Overview Current and Past Presidents Steady Growth and Expansion Through the Years The Original Bank The Current Facility Community Involvement Interesting Notes

Overview
Across the nation, there is a call for financial institutions to return to fundamentals - to the basic principles long associated with prudent business practices. Since 1912, First National Bank of Sharp County, originally chartered as the Bank of Ash Flat, has been a strong and contributing member of the community. Today, we're proud to continue this tradition with full-service offices in Ash Flat, Cherokee Village, Hardy, Melbourne, Salem, inside the Ash Flat Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Ash Flat, Mammoth Spring, Batesville, Highland, Horseshoe Bend and Mountain Home.

Our history is one of leadership and partnership. From the signing of our charter in 1912, we have worked hard together, we have learned much together, and we have grown together.

Today, First National Banking Company is the leading financial institution in our area. We owe our success to the patronage and loyalty of our customers. We have worked hard to earn the trust you have placed in us. For 94 years, we have remained loyal and steadfast to our founding principles. These principles continue to guide us today. They enable us to approach the future from strength - from a tradition of sound and solid banking.

Current and Past Presidents
For the past 94 years, the bank has prospered under the leadership and management of eight distinguished presidents. Beginning with Mr. R.E. Semple, who was the bank's charter president in 1912, until 1927, and followed by Walker T. McJunkins until 1941. In 1941, Odus Carpenter was named the bank's third president. He was succeeded by John A. Cooper, Sr. (1967-1968), and his son, John A. Cooper, Jr. (1968-1972). In 1973, Boyd Carpenter, Odus' nephew, was named the bank's sixth president. Boyd's son, Martin, became the bank's chairman, president and CEO, taking over from his father in early 1986. In 2003, Marty Sellars became the bank's eighth president. Martin will continue to be Chairman of the Board and CEO.

The guiding principles set by Mr. Semple in 1912, principles defined by customer service, community involvement, and fair and honest dealings, remain intact today.

Mr. R.E. Semple	Mr. Martin Carpenter

First National Banking Company is continually proving itself to be a leader in the financial industry in Arkansas. They began offering free "In'farm'ative Meetings" for area farmers in 1989. In 1990, the bank started the tradition of the annual Home, Garden & Sports Show, which has grown exponentially in attendance each year. In 1992, the bank installed the first ATM in Sharp County. In 1993, the bank implemented "Uni" statements, which are statements that combine multiple checking and savings accounts for one household onto a single statement. And last, but certainly not least, the bank was the first in the state of Arkansas to implement check imaging. This was complete in June of 1994 and was a substantial undertaking for a community bank of First National's size.

The Original Bank
The original First National Banking Company building, then known as the Bank of Ash Flat, was built in 1912. The bank has reached many milestones over the years, but one of the best moves, according to the bank's employees, came in 1955 when the first air conditioners were installed. In 1980, they had outgrown their building and began exploring the idea of expanding their facility in Ash Flat.

The Current Facility
The current First National Banking Company building (pictured), located on Hwy. 167 in Ash Flat, was built in 1980. Since then, it has undergone three expansions.

Community Involvement
At First National Banking Company, we believe we have a responsibility to the communities we serve to be active citizens, continually striving to better the area in which we live. We therefore support numerous activities, clubs, organizations, schools, etc., with both time and financial assistance.

'99 Home, Garden and Sports Show Generates Record Attendance.

First National Wins "Best Float" Prize in 1989 Christmas Parade in Hardy.

First National Banking Company Supports the Arrival in Hardy of the Santa Claus Express from Branson.

Interesting Notes
First National Banking Company has been fortunate and has only encountered three theft attempts. The first burglary was November 27, 1964, with the second following on February 11, 1965 (see attached newspaper clipping). A kidnapping and robbery took place May 23, 1971. First National Banking Company is extremely proud of the sound security systems and practices in place that have discouraged criminal activity through the years.