On Wednesday, August 14, the new Maynardville business FirstBank invited guests, customers and fellow businesses to a Ribbon Cutting and Open House with refreshments, door prizes, and promotional products. Many guests stopped in for a meet and greet with the new business, its employees, and stakeholders.

Last fall, it was announced that FirstBank would purchase several Tennessee and Georgia branches of Atlantic Capital Bank, including our very own Maynardville bank, re-branding the company at the close of the purchase. With many aspects staying the same with the new ownership, the bank announces it will focus on the community and its relationships.

First Bank started as Farmers State Bank in 1906. The first branch was constructed in Scotts Hill and still remains today. The bank strives to stay a local bank that supports community and local growth with strong relationships and ties. Reputation got around, and in 1984, Jim Ayers and his business partner saw that the power of community banking was growing. Ayers acquired the bank that went through organic growth and mergers for doing the banking that matters: community banking.

Over three decades, FirstBank’s assets grew to be in the billions but the bank never compromised their vision. In 2001, the brand was expanded from authentic local banking into the state’s most iconic cities, from Nashville to Memphis. You can walk into any branch and find a welcoming smile and willingness to help, a tradition and value that has stuck over the generations.

With a history spanning more than 120 years, the investments the bank is most proud of are time, resources, and people improving life in the communities. Mr. Ayers has focused on increasing educational opportunities for young people and worked to improve access to quality healthcare for those people living in Tennessee. In 1999, he established The Ayers Foundation which is run by his wife Janet. The foundation supports a wide range of programs and institutions that emphasize education and medical services for children. The foundation has won recognition for its highly-respected program for high school graduates providing more than 4,200 educational scholarships since 1999.

As it is clearly illustrated, the company is very invested in community growth and support. Join us in welcoming the same smiling faces as before, but with a new name and refreshed goals. Welcome FirstBank!