MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of The First National Bank is to provide quality financial services in a friendly, customer-oriented manner at a reasonable price. As a growing independent community bank, The First National Bank services Bond and Coles Counties, primarily, but offers its services to the surrounding communities. The First National Bank strives to maintain an above average return to shareholders, while satisfying regulatory requirements. As a major employer in the community, The First National Bank provides an atmosphere for employees that is both professionally and personally motivating.

OUR BANK

The First National Bank of Mulberry Grove was chartered in 1904 in Mulberry Grove, Illinois, with $25,000 in capital. Two hundred fifty shares of stock were issued at that time. The Bank began as a storefront operation and moved into its present, permanent location in 1929. The Bank has survived the Depression, two World Wars, Vietnam, Korea and Desert Storm. 

In 1989, a group of individuals formed a one-bank holding company, MGB Bancshares, Inc. and purchased the assets of The First National Bank of Mulberry Grove. On June 28, 1992, a branch was opened in Greenville, Illinois, and in 1998 an additional branch started operations in Mattoon, Illinois. A convenience store center was added in Mattoon in 1999. With the expansion into other markets, the Bank dropped the "of Mulberry Grove" from its name and became simply "The First National Bank." Each branch is then defined by its market, i.e.: Mulberry Grove Community Banking Center, Greenville Community Banking Center, and Mattoon Community Banking Centers. In September of 2000, The First National Bank purchased the trust assets of BankCentral Trust and truly became a full-service community bank.

Assets of The First National Bank of Mulberry Grove were $6.5 million dollars in 1989. The First National Bank assets at 12/31/01 were at $74 million dollars. At the time of the formation of MGB Bancshares, the Bank was staffed by six (6) employees; at the close of 2001, there were 32 full-time and five (5) part-time employees. In addition to four (4) convenient banking facilities, customers have access to eight (8) ATMs located in Coles and Bond Counties. 

The success and growth of The First National Bank are attributable to its dedication to customer service and good, old-fashioned community banking philosophies. In this postmodern age of technological development and mega financial institutions, the Directors, Officers and Staff of The First National Bank continue to pride themselves on their ability to maintain the community banking spirit. They realize their customers remain the most important commodity in the banking industry. 

The First National Bank's motto is "Community Banking Since 1904." And, even as the Bank moved into the new millennium, it has adhered to the standards inherent in community banking -- the ability to serve its customers on a friendly, personal basis, and serve them well.