Recently, readers of The News Journal voted that we are “Florence's Friendliest Bank" and "Florence's Finest Place To Work.” We're very proud. But we're also very grateful. Because without you, our customers, we would not be the place that we are.

We try hard to be different from other banks. Honors like this tell us that our efforts are succeeding.

The way we look at it, we're not just a banking business. We've got deep roots in the communities we serve, and affection for the people who live there. So, it's important that we do whatever we can to help make your lives better.

Those of us who work at First Reliance are proud to contribute over 800 hours of volunteer service every year. We were especially excited this year at your response to our “Feeding Neighbors In Need” campaign. We collected over 300 pounds of non-perishable food items and cash donations of $1,400! That food was distributed to needy families by The Harvest Hope Food Bank and Naomi Project in Florence, the East Cooper Community Outreach in Charleston, and the Lexington County Sheriff's Department. Thank you. 

At the end of January, our 4th annual Colors of Cancer fundraiser yielded a much-needed $13,000 for the Florence area's branch of the American Cancer Society. The effort to raise those funds was led by our own community development officer, Joan Billheimer, who is also a cancer survivor. Joan put her heart and soul into organizing the event, doing everything from securing the entertainment to putting together an auction of items donated by local businesses that she enlisted to sponsor the event. Over 120 community leaders attended the event and helped raise the funds. Many thanks to them and our co-sponsor, Hilliard Lyons.

Additionally, our Lexington Team raised $680 for Meals on Wheels by participating in the Walk for Meals 5k at the Riverside Zoo and Gardens at the beginning of March.

Giving back to our communities — especially in these difficult economic times — is an important part of who we are at First Reliance Bank. We want to make a difference.

We can never thank you enough for helping us do that.