First Columbia Bank & Trust Co.

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First Columbia Bank & Trust Co.
347 Main Street,
Catawissa, PA 17820
Tel: 570-356-2371

First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. made history in 2008; the community bank merged as equals with Columbia County Farmers National Bank on July 18. The newly combined bank now services a larger base of customers and communities in a four county area.

First Columbia Bank & Trust’s original charter dates back to 1899 when the Bloomsburg National Bank opened its doors. Little could the staff back then have known what the future of banking in Columbia County would hold: ATMs, Online Banking, Telephone Banking, Remote Deposit, E-Statements, and average mortgage loans that are more than the bank’s original capital.

The formation of the Columbia County Trust Company in 1916 offered the bank its first opportunity to merge for the benefit of the customer. The partnership took place in 1926 forming the Bloomsburg Bank – Columbia Trust.

At the opposite end of Columbia County, The Farmers National Bank of Orangeville was established in 1917. In 1956, The Columbia County Farmers National Bank of Orangeville was formed by the merger of The Farmers National Bank of Orangeville and Columbia County National Bank. By 1983 the name changed to Columbia County Farmers National Bank (CCFNB), a primary competitor to Bloomsburg Bank – Columbia Trust.

As changes took place in the landscape of Columbia County, both local banks began to branch out and expand their services into new communities. Bloomsburg Bank – Columbia Trust opened a sister office on Market Street in Bloomsburg in 1964. Shortly thereafter in 1967, branches were constructed in Catawissa and Scott Township, Bloomsburg.

CCFNB expanded in 1970 by adding their South Centre Office. The Main Office in Bloomsburg, located on East Street at the time, was opened in 1985.

As both banks entered the next decade, changes were on the horizon. Bloomsburg Bank – Columbia Trust changed its name to First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. in 1990. Followed by the addition of two branch locations in 1991 (Benton and Berwick). By 1998, another office was constructed at the entrance of the Columbia Mall in Buckhorn bringing the total number of branch locations to seven. CCFNB established their Financial Planning Department, Lightstreet Office and Millville Office all in 1990.

As both banks entered the new millennium, they embraced the changes in technology and product lines. Online Banking became the wave of the future. Still growing, First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. opened two new branch offices in 2004 (Elysburg and West Hazleton). In 2006, the bank acquired two Columbia County branches of Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust (KNBT), further expanding their customer base.

CCFNB began the millennium by entering the insurance market as a 50% owner of Neighborhood Advisors. In 2004, a branch office was opened inside the Wal-Mart® Supercenter. Then in 2006, CCFNB opened its eighth office in Berwick. By November2007, both banks would sign an agreement to join forces and become the second largest independent publicly traded bank holding company headquartered in the four county area of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Luzerne counties. Under the banner of First Columbia Bank & Trust Co., the combined bank manages 13 branch locations.

In 2009, First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. looks to establish new customer relationships. The bank purchased the former Berwick Hotel building on Third and Market Streets in Berwick. The site will be cleared with the plan to welcome the 14th branch office of First Columbia Bank, with anticipation, by the end of the year.

First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. continues to provide an extensive range of banking services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, as well as personal, commercial, mortgage and installment loans. The bank also continues to research new and exciting products and services.

For over 100 years, we have been committed to serving our customers and the communities in which they reside. We are dedicated to remaining a friendly hometown community bank for generations to come. Whatever your financial need, First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. can help.

If it matters to you, it means the world to us. We are the "Friendly Faces You Know & Trust" in the banking business in your hometown.

© 2008 First Columbia Bank & Trust Co.