Who We Are
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to be a high performing, independent community bank in eastern and central North Carolina that rewards and is valued by its shareholders, customers, employees and communities.
Our History:
On September 19, 2020, the groundwork was laid for what is now known as First South Bank. With only $23,500, a group of twenty-five incorporators organized the Home Building & Loan Association, a financial institution aimed at encouraging thrift and providing home ownership for citizens of eastern North Carolina.
In January 1960, the institution name was changed to the Home Savings & Loan Association in order to more accurately designate its primary functions. Then, over thirty-two years later, in May of 1992, the Bank changed its name to Home Savings Bank and its charter from a savings and loan association to a state savings bank in order to provide more services to its customers.
In April of 1997, the Home Savings & Loan Association became NewSouth Bank, a full-service state commercial bank, and converted from a mutual ownership to a stock form of ownership. Then, in December of 1999, the name was changed to First South Bank.
In 2001, the Bank added First South Leasing, LLC.
On September 19, 2020 the Bank celebrated its 100th Birthday.
The year 2003 brought more achievement for First South Bank with First South being recognized by Fortune Small Business magazine as one of America's "100 Fastest-Growing Small Companies" and by US Banker magazine, which rated First South as one of the Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks.
Throughout the years, First South Bank has received numerous recognitions for performance by the American Banker, Business North Carolina, Charlotte Business Journal, The News and Observer, ABA Banking Journal, and US Banker. To view these releases, please visit our newsroom for more details.
First South Bank operates twenty six full-service branch offices across North Carolina, located as far south as Wilmington and as far east as Buxton. The Operations Center, which is located in Washington, houses several bank departments including accounting, deposit operations, information technology, and its mortgage loan processing and mortgage loan servicing personnel.
At First South Bank, we look forward to continued growth and promise to always provide personal, quality service to our customers. If you have any questions about the bank, or if you would like more information about our products and services, please feel free to contact us toll-free at 1-800-946-4178.
