FAIRMONT —
First Exchange Bank is “80 years strong” and plans to keep serving the community for years to come.
This summer, the financial institution is celebrating its 80th year as a community bank, with its official anniversary at the end of June.
According to information from the company, First Exchange Bank was created on June 25, 1932, as a result of the merger of three banks in Mannington during the Great Depression. The company is the successor of The Bank of Mannington, First National Bank and The Exchange Bank.
George W. Bowers, who established the sanitary pottery firm in Mannington called Homewood Pottery Co., became the first president of First Exchange Bank. Over the years, the presidents of the company have included Harry J. Haught, Philip H. Pitzer, George W. May, A. Dale Poling and Jack C. Prendergast. Bill Goettel is the current president and CEO.
First Exchange Bank was initially housed at The Bank of Mannington’s old building, located on the corner of Market and Water streets in Mannington. In 1969, the company relocated to a new facility on West Main Street, and two additions have been built on to the structure since then.
From 1969 to today, First Exchange Bank’s assets have grown from $4.5 million to approximately $200 million.
According to the bank, “The growth has been accomplished by maintaining a focus on serving the small business community and providing excellent customer service to each and every customer. First Exchange Bank has made a conscious decision to remain independent and to assist in the communities we serve.”
The financial institution serves North Central West Virginia through branch offices in Mannington, Fairmont, Fairview, Barrackville, Hundred and Morgantown.
Brooke Lasure, marketing/training officer, said First Exchange Bank has been successful and has stayed in business for 80 years because it knows the area well and understands the needs of its customers.
“We are a local, hometown community bank,” she said. “The decisions are made locally. We live and work in the communities we serve.”
First Exchange Bank has a total of about 75 staff members, including several longtime employees, Lasure said.
Assistant vice president/cashier Marlene Lucas, proof operator Mary Fisher and loan clerk Vickie Glasscock Dodd have been serving the main office in Mannington for more than 30 years each. Their combined banking experience is 99 years.
Lasure said the company’s employees are involved in different organizations throughout the communities they serve, such as the Salvation Army, United Way, Relay for Life, Union Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Marion and countless others.
First Exchange Bank provides products and services that are comparable to the offerings of larger banks, but that hometown feel sets it apart, she said. The branches still have people who actually answer the telephone when customers call.
In addition, First Exchange Bank is on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to online banking, Lasure said.
The company is taking time to commemorate its landmark anniversary in several ways.
This summer, customer-appreciation cookouts will be held at each of the branches, and the staff will be rewarded with a celebration picnic. On the actual anniversary, June 25, each location will serve cupcakes to customers in the lobby and give treats to drive-thru customers. During July, a new account and service promotion will be offered, Lasure said.
She added that First Exchange Bank is in the process of creating a special logo for the anniversary, as well as a tagline that focuses on being “80 years strong.”
“The 80-year anniversary symbol is oak,” Goettel said. “This is fitting for First Exchange Bank because we are 80 years strong, like oak. Our shareholders, customers and staff are the foundation that have allowed us to branch out and serve our communities throughout the years. We are hometown grown and proud to serve the North Central West Virginia area.”
Email Jessica Borders at jborders@timeswv.com.
Business
First Exchange Bank celebrating 80 years
- Business
-
-
Report shows ‘true drivers’ affecting coal industry
A new report examines the major factors causing the significant decline in coal production in the region and the continuing trend into the future.
On May 14, Morgantown-based Downstream Strategies LLC released a report titled “The Continuing Decline in Demand for Central Appalachian Coal: Market and Regulatory Influences.” -
Spin Cycle Laundry Service launches June 1
Spin Cycle’s mission is to help the community by providing a quality, affordable service.
This locally owned laundry service will officially launch on June 1. The new business, owned by lifelong Mannington resident Diana Sypolt, will serve all of Marion County. -
GNC moves to new location in White Hall
GNC remains committed to helping customers “Live Well” and stay healthy at its new location in White Hall.
This corporate General Nutrition Centers store recently moved into the newly constructed, three-shop plaza beside Bob Evans, at 9642 Mall Loop Road, after being located in the Middletown Mall for many years. -
Marketplace Fairness Act helps level playing field for small businesses
Local business professionals like the fact that the Marketplace Fairness Act would treat all retail equally in terms of sales taxes.
On May 6, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 was passed in the U.S. Senate by a 69-27 vote. -
Morgantown conference designed to help small businesses prosper
The Teaming to Win Conference is designed to help small businesses in West Virginia grow and find success.
The event will take place at the West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown on Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29. -
nTelos Wireless has new home in White Hall
nTelos Wireless is offering savings on the latest products and services at its new home in White Hall.
After being located inside the Middletown Mall for about 10 years, the business basically moved across the street into the new shopping plaza beside Bob Evans, at 9640 Mall Loop Road. -
Winners named in West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition
The West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition continues to help bring business ideas to life for young entrepreneurs.
-
Beach Coffee Co.: Drinks and much more
Drinking coffee is a big tradition for Jennifer Beach and her family.
On April 6, Jennifer officially opened her business, Beach Coffee Co., at 200 Buffalo St., in Mannington. It’s located beside Country Prim & Folksy in the building that formerly housed Once Upon A Tea Room. -
Diane Lewis named W.Va. Small Business Person of the Year
Diane Lewis never imagined that her Morgantown-based company would see so much success.
On April 17, the U.S. Small Business Administration surprised Lewis, president and CEO of Action Facilities Management Inc., at her business office to announce that she had been named the 2013 West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year. -
Anthony Chevrolet Cadillac remodeling done
Anthony Chevrolet Cadillac’s recent remodeling project is pleasing customers as well as employees.
The dealership, located at 1229 Country Club Rd. in Fairmont, has gone through a major renovation involving improvements to both the exterior and interior, said Jo Marie Pitrolo, dealer of Anthony Chevrolet Cadillac. - More Business Headlines
-
Report shows ‘true drivers’ affecting coal industry
