Recently, we were excited to receive a letter from a Mount Pleasant branch customer named Randy Bates who just couldn't say enough good things about banking at First Reliance Bank. Randy has his personal accounts with us, and he relies on us for his business banking too. From friendly employees to special programs, Randy told us that he's had outstanding service at our Mount Pleasant branch.

We appreciate that Randy would take the time to write to us, and we thought you'd like to learn a little about him and his experience with our bank.

The youngest of 3 kids, Randy grew up outside of Charlotte, N.C. in the small town of Gastonia. When he was 15, his parents relocated to South Carolina – but that didn't stop him from opting for Carolina Blue and eventually becoming a Tar Heel. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, he spent one year ...

For many of us, our father is the most important man in our life. But we don't always appreciate what he brings to our lives and how hard he works just to make life better for his family.

A Dad teaches responsibility, shows us how to be strong in the face of challenges, and instills us with a sense of drive — even when we don't want to hear it.

A Dad is sometimes tough and sometimes tender. And there's no one more protective and caring when adversity strikes.

But, it might take you years to fully appreciate what a gem he is. Maybe Mark Twain said it best: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in ...

It's often said that it's better to give than to receive and to put others ahead of yourself. Day after day, many dedicate themselves to doing that and making our world a better place.

They might be your neighbors, fellow workers, or attend church with you. They might even be that person in line with you at the bank.

We met one such caring person at our Florence Branch. Her name is Juliette Wilson and we think she's terrific.

Juliette loves to help others. In fact, she's dedicated a large portion of her life to it. Through missionary work, she's been able to connect with and improve the lives of both less fortunate children and families around the world.

“You see the world one way until you travel it, and discover it's a lot different than you think it is,” said Juliette. “You realize that everyone has needs, feelings, hurts ...