We're featuring another one of our Gold Corporate Sponsors today! The Chamber is fortunate to have the amazing community support we do, please read one to learn more about one of these sponsors--First State Bank & Trust.

Tell us a little about your business:

For more than 80 years, First State Bank & Trust Co., Inc. has partnered with Southeast Missouri residents to bring professional and personal banking experiences. First State Bank & Trust remains a locally owned financial institution, and through the commitment of its officers, directors and employees, it continues to be a strong, stable and independent community bank with local management at each location. We consider it a privilege to be located in each of the seven communities and look forward to working with our customers and our communities for years to come. 
 
 
What is something people DON’T know about your business, or what is a common misconception you see about your business?

A common misconception about community banks (especially in recent economic times) is regarding stability. Some people feel bigger banks are more stable. Not the case at all!  Community banks focus their banking efforts in the same communities where we work and live - taking deposits from the local area and reinvesting it right back into the same communities.  On the other hand, large banks take your deposits and invest them in high-risk businesses all over the country and even the world.  Community Banks and their customers money stay in their community.  


 
 What is your favorite thing about doing business in the Sikeston region?

 We have several favorite things about doing business right here in Southeast     Missouri. As a community bank, we focus on providing traditional banking services   to our local communities. This means we obtain most of our core deposits locally   and make many of our loans to local consumers and businesses. We live and work   in the communities we serve. We serve our neighbors, friends and families as “     "relationship” bankers as opposed to “transactional” bankers. Speaking   geographically, our region naturally requires a heavy agricultural propensity. We   have an abundance of experience in Ag Lending. Our comprehensive understanding  of how agriculture keeps our region working is a strength of ours –   and a responsibility we don’t take lightly. 

How is being involved Chamber member helpful in your line of work?

We benefit from our Chamber membership on multiple levels. It’s a way of professional networking for us - to foster current and future customer relationships. We also use the Chamber as a source of information. We can distribute information about our business as well as receive information from other businesses. Staying up- to- date with our customers and our community is a high priority for us. Lastly, we see the Chamber as a source of sociability. We love to see our customers outside of our building. We like visiting and learning about how we can possibly assist in making a positive financial difference in their lives. The Chamber hosts many events themselves but also shares other community events to keep up in the loop. 

What is the best way for a potential customer to reach out?

Stop by our office at 750 S. Main in Sikeston, call 573-472-2424 or visit FSBTrust.com.