By expanding our market and growing our loan portfolio, First Carolina State Bank reached record asset levels in 2007. In addition to our existing service area of Nash and Edgecombe counties, we opened a loan production office in Greenville and added staff familiar with the Greenville/Pitt County market.
| We implemented a sales incentive program that increased product sales and referrals. |
Greenville is a growth market in eastern North Carolina. It is the home of East Carolina University and a large regional hospital and medical school that was recently approved for a dental school.
Total loans increased by more than a third in 2007 and the Greenville office contributed significantly to that growth.
Our staff continues to maintain a high level of involvement in our communities. Our employees are active with the chambers of commerce and United Way in both Rocky Mount and Tarboro. They are volunteer tutors with the Communites in Schools of the Rocky Mount Region, Inc. program and are members of local civic clubs.
In December, we became the title sponsor of the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon Road Race. A new race for the Rocky Mount area, the half marathon attracted more than 600 runners. The activities also included a family 5K, one-mile fun run and 100-yard dash for younger children. The proceeds from the events were donated to local charities.
In 2007, we provided sales training for our associates and implemented a sales incentive program that increased product sales and referrals within the bank. We also added a Capitol Wealth Advisors investment executive to enhance the product offerings for clients and prospects in our expanded market.
Our bank’s board of directors has been very involved in the bank’s growth this year as they continue to be a great referral source for new business and personal relationships. They promote our bank in the community and are supportive of our efforts to make First Carolina the premier community bank in our markets.
In the coming year our plans include building on the strength of our experienced staff and support of our board to continue to grow our bank profitably while providing the quality of service our loyal customers deserve.
— Timothy N. Taylor, President & CEO