News

August 24, 2015 (Columbia, S.C.) – First Community Bank will recognize its 20th anniversary on Friday, August 28 with customer and employee celebrations in its banking offices. The bank opened its first two offices in 1995 in Lexington and Forest Acres and now operates 15 full-service locations with more than 200 employees in the Midlands of South Carolina; Aiken, South Carolina; and Augusta, Georgia in addition to First Community Bank Mortgage and First Community Financial Consultants, a financial planning and investment advisory division. 

The bank’s founders, President and CEO Mike Crapps and Chairman Emeritus Jim Leventis, established First Community to meet the financial needs of local businesses that were underserved by larger banks. While First Community offers a broad portfolio of products including commercial banking, mortgage lending and financial planning, the focus and core strength remains on the local business owner.

“We are relationship-driven,” said Crapps. “We were founded on a commitment to local businesses, and the relationships we build with our customers are always at the forefront. We regard our customers as neighbors and partners, and it gives us a great sense of pride to help them grow their businesses, finance their homes and achieve their financial goals.”

Part of the bank’s success is attributed to the longevity of leadership, with the original executive team still in place. The bank’s management team remained consistent through the recession and has continued to weather a rapidly changing banking climate. Today, true community banks in the Midlands are scarce, but First Community has retained its local leadership all of whom have a keen understanding of what makes each market unique.

First Community Bank has experienced significant growth over the last 18 months. From February 2014 to April 2015, the bank acquired Savannah River Banking Company, establishing its Augusta and Aiken locations; opened its first downtown office on Lady Street; completed acquisition of a portion of First South’s Columbia deposits and loans; and opened its Blythewood office.

Crapps noted, “We have experienced much growth and seen many changes since opening First Community Bank in 1995, but some very important things have not changed.  The core values on which our bank was founded continue to guide us today. These core values include a commitment to quality and integrity in all endeavors, a passionate focus on the customer experience, and mutual respect for each of our colleagues and their role in our success.” 

From the beginning the bank has looked for ways to give back to the communities it serves, both through financial support and through the volunteer efforts of the bank’s employees.  “We are a part of the communities we serve,” said Crapps. “This is where we live, work and play. It is our sincere hope that through our work these past 20 years that we have been able to make a positive difference in the lives of the people and businesses that call these communities home and we look forward to the privilege of serving them for years to come.” 

First Community Bank, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Community Corporation (NASDAQ: FCCO). First Community is a full service commercial bank offering deposit and loan products and services, residential mortgage lending, and financial planning/investment advisory services for businesses and consumers.  First Community has a network of 15 banking offices located in the Midlands of South Carolina, Aiken, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia.