1896

Planters Bank officially opened.

It was 1896, Grover Cleveland was President, William Yates Atkinson was Governor, and the first chartered location of Planters First Bank was officially opened and chartered on February 27, 1896 in Hawkinsville, Georgia.

1914–1945

Growing as a Bank

The capital, deposits, and banking team grew as the Bank survived two world wars, the depression, recession, and bad crop years. During the Great Depression, the Bank kept its doors open while banks here and across the nation were failing. After this, the Bank continued to merge and acquire banks across Middle Georgia.

1979

Holding Company Formed

In 1979, Mid State Banks, Inc. was established as a single bank holding company originally named Dublin Bankshares, Inc. The original directors were Don C. Crafton, Bobby Shepard, R. J. Rutland, S. A. Way III, Ramsey T. Way, and Louie Livingston.

1985-1986

Merger with Pineview State Bank & Cordele Banking Company

On November 1, 1985, a resolution was adopted for a merger with Pineview Bancshares, Inc. to acquire all outstanding stock of Planters Bank, Hawkinsville, Ga. This involved a triangular merger, with a subsidiary of the company merged with Planters Bank. In June 1986, Planters Bank and Pineview State Bank merged and acquired Cordele Banking Company, which was originally chartered on May 31, 1927.

1996

Celebrating 100 years!

On November 4, 1995, the corporation's holding company’s name was changed from Dublin Bancshares, Inc. to Mid State Banks, Inc. Pictures is the 1996 Board of Directors: (standing left to right) John D. Way, Randy Coody, Dr. John W. Bembry, and Robert F. Way, (seated left to right) R. T. "Bub" Way, Tommy Thompson, chairman, Woodson Daniel, Sam Way, and Julie R. Smith.

1996

Merger with First State Bank of South Georgia

The First State Bank of Ocilla, originally chartered on May 11, 1943, was acquired on September 30, 1996. It later expanded into Fitzgerald and changed its name to First State Bank of South Georgia.

2000

Operations Center opened in Cordele and converted all banks under the name of PlantersFIRST.

In 2000, the bank operated under separate charters with different data processing systems. Plans were made to consolidate all banks under the name PlantersFIRST and establish an Operations Center in Cordele, centralizing all operations. The bank retained the charter of Planters Bank, which has been operational since 1896.

2005-2007

New Banking Center opens in Perry

In January 2005, Planters First Bank decided to expand into new markets and built a full-service banking facility in Perry, Houston County, Georgia, which opened on January 8, 2007.

2016

New Banking Center opens in Macon

Planters First Bank unveiled a new brand identity and officially changed its name from PlantersFIRST to Planters First Bank in January 2016. Later that year, on November 14, the bank announced the grand opening of its Retail Banking and Mortgage Office in Macon.

2020

Launches Solution Center Support

In June 2020, Planters First Bank launched its Solution Center Support—a fully operational call center centralized at our Ocilla Banking Center. Staffed by experienced local bankers, our team delivers exceptional service, trusted support, and hometown care with every call.

2021

Celebrating 125 years

We are proud of our 125-year banking legacy and are even more excited about our future. We are always looking for ways to make your community bank stronger and better diversified. As technology and the times have changed, so has the Bank, but one thing has and will always remain- our commitment to being "The Best Community Bank in Middle Georgia."

2022

Groundbreaking in Warner Robins

On March 1, 2022, announcement of the groundbreaking of an all-new, state-of-the-art branch office in Warner Robins, Georgia. Located on a one-acre lot off Houston Lake Road, the new 3,000-square-foot branch office makes Planters First Bank’s services more accessible to the marketplace while reflecting and continuing the bank’s commitment to customer service and success.

2023

New Banking Center in Warner Robins

On March 23, 2023, Planters First Bank hosted a Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of an all-new, state-of-the-art branch office in Warner Robins, Georgia.

2024

New Banking Center in Macon

In August 2024, Planters First Bank opened a new Macon Banking Center at 201 Sheraton Boulevard, Suite B, Macon, GA 31210, directly across from Infiniti of Macon.

2024

Ribbon Cutting in Macon

On December 3, 2024, we proudly cut the ribbon on our new Macon Banking Center. The day was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do: building relationships, fostering growth, and serving as a partner in your financial journey.

2025

Launches New Agricultural Division

Planters First Bank announced the launch of its new Agricultural Division, a dedicated initiative to support the agricultural communities across Middle Georgia.

2026

Celebrating 130 years!

On February 27, 2026, Planters First Bank celebrated a historic milestone: 130 years of serving Middle Georgia, continuing to operate under the same original bank charter signed in 1896. In a time when many financial institutions across Georgia are merging, rebranding, or relocating leadership, Planters First Bank remains firmly rooted in the communities it serves—providing stability, trust, and local decision-making that families and businesses have depended on for generations.

2026

Introduced the Sam A. Way Memorial Scholarship Program

The Sam A. Way Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the enduring legacy of Mr. Sam A. Way and his lifelong commitment to the communities he served. Known simply as “Mr. Sam” to colleagues and community members alike, he believed deeply in the power of education to strengthen individuals, families, and entire communities. His passion for personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong learning continues to inspire the Bank’s mission today.