Tradition and Change Give FNB Firm Foundation, Wings

Northwest Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics ([email protected]) April 28, 2003 12:00 am 58 views 

FORT SMITH — Sam T. Sicard said he embraces his family’s legacy at First National Bank of Fort Smith. But even as the fifth generation to work there (including one by marriage), the youngest Sicard said he’s more focused on looking forward than at the past.

“With margin compression and the competitiveness of the market, we’re just trying to stay focused on good decisions and investments that will pay off 10 to 20 years down the road,” Sam T. said.

Samuel McLoud was president of the bank from 1907-1914. He was followed by his son-in-law, A.N. Sicard, who served in the same role from 1925-1942. He was president when Sam M. Sicard, president of the bank today, was born in 1940.

Sam M.’s father, McLoud Sicard, ran the bank from 1942-1979 before handing over the reins to Sam M.

“I worked here part time during the summers while attending the University of Arkansas,” Sam M. said. “I started full time on June 15, 1963 … My father was around when we started using computers in 1963, branching and even ATMs. But he would not believe the technology today.”

Internet banking, a full-service brokerage and online trading, trust services, automatic deposits, debit cards, sweep accounts and many other products and services are offered throughout First Bank Corp.’s holdings.

Jim Fourmy, First National’s senior vice president, said the organization’s “tradition” and stability are truly two of the things customers say they admire most. Some national banks may have a few more bells and whistles to offer, but the difference at First National is people.

“You can speak to Sam M. if you need to,” Fourmy said. “We have a lot of stability in our lending department, and it’s common for our employees to have been here 20-30 years. We don’t price that different or go out and undercut to buy business.

“We just put a lot of emphasis on people and the community. We’re a $640 million bank that’s run like a $100 million bank.”

To read more about First National Bank of Fort Smith, click here.