Our Story
Built To Last
WHO WE ARE
Founded over 115 years ago, in the small East-Central Mississippi timber community of Forest, Community Bank puts the highest of value on taking care of our customers – no matter the relationship size, and giving back to the communities we serve.
As Community Bank has grown from one office with 13 staff members and six million in assets when Thomas Colbert, Community Bancshares Senior Chairman Emeritus and visionary leader, was named CEO in 1968, to today, with over 875 staff members, 55 offices and $4.8 billion in assets, it is evident that staff is the key to success.
The development and growth of Community Bank’s staff has remained the top priority for the last 54 years. Instilling the culture of Community Bank that puts value not only on the relationship with customers, but places much emphasis on investing in the next generations of the company’s leaders.
This dedication to the next generation of company leaders gives Community Bank a level of buy-in to our culture that is unprecedented. As you look at staff around our system you will find over 115 staff members who have been with the company over 20 years. “Our staff is our greatest asset. They always have been and always will be what makes Community Bank special,” said Freddie Bagley, Chairman Emeritus of Community Bancshares.
From the early days in Forest until today having locations across four states, Community Bank has hired young, budding talent, brought them into the culture and taught them how to be true relationship bankers. There is an urgency to take care of the customers and to do it well. “We equip our staff with the ability to help the customers – we foster a culture of building relationships with our customers, no matter the financial need,” said Chuck Nicholson, Chairman of Community Bank.
1974
Community Bank
$4.8 Billion
875 Employees
55 Offices
WHEN I CAME TO COMMUNITY BANK IN 1968, I WANTED TO BE GOOD – I WANTED OUR BANK TO BE GOOD, SO WE COULD OFFER THE BEST BANKING SERVICES TO OUR CUSTOMERS —
said Thomas W. Colbert, Sr., Senior Chairman Emeritus and Visionary Leader of Community Bank.
Where We
Have Been
Farmers and Merchants founded in Forest, MS
Thomas W. Colbert named President and CEO
Farmers and Merchants Corporation was incorporated
Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) Began
Farmers and Merchants changed name to Community Bank Acquired Merchants and Manufacturers Bank of Ellisville, MS Acquired Peoples Bank of Mississippi based in Indianola, MS
Formed Coast Community Bank in Biloxi, MS
Formed Community Operations, Inc. Formed Community Bank, DeSoto County First cash dividend of $1 issued
Dividend passed through to ESOP Formed Community Bank, Meridian
Acquired First National Bank of Lucedale
Acquired Security Bank in Amory, MS
Formed Community Bank, National Association Freddie J. Bagley named President & CEO
Formed Community Bank, Destin
Community Bank, NA joined with Community Community Bank, North Mississippi formed Community Bank, NA opened an office in Mobile, AL
Community Bank, Meridian merged with Community Bank, Ellisville
Community Bank acquired Mortgage Consultants
Community Bank acquired 100% ownership of Community Bank of Florida
Community Bank, NA and Community Bank, Destin merged with Community Bank, Coast
Charles W. Nicholson, Jr. named President & CEO
Community Bancshares, Inc. consolidated subsidiary banks
Community Bank established a fifth region in Birmingham, AL
New headquarters built in Flowood, Mississippi
Justin Martin named President and CEO
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide quality financial services to our customers, to yield a fair return to our shareholders, to offer opportunities for our staff members to succeed and prosper, and to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.
We will always look to the future while managing the present.
Built To Last.
“We equip our staff with the ability to take care of the customers – we foster a culture of building relationships with our customers, no matter the financial need.”
- Charles W. Nicholson, Jr., Chairman, Community Bank
Focus On
Mentorship
Quality
Experience
