Independent Banker

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Under Larry Wilson’s leadership, First Arkansas Bank and Trust’s branch on the Little Rock Air Force Base was named the 2020 Air Force Bank of the Year. Community banks operate on a majority of the country’s military installations. Steven Lepper, Association of Military Banks of America.

Arkansas 168

Arkansas Community Bank Community Operations 168

Independent Banker

JANUARY 31, 2022

Southern Bancorp partners with other community banks to increase loan accessibility and financial literacy to low-income customers. As CEO of Southern Bancorp, Darrin Williams wants to promote relationships between community banks and CDFIs to create more prosperous communities. Photo by Dero Sanford.

Community Bank 172

Community Bank Community Leadership Arkansas 172

BankInovation

MARCH 9, 2023

Southern Bancorp’s innovation division is looking to gain a competitive edge against larger financial institutions by developing products specifically for the communities it serves.

Innovation 52

Innovation Arkansas Community System 52

PYMNTS

JANUARY 4, 2017

Among the new firms on the roster, in alphabetical order: Enrichment Federal Credit Union, First Security Bank of Arkansas, Marion & Polk Schools Credit Union, Merchants Bank of Indiana, Northern Michigan Bank & Trust, Ohnward Bank and Trust, Postel Family Credit Union, River Cities Bank, River Town Bank, Simplicity Credit Union, SouthPoint (..)

Apple 117

Apple Arkansas Indiana Utah 117

Independent Banker

NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Jim Gowen, Merchants & Planters Bank. In Arkansas, Jim S. Merchants & Planters Bank. Its staff had about 40 people, many of its procedures were manual, and its competition was stiff with about five community banks as head-to-head rivals. Central Region Award Recipient. Jim Gowen Sr. Newport, Ark.

St. Louis 105

St. Louis Community Bank Community Leadership 105

Jeff For Banks

SEPTEMBER 10, 2011

(Nasdaq: OZRK) of Little Rock, Arkansas Over a 100-year banking history, Bank of the Ozarks expanded from its headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas, to more than 100 locations throughout the Southeast and is consistently ranked among the top performing banks in America (see chart). How did they grow so quickly?

Arkansas 67

Arkansas South Carolina FDIC North Carolina 67

Gonzobanker

FEBRUARY 7, 2018

Allison bragged that Home BancShares has created more millionaires than any company in Arkansas [Note: we may need to fact check that with Walmart shareholders]. Sarver grew Alliance from a small $700 million community bank acquisition to a $20 billion powerhouse in less than 15 years.

Taxes 76

Taxes Video Analytics Arkansas 76