Strong Financial Footings
Farmers and Merchants Bank was organized in 1909 with authorized capital stock of $25,000; only one third of this amount was actually in hand.  Under the management of dedicated and conservative Directors, Officers, and Staff who realized that success depends on proper service to customers, the Bank has increased its capital account from earnings each year in amounts sufficient that the stockholders never have been required to invest any additional money for capital purposes.  Today, the financial footings of Farmers and Merchants Bank are very strong.

Community Based Foundation
The name Farmers and Merchants was chosen because the bank's principal customers were family farmers and small-town merchants.  Although services have expanded to encompass the ever-increasing financial needs of a more diverse population, we have not lost sight of our humble beginning, and we value all our customers - large and small.  We are now a full-service bank, but one of our strong points is that we still design our services to meet the needs of our customers in a caring and professional manner.

Influence of Founders
Farmers and Merchants Bank has benefited from the stability of its leadership.  The original president, F.P. Adams, frequently sat outside in his cane-bottomed chair, leaned back against the front wall of the bank, and chatted with local residents regarding their banking needs.  Following Adams' example of one-on-one relationships with customers, only four other men have served as long-term presidents of Farmers and Merchants Bank: Robert Smith, CEO or President for more than 30 years; Coleman Smith, Officer, President, and Director for more than 50 years; John Arnold, President and CEO for 15 years until his untimely death in 1995; and Bruce Hamblen, current President.  Burl Smith and J.T. Ross served as Interim Presidents while Coleman Smith was in the military service, and Eddie Dickey served as Interim President following John Arnold's death.  Each of these men fostered community involvement as a basic tenet of bank administration.

Emphasis on Fundamentals
Throughout the years, Farmers and Merchants Bank has stressed prompt response, complete confidentiality, and unquestionable integrity.  This emphasis on fundamentals is the basis for Farmers and Merchants Bank's longevity as a community bank.