First State Bank

Have you ever seen a ten-foot-tall clock? Well, there are two of them on the First State Bank’s Clock Tower in downtown Meridian. This location of First State Bank opened in 2007, 68 years after the bank’s beginning in a small, southern town; Waynesboro, MS. 

For many months after the depression, Waynesboro, like communities across the nation, was without local banking services. Despite the discouraging situation, a group of local businessmen and citizens combined their funds and their expertise to found a new bank. In 1939, the bank changed from a national charter to a state charter with the new name, First State Bank. The opening of the drive-thru facilities on Azalea Drive in Waynesboro was a first in the state.

First State came to Meridian 13 years ago and has been serving the financial needs of their customers in Meridian and Lauderdale County ever since. They offer a variety of personal and business products and services.  From checking and savings accounts to certificates of deposit, safe deposit boxes, and home mortgages and business loans, their goal is to serve you. They now have 168 employees and locations in six Mississippi counties.

“The one thing we enjoy most about doing business in Meridian is the people. Our employees are from this area, so we have a personal connection to this community. We love and believe in the growth of Meridian and believe the chamber is a great partnership between the businesses and professionals in our area. The only way we can continue to improve and grow our community is to work together,” says Sid Wilkinson, President of First Bank, Meridian. “When we chose the location of our Clock Tower office, it was to support the revival and growth of downtown. We continue to invest in and support the people of Meridian and the surrounding areas,” he adds.

“We have worked hard during this pandemic to help our customers get through this trying time,” adds Sid. “One of our Meridian business customers recently shared on Facebook, ‘Special shout out and THANKS to Craig Espey and the team at First State Bank on helping us secure our PPP loan, which in turn helps us keep our staff paid and secured.’ Our financial institutions should not be forgotten during these hard times as their countless hours of hard work and dedication help keep our small businesses afloat. The SBA kept changing the rules by the hour, but these guys kept me informed the entire time with nothing but quality customer service and educated advice on what to do next.’” 

At First State Bank, their mission is to be a strong, independent community bank that provides excellent customer service. All banks offer the same general products. They want their customer service to differentiate them from others. If you are a new business owner, your relationship with your banker is one of the most important. Your banker can play a vital role in helping you retain financing, maximizing your funds and helping you achieve your overall business goals. Serving you is what they do best!

First State Bank
801 22nd Ave., Meridian, MS