Great Southern Bank

In 1902, a group of businessmen in Quitman recognized the need for a local bank to support the growth and climate of their town.  On March 7, 1902, the Bank of Quitman was established as a state bank headquartered in Quitman.  After much success in Quitman, the bank expanded its operations in 1976 with the opening of the Bank of Meridian.  In 1981, the bank moved into the Hattiesburg and Waynesboro markets.  Today, Great Southern Bank operates locations in Meridian, Quitman, Enterprise, Decatur, Waynesboro and Hattiesburg.  In addition to traditional banking, Great Southern also operates Central Financial Services.  CFS is a finance company with offices in Meridian, Quitman and nine other cities in Mississippi. 

The Bank’s former CEO and current Vice-Chairman, Leslie Usher, was an integral part of the bank’s success.  He can be quoted as saying “Partnerships and relationships are how we’ve been successful.  The bank takes great pride in knowing that our partnership with many local businesses has been integral in the success of our community.”  And that is a Great Southern Bank tradition.  Jeff McCoy, Great Southern’s CEO added, “When you bank with Great Southern, you’re shopping local and making another Meridian small business successful.”  With over 100 employees servicing our customer base, the partnership and commitment to East Mississippi is a continued focus for the bank.  Even the bank’s slogan supports this most important thought: “A welcome change in banking that is focused on you.”

Carter Speed, Great Southern’s Board Chairman and part of the founding family of Great Southern Bank shared a thought about the bank.  “A community bank should feel like family.  For four generations, our family has maintained ownership of Great Southern Bank.  We are committed to remaining a community bank that enjoys our large family of employees and customers.  Our family, along with each employee, has an ownership stake in our bank which substantiates our commitment to East Mississippi.”

The Great Southern staff works diligently to provide a banking experience that makes a customer feel confident and proud to partner with Great Southern Bank.  Quick access to the bank’s five Meridian locations, products that customers expect, quick loan approvals and community involvement are top priorities for Great Southern Bank.  While personal relationships in the financial world are becoming unique and sometimes rare, the Great Southern style of banking keeps the focus on you.

Great Southern Bank
218 22nd Ave S, Meridian, MS