacon emphasized “I used to be offended by these kinds of questions.” As she viewed herself as equal, she preferred to be asked as an individual not as a woman. While still acknowledging that we are all equal, Bacon has learned to recognize and welcome the differences. Through her experiences, she has seen first-hand how a woman’s perspective and diversity within the workplace can benefit the morale and enhance performance. As her mother’s words encourage her daily to maximize the role she plays in her team’s career, Bacon has used her values and growth mindset to employ her team to their fullest extent, fostering an environment surrounded by support and 3 min read

Join Us: the 12 Days of Giving This holiday season, First Bank team members across the Carolinas are participating in the 12 Days of Giving. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and we’d love to invite you to join us. This handy list has some ideas to get you started. 1 min read

First Bank celebrated the Forbes nod with a marquee in Times Square

Forbes Names First Bank as Best-In-State Bank First Bank was named the best bank in North Carolina by Forbes.com. 2 min read

First Bank is One of the Top Banks in the U.S.A. When searching for the top banks in the U.S., it is often smarter to work with a small community bank over a national bank. Small banks often have deeper connections to the community and are invested in the success of individuals and businesses. First Bank* is a community bank that provides a wide range of banking services to people living in North Carolina and South Carolina. Make First Bank Your Top Choice Recent data shows that community banking institutions make up 94% of all banks in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that local banks continue to serve an important role for small businesses, agricultural lending and the nation’s overall economic sector. According to Forbes, “Small banks serve the economy well: they provide reasonably safe places for savings and are a source of essential finance for households and businesses.” Since opening our first branch in 1935, First Bank has had a longstanding commitment to providing the right solutions for financial success. Today, First Bank has grown into a progressive bank network that serves people throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. More than 80 years after opening, First Bank’s focus remains the same: to be the best community bank in every community we serve and through every delivery channel we offer. Our Core Values Becoming one of the top banks in the U.S. does not come without creating a distinct mission, vision and set of core values. At First Bank, the following core values are also what differentiate us in a competitive market: Be committed to safety and soundness. Provide accurate, prompt, courteous service. Make it easy for our associates to deliver the best value to our clients, and easy for our clients to do business with us whenever, wherever, and however they choose. Help our clients and associates build and achieve goals. Our Services First Bank offers a wide variety of banking services, including: Personal checking and savings accounts Personal loans and credit Business checking and savings accounts Business loans and credit Mortgages Digital banking Find a First Bank Near You With over 100 locations across NC and SC finding a First Bank near you is simple. Visit our Location Finder and type in your city and state or zip code. Or, 3 min read

Banks Near Me When you are trying to find banks near you, there are many options. With so many choices, it can be hard to be sure you’re choosing the right bank for you. At First Bank, we care about the needs of our customers. That is why our banking options are designed to meet the unique needs of our customers. First Bank’s first branch opened in Troy, North Carolina, where we were known for helping local businesses and farmers manage their finances throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Today, we’re still known for our community values, and we serve businesses, families, and customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. There’s a First Bank Near You Chances are if you’re in one of the states we service, there’s a First Bank near you. And it offers a range of services from personal banking to wealth management. Some services we offer include: Personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards with benefits* Personal loans and lines of credit* Business checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, and group banking Business loans and credit cards* Merchant services like payment processing, reconciliation and reporting, and check collection Treasury services, such as payroll direct deposit and deposit services Wealth management services* Insurance for individuals and businesses We want to make the needs of our customers are met. Whether you need a savings account, a business loan, or auto insurance. We strive to be a bank near you that is worth more to you. The Best Banks Nearby Visit our website to discover more about First Bank. Our team of banking experts are ready to answer any questions you have about First Bank and the services we offer. *Investment and Insurance Products are NOT Bank Deposits, NOT FDIC-Insured, HAVE NO Bank Guarantee, NOT Insured by any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value. Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our MasterCard® programs. ©2013 MasterCard. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/homeequityloan.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lineofcredit.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/reconciliation.asp 2 min read

Your Community Bank If you live in North Carolina or South Carolina, you have a ton of banking options right outside your door. Large financial institutions may seem like your best option for banking services at first, but community banks typically offer more consumer-friendly services and fewer fees. Choose the Right Community Bank First Bank is your community bank that cares about local roots. Since 1935, we have been providing our customers with community-centric banking services, including: Personal banking options, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, debit and credit cards, personal loans, and more. Business banking options, like checking and savings accounts, business loans, merchant services, and treasury services. Wealth management services, like asset managements, mutual funds, and estate services. Insurance products, such as life and health insurance for individuals and commercial insurance for businesses. Mortgage loan options, including conventional, government, jumbo, first-time home buyer, and more. The Benefits of a Community Bank According to Bankrate.com there are many other advantages to choosing a community bank over a big bank. For example: Community banks are relationship-based, and the employees typically know you and your whole family on a personal level. Community banks are also smaller and can therefore offer personalized service. Community banks also typically offer lower fees and lower balance requirements than big banks. Being smaller allows community banks to have more lending flexibility than bigger banks Community banks tend to stick to their local roots, which means they strive to offer great services with low fees and give back to the community. First Bank is small enough to know you like a neighbor, large enough to handle all of your banking needs, and dedicated to supporting our local communities. To learn more about us and our banking services, visit your local First Bank branch today. ——— Sources: Bankrate: http://www.bankrate.com/banking/community-banks-vs-big-banks/ 2 min read

Banks in North Carolina Did you know there are more than 100 First Bank locations in North Carolina? It’s true. You can find us in over 60 cities, mountains to coast. Did you know we’re one of the oldest banks in North Carolina? Yup, our roots date back to 1935 in the town of Troy, North Carolina. Did you know we’re a full-service bank? We sure are. We have checking and savings accounts for personal and business use, credit cards, loans of all types, business merchant services, insurance, mortgages, wealth management, and more. Of all the banks in North Carolina, we are confident you won’t find the personal level of customer service, complete selection of services, and convenient array of locations that you’ll find with First Bank. We take advantage of technology to bring our customers the added convenience of online, mobile, and digital banking services to enhance the First Bank experience.* We even connect with our customers through our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels! Not Like the Other Banks in North Carolina You’re likely to find three types of banks in North Carolina. First, you’ll find the large national banks. They don’t have the capacity to get to personally know their customers and specifically cater services to those needs. The second are smaller local banks that aren’t equipped with the selection of services that bigger banks can offer. The third type of bank in North Carolina is First Bank, which offers the best of both worlds. We are small enough to provide the friendly customer service and personal care of a local bank and big enough to provide all the services and products of the bigger banks. So get to know First Bank, and we’ll be pleased to get to know you right back. 2 min read

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