BARNES ANNOUNCES NEW BRANCH OPENINGS

PriorityOne Bank’s CEO, Robbie Barnes made the announcement earlier this week regarding some exciting plans for PriorityOne Bank in 2014.  In 2009, a lot was purchased at the intersection of Hwy.98 and Hwy.589 in Hattiesburg with the intention of constructing a branch on this site at some time in the future. In addition, property was also purchased in 2013 on the Hwy.49 frontage road in Collins next to the new Civic Center with the intention of constructing a branch on that site.   In PriorityOne Bank’s January Board meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously approved both projects and PriorityOne Bank is in the process of finalizing contracts and requesting regulatory approval to get the construction of these branches started.  It is expected that these branches will be completed sometime in the 4th quarter of this year and these offices will be open before the end of 2014.

In addition, for several years there has been discussion concerning PriorityOne Bank making a move into the Madison County market with a branch location. In regards to this, Barnes announced, “I am pleased to say that we have filed an application to open a branch in the Township at Colony Park on the Parkway in Ridgeland.  It is anticipated that this location will be open in the second quarter of 2014.  I am also pleased to report that we have hired Eddie Woodard to manage this office as our Madison County President.”  Woodard was employed with M & F Bank for the past 8 years and comes to us from Renasant Bank in Madison where he worked as a Commercial Lender.  Barnes said, “Eddie brings to us a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Madison market.”

This expansion will enhance PriorityOne’s ability to serve its customers by providing more locations for them to do business with the bank.  PriorityOne has partnered with Level 5 to design build the two branches that we will construct in Hattiesburg and Collins, which will be non-traditional branches without traditional teller stations and/or a separate drive through teller station.  This is a design that many banks are beginning to adopt and it provides a much more open feel for the customer as well as enhancing the overall customer experience.

When asked how he feels about the success and upcoming growth of PriorityOne Bank; Barnes stated, “None of this would have been possible without the support of our loyal customers and the hard work and dedication of each and every employee.  We are blessed to have some great employees who do a great job serving our customers and growing our business which has created these opportunities.”

PriorityOne Bank, based in Magee, Mississippi, operates in ten Mississippi communities:  Collins, Seminary, Hattiesburg, Magee, Mendenhall, Richland, Brandon, Pearl, Pelahatchie, and Morton. PriorityOne Mortgage also has mortgage loan origination offices in Hattiesburg, Collins, and in Brandon, Mississippi.  The bank has assets of approximately $525 million.

Financially fit in 2014

I hope that 2013 was kind to you. I hope that you accomplished all that you intended to and more. I really hope that 2014 will be your best year ever. It can happen if we all will make good choices each and every day.

It is 2014, and it is time to set goals and look ahead with great anticipation and excitement. Year 2014 is going to be your year. You intend to eat correctly, hydrate properly, get plenty of rest and take much better care of your body. You have great intentions. However, you did not get specific and say that you were going to lose 20 pounds, drink the daily-required water, sleep eight hours a night or exercise daily. If you were setting goals, all of this would be a PHYSICAL goal. My advice would be to do all of the above and do it the best that you can. It’s all about good choices made daily.

I want to discuss with you today about FISCAL goals for 2014. It is re- ally a matter of Personal Finance, and it is as much Personal as it is about Finance. It goes back to making those good choices each and every day. So to do your Personal Finance correctly, you must get personal with it; you must be aware. Unconscious and un- tracked spending can cause you more than a little trouble.

·      So here are a few steps that may help you get and stay “financially fit” in 2014:

·      Know your net income, that income that is available to cover expenses.

·      Know all your expenses. Emphasis is on all.

·      Establish and implement a budget that is based on your net income and all your expenses.

·      Commit to living within your budget. Commit to spending your time comparing actual income and expenses. Make revisions in your budget as needed.

·      Commit to your plan or program (it is called discipline), and this will assist you in making good choices every day.

Well, what happens if you do all this? Maybe you will be able to pay some of your debt off at a faster pace. Maybe you will be able to save more money for a car, a trip, a down payment on a mortgage, or maybe you will get so involved that you begin to see how you can take control of your own financial destiny. You make your own choices each and every day. Choose to manage your money and not let it manage you.

If you will be good to 2014, it’s a safe bet that it will be good to you. While this little writing has emphasized FISCAL, you need to make good choices in all facets of your life. You can do it, if you choose to.

I want to hear from some of you in 2015. I want to hear from you, and I hope you tell me that you have placed emphasis on your financial well-being and that it paid off for you. I want to know that you have accomplished something in 2014 and that you feel dog gone good about it! I have way over simplified this process, but you can make it as detailed as you want. If you want 2014 to be better than 2013, to be your best year ever, then, you need a plan like this. Make it a game, have fun with it and play to win.

By: David Farris 

PriorityOne Bank Vice President - Pelahatchie Branch