Planters Bank News
RECENT NEWS
Planters Bank Announces Promotions
January 31, 2012
Planters Bank is pleased to announce the following promotions:
Stacey Wenzler, assistant vice president and branch manager at the bank's Rossview office, was promoted to vice president. Wenzler has served in various positions since joining Planters Bank in 2002.
Jarrod Duncan, assistant vice president of commercial banking, was named vice president. Duncan joined the Planters Bank in 2006. He is located at the Commerce Street office.
Kyle Higgins, banking officer and branch manager at the Fort Campbell Boulevard branch in Hopkinsville, was named assistant vice president. Higgins joined the bank in 2001.
Planters Bank provides eight full-service banking locations in Clarksville and Hopkinsville with a mortgage office on Wilma Rudolph Blvd.
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Planters Donates to Rossview Schools
January 30, 2012
Planters Bank presented checks to Rossview Elementary, Middle and High Schools on Monday, January 30.
With the opening of the Rossview Branch in August, 2011, the bank committed to donate $10 for each new account opened August 1, 2011-May 31, 2012. The January payment reflected accounts opened through December 31.
Rossview Branch Manager Stacey Wenzler presented the checks to middle school Assistant Principal Jerry Crawford and High School Librarian Valerie Meadows and Assistant Principal Schanda Dowdy.
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iDeposit Lets You Deposit Checks From Home or Office
December 21, 2011
Planters Bank is pleased to offer customers the opportunity to deposit checks from your home or office–without a trip to the bank!
Using a supported scanner, simply scan both sides of the check. The dollar amount is read and a deposit transaction is created. Funds are deposited into your account during regular business hours.
In addition to convenience, "iDeposit" saves you time and travel, giving you access to your money faster. The iDeposit software is safe and completely intregrated with the bank's security system.
Watch the iDeposit Demo for details. Any of our friendly customer service representatives will be happy to help you get started.
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UChoose Rewards® Program Now Offers Cash Option
December 13, 2011
Planters Bank's popular UChoose Rewards® program now offers the option to redeem points for cash. So, in addition to a variety of products, travel, activities and event tickets, program participants can now choose to receive cash.
Earn points as always -- simply use your Planters Bank VISA® check card and choose "credit" anywhere you make purchases. You'll earn one reward point for every $2 spent. You can also link together multiple Planters Bank accounts to earn points and rewards faster.
Cash rewards are available in multiples of $25 beginning at 2,500 points. Product and travel rewards are eligible beginning at 1,500 points. Redeem them as often as you like up to 100,000 points or $1,000 per year. Cash rewards will be deposited directly into your Planters Bank checking account.
Register for UChoose Rewards® at www.uchooserewards.com.
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Planters Bank Gives Arts & Education Center a Major Boost
October 5, 2011
Planters Bank will contribute $60,000 toward the Roxy Center for Arts & Education building fund over the next few years for Box Office Naming Rights.
"We are extremely excited to have Planters Bank join us in this venture and hope they serve as a catalyst for other businesses in making this dream a reality," says Tom Thayer, Executive Director of the Roxy Regional Theatre.
The Center will include a 500-seat auditorium, along with ample space for galleries, dance and artist studios, and parking.
"Supporting the arts is part of supporting the community," said Planters Bank Senior Vice President Suzanne Langford. "The Roxy is a wonderful asset – because of the tremendous talent it brings into the community and the many educational opportunities for children – and it's time to upgrade the facility to an exceptional level."
To date nearly $500,000 has been given or pledged toward the building fund, says Roxy Director of Fundraising and Development Ryan Bowie. The new Center has an estimated price tag of $15 million.
"We're creating a wide spectrum of opportunities to involve as many people in the community as possible," he explained. "We have a 'Pennies for Plays' collection in most of the local elementary schools, 'fun-raisers' in conjunction with many of our performances, and corporate partners like Planters Bank, so there are lots of ways to get involved and help make this vision a reality," says Bowie.
For more information about the Roxy Regional Theatre or the Roxy Center for Arts & Education, please call 931-645-7699 or visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.
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Planters Announces Rossview Branch Opening
July 10, 2011
Clarksville, TN – Planters Bank announces the opening of a new full-service branch at 495 Dunlop Lane, adjacent to Gateway Medical Center, on Tuesday, July 12.
“The Rossview/Dunlop Lane area has been a target of ours for quite some time and we are thrilled to finally be open here,” said CEO Elizabeth McCoy . “We’ve had tremendous success in the Clarksville market these past eight years and expect our growth to continue. Our branch staff will be active in the community, just as we are at all of our locations, and we look forward to serving customers and businesses here.”
To show its commitment to the neighborhood, Planters Bank will donate $10 for each new account opened at the Rossview branch between July 12 and May 31, 2012 to Rossview Elementary, Middle and High Schools.
“A big part of what community banks do is support their local communities,” says McCoy. “We felt that a great way to do that here was by partnering with the Rossview schools.” The principals will have the liberty of using the funds for classroom technology or an academic program, she explained.
Assistant Vice-President Stacey Wenzler, formerly at the bank’s Hilldale branch, 1971 Madison Street, will serve as Rossview Branch Manager. VP of Commercial Lending, Amy Jerles-Orton, and VP of Retail Operations, Glenn Rodgers, will also relocate to Rossview. Scott Jensen, assistant vice-present and branch manager at the North Clarksville office, 2019 Fort Campbell Blvd., will relocate to Hilldale. Robin Henderson was hired in April as banking officer and branch manager at the North Clarksville office.
The bank will hold an official grand opening event in mid-August.
In addition to the Rossview branch, Planters provides full-service banking at four more locations in Clarksville, as well as three in Hopkinsville. The bank’s current St. Bethlehem area branch at 2250 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. will maintain drive-thru operations through September 30, then transition to a mortgage services office.
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New Bill Product is Here!
June 24, 2011
We are excited about the improved convenience and simplicity the new Bill Pay offers. Thank you for your patience during the conversion. Be sure to check out the Bill Pay demo. Also, please double check your payee information as some listings may have been affected during the change. See our FAQ page to learn more.
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Brian Lacefield Completes Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program
May 24, 2011
Hopkinsville, KY--Brian Lacefield, vice president of commercial and agricultural banking, recently completed Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP). KALP is an 18-month program administered by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. It was designed to refine the leadership skills of active farmers, agribusiness professionals, and others employed in the agricultural sector who want to be on the cutting edge of decisions that will affect agriculture and rural communities in the 21st century.
In Brian's role at Planters, he manages a multi-million dollar agriculture and commercial loan portfolio. He works with more than 200 customers, focusing on building new relationships in both deposits and lending. Lacefield graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree Western Kentucky University in 1998 and with a master’s from the University of Florida in 2000.
He is the secretary/treasurer for the Christian County Agribusiness Association and the previous board chair for the United Way of Pennyrile, in addition to his involvement in the Hopkinsville Chamber Ag. Business and the Hopkinsville Young Professionals. Lacefield and his wife Michelle have two young children, Brianne and Braden. His agricultural industry concerns include labor, risk management and environmental issues.
KALP’s goal is to identify and empower young, motivated and energetic agriculturalists who seek to improve their leadership, management and communication skills to elevate the image and profitability of agriculture and to enhance the quality of life in rural communities.
KALP and its predecessor, the Philip Morris Agricultural Leadership Program, have graduated 245 individuals from this multistate program since its inception in 1985. Most of these individuals have assumed leadership positions since participating in the program. Class IX, made up of 20 Kentuckians and two Tennesseans, started in January 2010.
Each class consists of 10, three-day study seminars in Kentucky, a study tour in Washington D.C., a study tour in another state and a two-week international study tour. Seminar topics include:
- What it Takes to be a Leader
- Understanding Self/Serving Communities
- Agricultural Policy Process/Issues
- Macroeconomic Policy
- International Trade and Globalization
- Strategic Business Management
- Human Resource Management
- Current Food and Ag Issues
The class developed skills in communication and teamwork, working with media, etiquette and business protocol and working with different personalities.
Class IX visited New Zealand for their international tour in Jan. 2011, and will take a study tour of Midwestern agriculture this summer. They toured many Kentucky agricultural business, farms and rural communities during the 18-month program.
Funding for the program is provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, participant tuition fees, and contributions from agribusinesses, farm organizations,program alumni, directors, and others supporting the program. For a list of program sponsors, details on program funding, and ways to contribute, click on “Sponsorship” at http://www.uky.edu/Ag/KALP. All donations will be recognized by the program in various ways and are tax deductible.
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THDA Announces Loan Discount for Veterans
May 3, 2011
Clarksville, TN – A special mortgage interest rate discount has been approved for active and retired members of the military by Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Board of Directors.
Service members can apply for the “Homeownership for the Brave” discount which is a ½-percent interest reduction on any of the three mortgage choices at lenders working with THDA. THDA offers 30-year fixed rate mortgages, with or without downpayment assistance, for persons of low to moderate income. The program began April 1 and is available through March 31, 2012.
“We recognize that many service members were deployed in 2010 while other Americans had access to the federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit,” said Lindsay Pully, director of THDA’s Single Family Programs division. “That program is closed, but this is an extra incentive if they are ready for homeownership in Tennessee.”
For the purpose of the Homeownership for the Brave Program, the definition of veteran is: All members of the military including retired and reservists (at least 180 days), i.e. active duty, National Guard, spouses, and surviving spouses. If discharged or released, was done so under conditions other than dishonorable.
“The ‘Homeownership for the Brave’ is a great program to allow our active and retired military access to 2%-4% in THDA grant funds for down payment assistance or the payment of closing costs, and can be coupled with the benefits of a traditional VA loan,” explains Angie Smith, Planters Bank assistant vice president/mortgage lending. “THDA grant funds, accompanied by a 0.50% discount in interest rate, are a great beginning on the road to home ownership for our local heroes.”
Generally THDA’s targeted audience is first-time buyers or those who have not had ownership in a primary residence in the last three years. Veterans have a waiver for the first-time buyer requirement. Sales and income limits vary by county. The Homeownership for the Brave option is available across Tennessee, as are all THDA’s mortgage programs.
The three mortgage choices are Great Rate, Great Advantage and Great Start. Great Advantage and Great Start mortgages offer 2 or 4% downpayment assistance grants at slightly higher interest rates. The mortgage loan must be an FHA, VA, USDA, or a 78% or below Conventional. The discounted rate is for the full term of the loan. Full details on the mortgage program are found on THDA’s website: www.thda.org.
For more information or assistance with the new THDA program, contact Angie Smith at Planters Bank at 931-648-7176 or email asmith@plantersbankonline.com.
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Planters Bank Names Robin Henderson Banking Officer
April 25, 2011
Clarksville, TN – Planters Bank announces the addition of Robin Henderson as a banking officer at the North Clarksville branch, 2019 Fort Campbell Blvd.
Henderson has 16 years of experience in finance, credit and branch management, having worked previously at Morris Properties and Amsouth Bank in Clarksville, as well as American General Finance in Goodlettsville, Tenn. and Americredit Financial Services in Evansville, Ind.
Henderson, a native of Huron, S.D., relocated to Clarksville in March 1999 with her husband, Tom, who was stationed to Fort Campbell, and is now retired from active duty. They have one daughter who resides in Nashville
Henderson is a member of Hilldale Baptist Church and an active runner. She completed her first half-marathon in October.
Additionally, Planters Bank Assistant Vice President Mary Jackson, former branch manager at the bank’s St. Bethlehem office, is now serving as branch manager at the Sango location, 894 Hwy. 76. Jackson joined Planters in February 2007.
Headquartered in Hopkinsville, Planters Bank maintains three offices in Hopkinsville and five in Clarksville.
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FDIC Message
January 31, 2011
Standard deposit insurance has been permanently raised to $250,000 per depositor per account category.
All funds in a "noninterest-bearing transaction account" are insured in full by the FDIC from December 31, 2010-December 31, 2012. This temporary unlimited coverage is in addition to, and separate from, the coverage of at least $250,000 available to depositors under the FDIC's general deposit insurance rules.
The term "noninterest-bearing transaction account" includes a traditional checking account or demand deposit account on which the insured depository institution pays no interest. It also includes Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts ("IOLTAs"). It does not include other accounts, such as traditional checking or demand deposit accounts that may earn interest, NOW accounts, money-market deposit accounts.
For more information about temporary FDIC insurance coverage of transaction accounts, visit www.fdic.gov.
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Planters Bank Promotes Sellers
December 30, 2010
HOPKINSVILLE, KY – The Planters Bank Board of Directors announces the promotion of Eyvette Sellers to commercial treasury banking officer.
Sellers joined Planters in November, 2007 as a new account administrator and moved to the cash management department in 2009.
Sellers has nearly 24 years of banking experience. She relocated to Hopkinsville from Michigan City, Indiana, where she worked as senior trust administrator at Horizon Trust & Investment Management, NA.
Sellers’ current civic involvement includes serving on the board of directors for Hopkinsville’s Alpha Alternative Pregnancy Care Center, the Minority Economic Development Initiative (MEDI) committee, and as guest services coordinator for Light of the World International Foundation. She has previously volunteered with Women in Management, United Way, American Cancer Society, and the Nieman Elementary School Partnership Program.
Sellers attended Ball State (Muncie, IN) and Purdue (Westville, IN) Universities and the Cannon Trust School at University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN.) She is a member of All Nations House of Prayer Church where she serves on the finance committee.
Headquartered in Hopkinsville, Planters Bank maintains three offices in Hopkinsville and five in Clarksville.
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Eric Huneycutt Wins Planters Bank Cube
December 6, 2010
CLARKSVILLE, TN – After eight months of promotion, dozens of appearances, thousands of entries, and 12 finalists, one lucky winner claimed the Planters Bank 2010 Nissan Cube. Eric Huneycutt was the finalist holding the key that started the car during a giveaway event on Saturday, December 4, 2010.
He plans to give the Cube to his wife Amanda, who is currently expecting their first child next month.
“I couldn’t feel any better, I was so happy I could barely sit in the seat,” said Huneycutt.
Throughout the year, finalists were selected from events such as Rivers & Spires, Downtown Market, and Hopkinsville’s Salute to Fort Campbell Week. Other finalists were drawn from online entries and new account openings at the bank’s eight branches. Finally, two were randomly drawn from all entries last week by a representative of Mathews Nissan, for a total of 12.
At the giveaway event, each of the 12 drew keys and attempted to start the car.
“This has been a very fun and different type of initiative for us,” says Planters CEO Elizabeth McCoy. “Some of our finalists were simply ecstatic about the possibility of winning this car, which has been so nice to see.”
In addition to Huneycutt, the other finalists were: Wanda Morrison, Clarksville; Rise Herndon, Hopkinsville; David Fain, Clarksville; Renee Hampton, Clarksville; Candy Peters, Hopkinsville; Penny Goddard, Clarksville; Brittany Croft, McEwen; Michael Barbee, Herndon; Darryl Cunningham, Hopkinsville; Melody Shipley, Clarksville; and Pat Martin, Clarksville.
Finalists received a $100 gas card from Mathews Nissan in Clarksville or Garland Nissan in Hopkinsville.
Headquartered in Hopkinsville, Planters Bank maintains three offices in Hopkinsville and five in Clarksville.
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Planters Names Michael Selfe Cash Management Director
September 14, 2010
Hopkinsville, KY – Planters Bank announces the addition of Michael Selfe as director of cash management.
Selfe comes to Planters with more than 12 years of experience in treasury and cash management experience. Most recently, he served as financial services officer for middle and east Tennessee with First State Bank. Prior to that, he worked as a treasury management sales officer for SunTrust Bank.
“Mike brings a depth of cash management experience to Planters,” said CEO Elizabeth McCoy. “He will become an integral part of our commercial banking team and we are thrilled to have him.”
Selfe will work in from the Commerce Street office in Clarksville and the Main Office in Hopkinsville.
A graduate of David Lipscomb University, Selfe received a BBA in Marketing. He enjoys golf, running and a variety of other sports. He is married to Kelly and they have one daughter.
Headquartered in Hopkinsville, Planters Bank maintains three offices in Hopkinsville and five in Clarksville.
Planters Bank Promotes Higgins to Branch Manager
January 5, 2010
HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Planters Bank announces the promotion of Kyle Higgins to branch manager at its Indian Hills branch at 3103 Canton Street in Hopkinsville. Kyle joined Planters Bank in 2005 as a Senior Credit Analyst. He was promoted to officer and assistant branch manager in February, 2009.
“Kyle has proven to be a valuable and integral member of our team,” says CEO Elizabeth McCoy. “His leadership and talent are assets to the bank and to Hopkinsville-Christian County.”
Kyle graduated from Christian County High School and the University of Kentucky. He earned an MBA from Murray State University in 2003. Kyle has served as president of the Hopkinsville Young Professionals since 2008, and is actively involved in Rotary Club, PRIDE Board, and Chamber Diplomats. He is a graduate of Leadership Hopkinsville.
Headquartered in Hopkinsville, Planters Bank maintains three offices in Hopkinsville and five in Clarksville.
Planters Bank ‘Go Savings’ Program First in Market; Ideal for Young Savers
November 16, 2009
CLARKSVILLE, TN -- After World War II, American households routinely saved 10 percent of their income. Today, reports boasting that household savings are up to the three-four percent range make headlines in new sources across the county.
“The credit craze of recent decades has ended, but with finances still tight and consumer confidence still low, people are looking for convenient and painless ways to save,” says Planters Bank President and CEO Elizabeth McCoy. Convenience is one of the reasons Planters introduced what it’s named a “Go Savings” account in November.
The first account of its kind from a community bank in the Clarksville-Hopkinsville market, Go Savings automatically transfers one dollar on every point-of-sale, or signature-based, purchase with a Planters Bank check card.
“We’ve found that this product particularly appeals to young professionals and families with young children because they rely almost totally on their check cards for purchases, it’s automatic, and there’s no minimum balance to open the account,” says McCoy.
Those are the attributes that sold Dr. Harry and Dalia Markham, owners of Pet Calls Mobile Veterinary Clinic, Inc., and parents of two young children ages five and 20 months.
“We really love the concept of this account,” says Dalia. “With business and personal expenses, it’s hard to save. We use our check cards everywhere, so this way, saving for the children is just one less thing we have to think about – it’s done automatically.”
The Markham’s expect to save an extra $400-$500 per year that can go toward college, a car, or whatever the children need when they’re older.
“This extra dollar each time is such a small amount that we don’t miss it,” she says. “But, it accumulates so fast and it will really sum up over time. It’s one fantastic way to save.”
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