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First Century Bank Announces Creation of Employee Stimulus Plan

TAZEWELL, Tenn., April 23, 2020 – Local community bank, First Century Bank, creates a stimulus plan of their own. President and CEO, Rob Barger, announced today that First Century is giving every bank employee $250 extra dollars in their next paycheck, but there’s a stipulation, they are encouraged to spend the money at a local non-essential business impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown. Barger stated, “we are a community bank, and giving back to and supporting our local businesses is what we are about”. Barger went on to say, “when our local retailers and ‘mom & pops’ open back up on May 1st, we want our employees to be the first in line ready to transact business”.

The last 35 days have been extremely difficult on our community and employers. Barger sees the First Century employee stimulus as a small way to not only boost employee morale but help our community as well. “It’s the least we can do, given the difficult situation we have all experienced since early March,” said Barger.

First Century Bank has thrived over the last several years, recently recognized by Bank Street Partners as the Number One overall bank in the State of Tennessee, something the bank is very proud of. And just 18 months ago, First Century added their logo to the downtown Knoxville skyline with their 8th branch located at 625 Market Street.

Established in 1894, First Century Bank is a locally owned and operated institution. As a third-generation banker, Barger is proud of the fact that First Century has overcome difficult economic uncertainty over the last 126 years including: the great depression, two world wars, Vietnam, 9-11, the great recession, and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barger and the employees of First Century are challenging other banks and credit unions to consider doing a similar employee stimulus. “As an industry, we need to do our part to help our friends, neighbors, and local businesses return to prosperity”, said Barger.

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Contact: Daniel Hill, First Century Bank
Phone: (423) 626-7261
Email: danielhill@firstcenturybank.com

First Century Bank Announces Opening of Market Street Office in Downtown Knoxville

TAZEWELL, Tenn., January 18, 2019 – First Century Bank is pleased to announce the opening of their newest branch located at 625 Market Street in Downtown Knoxville. “We are very excited to be a part of the growth and revitalization of Downtown Knoxville” says Rob Barger, President and CEO. “We saw the opportunity and the need in downtown Knoxville for a locally owned and operated community bank, something that’s unique in today’s banking environment”.  First Century Bank, founded in 1899, is a family owned and operated organization based out of Tazewell, TN. Chairperson, Eleanor Yoakum, is second generation in the bank and her son Rob Barger is third generation.

We are very excited to be a part of the growth and revitalization of Downtown Knoxville” – Rob Barger

The 625 Market Street location is a Full-Service branch, complete with both Retail and Commercial Banking products & services. “We are a relationship-oriented bank that focuses on businesses and individuals. We aren’t on every street corner like some of our competitors, but we make up for that with strong relationships and personal service” says, Rex Rauhuff, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.

“We are excited to show the Downtown market the great benefits and advantages that a community bank offers.  I think they will be impressed”. – Rex Rauhuff

First Century Bank is a privately-owned financial institution with $385 million dollars in total assets. First Century Bank currently has 8 branch locations: Tazewell, New Tazewell, Harrogate, Sneedville, Maynardville, Powell, Maryville, and Knoxville.  This is First Century’s second branch office in Knox County.  The 600 East Emory Road office in North Knox opened in 1998.  In 2015, First Century opened their seventh branch in Maryville located at 1522 W Broadway Ave.

In 2018, First Century was recognized by Bank Street Partners (a leading investment banking firm based in Charlotte, NC) as the number one overall bank in the State of Tennessee.  This ranking is comprised of key bank performance measures such as: income, asset quality, net interest margin, total overhead, and return on equity.

About First Century Bank

As a family owned organization, First Century Bank takes pride in being a responsible leader and key advocate of the communities they serve.  Additionally, they encourage employee involvement and participation to enhance the quality of life in the areas they serve.  Learn more about First Century by visiting their website at www.firstcenturybank.com.