Joan Billheimer, Community Development Officer for First Reliance Bank in Florence, was among those honored from across the state. The contributions Mrs. Billheimer makes to economic development efforts in Florence County are tremendous. She serves as the Vice Chair of Florence County Progress, Inc., the private arm of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, and also as Membership Chairman. She has been instrumental in growing the membership of Florence County Progress since becoming involved. Mrs. Billheimer serves on numerous boards in Florence County, including The McLeod Foundation Board.

Ambassadors for Economic Development were honored by Gov. Nikki Haley at a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion Complex on Thursday, April 2, 2015. The individuals were recognized for exceptional efforts to further community and economic development initiatives throughout the state.

Each year, the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank business and industry for its contributions to South Carolina’s economy. Ambassadors ...

Year after year First Reliance's Relay For Life Team, under the leadership of Joan Billheimer, Community Development Officer, shows its commitment to the American Cancer Society.  This year, First Reliance is the second top team in Florence County for raising funds announced Chinel Boateig, American Cancer Society. "First Reliance is very committed to supporting the community and giving back," said Rick Saunders, CEO.  "Joan is a strong leader for our fundraising events and is very committed to this cause as well as serving as a resource for our associates.  Several of our employees are cancer survivors and many of our employees have family and friends who have had cancer.  Our company truly wants to make a difference by supporting this cause that has affected so many people including our own." [caption id="attachment_7379" align="alignleft" width="300"] Joan Billheimer hosting Colors of Cancer Fundraiser dinner.[/caption] Joan Billheimer, a thirteen year cancer survivor herself, ...

[caption id="attachment_7374" align="aligncenter" width="424"] 15th Anniversary Celebration - Charleston Market[/caption]

April 7, 2014, Florence, S.C.  –  In celebration of its 15^th Anniversary First Reliance Bank is planning many events and promotions throughout the year to thank its customers  for doing business with them.  One of the first promotions launched is a personal finance program.
The program, called DIG OUT NOW!,  is a personal Finance program which consists of four FREE 15 – 20 minute videos created in partnership with Joseph Sangl, founder of an Anderson South Carolina organization, called I Was Broke Now I’m Not.
 DIG OUT NOW! is easy to view online and  share with family members, church, or work groups.  The videos are located on the bank’s website, www.firstreliance.com   The bank encourages everyone to take time to view these life changing personal finance videos and use the tools that are offered – all FREE.
Most banks don’t offer online personal financial video lessons.  First Reliance Bank ...

Twelve Associates Awarded President’s Club at First Reliance Bank

February 19, 2014, Florence, S.C.  –  First Reliance Bank recently announced  that twelve associates have been named to the 2014 President’s Club. 

Each year, as part of the bank’s associate rewards and recognition program, all associates have the opportunity to nominate an outstanding associate and submit a detailed reason of why the chosen associate deserves the award.  This year 12 outstanding associates were chosen for their unique contribution to the bank and their commitment to teamwork.. 

The following President’s Club winners  received awards  for outstanding contribution in sales and service, operation and  professional services.,.   The 2014 President’s Club Winners ...

July is a time for food, fireworks, family and friends. It's one of those special times of year when we pause to celebrate our nation and appreciate our community. In keeping with that spirit, it's also a good time to reflect about those who have contributed time and energy toward helping us have a better life.

Danny Turner is one such person. A successful businessman, Danny owns a company that provides good jobs for 40 employees.

His story starts at the foot of the Smokey Mountains in Greenville County, South Carolina, where he was born.

Like many young people, he served our country after he graduated high school. He joined the U.S. Navy and spent four years working in navigation and nuclear submarines.

When Danny finished his tour with the Navy, he moved to the Florence area. He got a job running the Florence-based operation of a glass company headquartered ...

Year after year First Reliance's Relay For Life Team, under the leadership of Joan Billheimer, Community Development Officer, shows its commitment to the American Cancer Society.  This year, First Reliance is the second top team in Florence County for raising funds announced Chinel Boateig, American Cancer Society. "First Reliance is very committed to supporting the community and giving back," said Rick Saunders, CEO.  "Several of our employees are cancer survivors and many of our employees have family and friends who have had cancer.  Our company truly wants to make a difference by supporting this cause that has affected so many people including our own." Joan Billheimer, a twelve year cancer survivor herself,  begins planning fundraising activities early each year, including an Italian Buffet which features entertainment, a live auction and dancing.  Each year the event grows larger along with the funds that are raised.  There are several other smaller activities ...

Published courtesy of She Magazine.

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 ...