Planters First Bank Celebrates 130 Years of Community Banking — Still Serving Middle Georgia Under the Same Original Charter Since 1896 
Planters First Bank is proud to celebrate 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.
Over the past several years, Georgia has seen significant banking consolidation, name changes, mergers, acquisitions, and organizational shifts. This period of transition has led many customers to seek reassurance about who their financial partner is and where decisions are being made. Planters First Bank stands apart by remaining:
- Locally Owned & Community Focused
- Locally Led with Decisions Made Right Here at Home
- Rooted in Middle Georgia Since 1896
- Dedicated to Generations of Customer Relationships
Robert Way, Chairman and President of Planters First Bancorp, expressed, “For 130 remarkable years, families, farmers, businesses, and communities in Middle Georgia have entrusted us with their financial needs. As the banking landscape continues to evolve, our unwavering mission is to remain a locally focused, community-driven institution committed to empowering our neighbors to flourish.”
Throughout its 130-year history, Planters First Bank has remained committed not only to the financial success of its customers but also to investing in schools, small businesses, agriculture, community development, outreach initiatives, and local nonprofits across the region.
As part of its 130th Anniversary Celebration, Planters First Bank will launch a special year-long campaign, “Trusted for 130 Years — Built for What’s Next,” featuring: Community appreciation events, A 130 Acts of Kindness initiative, Historical storytelling, and heritage highlights.
Quote from Eli Tinsley, Chief Executive Officer, Bank President: “Our history tells a powerful story, a story of trust, commitment, resilience, and hometown service. We are deeply honored to continue serving this community—and we look forward to the future with the same promise we’ve held since 1896.”
For more information about the celebration and upcoming initiatives, visit plantersfirst.bank or stop by any Planters First Bank location across Middle Georgia.