Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 29, 1995 TAG: 9503290055
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
A tree, planted on the lot in front of the future building on Memorial Drive, symbolizes the new institution's theme: "We have our roots where others have their branches."
During the ground-breaking ceremony, officials also announced that the bank would begin offering its own credit cards right away.
The Colonial-style building will have 7,200 square feet on its first floor which bank facilities will occupy as soon as construction is complete.
President and Chief Operating Officer Wayne Carpenter said the second floor would have about 2,400 square feet for bank expansion.
The bank has been doing business for the past seven months in a modular building on a different part of the bank's lot. That building, which is being leased, will be broken down and sent back to the out-of-state company that owns it when the new building is complete.
Carpenter said the new building could be ready by fall. "So maybe in October or November we can invite you back and have a little better facility," he told people who assembled for the ground-breaking ceremony.
Turn-Key Financial Builders of Charlotte, N.C., is general contractor for the job. Elder Design Associates, also of Charlotte, is the architect. The two companies have teamed up before on more than 50 financial buildings.
"We insisted that our general contractor use local labor and suppliers to the extent possible, and our research has indicated Turn-Key will do that," Carpenter said. "In fact, the only Turn-Key employee on the job will be the job supervisor. This building should provide a positive boost to the local economy."
In addition to the directors, local officials and state legislators were on hand for the ceremony.
"This bank is the outgrowth of the vision and thoughts of local citizens," Pulaski Mayor Andy Graham said. "We're very proud of that."
Like last week's announcement that Pulaski Community Hospital won approval to construct a cancer treatment center, Graham said, progress on the bank shows that the area is enjoying continuing growth.
Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jerry White also praised the pride, confidence and commitment shown by the bank's founders. "We applaud them for bringing this vision to reality."
"We are now an $8.9 million bank, in just over seven months. ... We are very proud of that," Carpenter said.
The bank is offering VISA Classic, VISA Gold, and a VISA Check Card with the bank's own "money tree" logo.
"Not many banks our size and age have their own credit card program," Carpenter said. Contact the bank for more information.
by CNB