With an emphasis on serving the community, First Bank of Calhoun to open new office this spring
For First Bank President and CEO Larry Roye, expanding the bank into Calhoun in early 2016 was a decision based on bringing new technology to the area, along with serving a community that Roye has been dedicated to for more than 30 years.
“Calhoun is a vibrant and growing community that is very attractive to both industry and banking,” said Roye. “One of our primary objectives at First Bank of Calhoun is to provide quality community banking throughout the northwest Georgia region. With Calhoun located on I- 75 between Atlanta and Chattanooga, it is a promising location to help us reach more of our target market. In addition, senior officers and board members live in Calhoun or have business interests in the area.”
Roye has a long history in banking. He received his BS and MBA from Berry College, and is a graduate of School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. He is also a graduate of Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University.
Roye began his banking career in 1970 with National City Bank in Rome. From there, he moved to Calhoun First National Bank, where he worked as a Senior Loan Officer for five years, beginning in 1980. From there, he stayed in Calhoun and was an originating director and president and CEO of Georgia Bank and Trust in 1987, and retired as Chairman of the Board and CEO at GB&T. These days, Roye is president and CEO at First Bank.
Originally opening for business as First Bank of Dalton in January 1996, today, the bank is the only locally owned and operated bank in the Dalton area. In May 2016, the bank expanded into Calhoun with First Bank of Calhoun, located in a temporary office on South Wall Street.
This April, First Bank of Calhoun will open their permanent, full- service office at 197 W.C. Bryant Parkway, at the corner of Highway 53. The new facility will help First Bank of
Calhoun provide a strong mortgage presence, which, according to Roye, is a significant piece of the business at First Bank. The new facility will also provide the opportunity for First Bank of Calhoun to expand their services to the community.
“The First Bank of Calhoun difference will be the way we deliver existing products and services,” said Roye. “We will have a dedicated space where we can demonstrate our technologically advanced products, such as online banking and remote deposit. Our full service office will be able to service all banking needs, from personal accounts to mortgage loans to small business lending, as well as a drive thru window and ATM with both deposit and withdrawal capabilities.
“First Bank of Calhoun will provide a unique banking experience, including universal bankers who will be able to take care of multiple types of requests,” said Roye. “But unchanged will be the warm and friendly atmosphere and the customer service you expect from us.”
The facility will offer a staff of seven, including Senior Vice President and Market Executive Julie Walraven, Administrative Assistant Kim Silvers, Mortgage Lender Deidra Brumlow, and Universal Bankers Candy Landress, Ashley Shropshire, Sherry Cox and Madelyn Patterson.
“Our staffing capacity will increase in the new office, and all of our staff will be highly trained, professional and customer- focused,” said Roye. “We are committed to providing up- to- date products and services, all technologically advanced, while still delivering hometown customer service. We understand that banking is not one size fits all, and we are dedicated to providing customized solutions to fit our customers’ unique needs.”
Another large aspect of First Bank of Calhoun is the amount of time and resources the staff spends serving the community outside of the office. Roye leads by example: he has served on the Gordon County Development Authority for approximately 21 years, serving as Chairman since 1998. He is also a past board member and chairman of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce.
At First Bank of Calhoun, staff members are involved with various community organizations such as the Gordon County Development Authority, Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee, Boys & Girls Club of Gordon County, Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, Gordon County Adult Leadership and the United Way Young Leaders Society.
“In 2016, First Bank of Calhoun staff participated in the United Way Unity Run, had 100 percent participation in the Gordon County United Way 2017 Campaign, participated in the Gordon Hospital Run, Gordon Hospital Ladies Night, Gordon Hospital Back to School Blast, the Sara Williams Memorial Volleyball Tournament, volunteered time and resources for the Voluntary Action Center, had a sponsorship at the Harris Arts Center, sponsorships of all local school systems, and had sponsorship and participation in local Boys & Girls Club events,” said Roye.
“We are very excited and welcome the opportunity to be a vital part of Gordon County,” said Roye. “At First Bank of Calhoun, we want to partner with our community, helping individuals reach their financial goals while being the economic engine that can help drive our local economy. I invite you to stop by and enjoy the unique experience that is First Bank of Calhoun.”