National Bank following through on growth plans, THE

Northwestern Financial Review, Aug 1, 2001 by Crews, Jennifer Goepfert

[chronicle]

Big things have been happening at THE National Bank, Bettendorf; Iowa, since North * Western Financial Review first reported on its opening in our April 15 issue. After the new Quad Cities start-up bank moved into its now completed Bettendorf headquarters, the dust hadn't even finished settling before the bank turned its attention toward more expansion.

The bank has already made good on its promise to expand into the Illinois Quad Cities with the opening of new offices in East Moline and Aledo, Ill. In addition, the bank has partnered with a mortgage company, has launched a Web site (www.thenb.com), and has implemented Internet banking, online bill pay and telephone banking. With offices already established in Savanna and Mt. Carroll, Ill., the $169 million bank is well on its way toward meeting is growth goals.

"Well, the hard hats have come off and we're taking care of business from a beautiful new facility and having a great time doing it," said Mary Kellenberger, vice president/ retail services.

THE National opened the new East Moline branch, located in the former Mercantile and Firstar bank site, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 24. Pattie Caulkins was appointed branch manager.

In March, the bank purchased an Aledo, Ill., branch of Rockford, Ill.-based Amcore Bank.The bank finished the conversion on the Aledo office and opened for business on May 21. Eric Coulter, former vice president for the State Bank of Seaton, Ill., assumed the positions of president and senior vice president of lending for the Aledo branch.

In addition to expanding its branch locations, THE National partnered with FirstCity Mortgage Corp., in order to jump-start its mortgage services. FirstCity was acquired by National Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of THE National Bank. The company originates loans from two full-service offices in Bettendorf and Moline, Ill., and will continue to operate independently from these two locations as an affiliate of THE National Bank.

"This is a very good opportunity," said Perry Hansen, chairman of THE National. "FirstCity gives THE National Bank an immediate presence in the Quad City mortgage market and by bringing FirstCity's added capital, it can compete and grow in the communities it serves."

Aside from the aggressive expansion of both branches and services, THE National is busy settling into its new headquarters on the first floor of Duck Creek Mall in Bettendorf. Construction on the space was completed in late May and doors opened on June 6.

By Jennifer Goepfert Crew