Promoting strength, service and community
BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — Established in 1934, Farmers and Merchants Bank of LaFayette has an emphasis on strength, service and community — the mission of Farmers and Merchants Bank is to help the community through banking expertise.
“I have been President/CEO for 16 years, and I have been employed by Farmers and Merchants Bank for 27 years,” said Stanley Tucker. “It is very rewarding to see the impact of a local bank and how the bank helps small businesses to grow. ”
The Farmers and Merchants website shares the history of the bank and its impact on Chambers County.
“Farmers and Merchants Bank was established in 1934 and continues to operate in the same location in which the bank first opened its doors,” the website reads. “Through the years, the bank has modernized its facilities and services to better serve its customers and fit into the community. We are a locally owned community bank and serve Chambers County, which includes the cities of LaFayette, Lanett and Valley. In April of 2014, we opened a full-service branch in Dadeville, Alabama, which expanded our footprint into Tallapoosa County. Our main focus is on small to mid-size business owners and individuals.”
Tucker said community support means everything to Farmers and Merchants Bank and that through connection to customers, the bank is able to meet their needs.
“We pride ourselves on community support,” he said. “We are also, in many cases, the only source of financial education in the community. I enjoy the small town feel — LaFayette is close enough to major cities to be able to access them when needed. [We have] local deposit services that allow account holders access to customer service and local loan decisions that are tailored to customers’ specific needs.”
Through skilled employees and curated technologies, the Farmers and Merchants website shared how the bank ensures customers are able to fulfill their banking needs.
“To ensure that we accomplish our mission, the directors, officers and employees of Farmers and Merchants Bank are committed to using their experience and banking backgrounds to fulfill the needs of the community,” the website reads. “Although we are small, we offer many technologically advanced products and services to fit just about every individual and business need.”
For locals looking for a bank with personal service, Tucker said to visit Farmers and Merchants Bank in LaFayette.
“We have been very fortunate to have a very loyal customer base,” he said. “We may not always have the ability to offer everything that larger banks have, but we make up for it with personalized service. Just come see us. We are also online at www.fmlafayette.com. The advantage that Farmers and Merchants has over other banks is local decision-making.
“Since 1934, we have been helping the folks in Chambers and Tallapoosa County grow their crops, plant and harvest trees, save money, build businesses and achieve dreams.”
