Panhandle First Bank holds Grant Opening, It’s Official!

The Spearman Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting for Panhandle First Bank in conjunction with the bank's Grand Opening on Wednesday, May 22nd. First National Bank in Spearman, Texas and Bank of the Panhandle in Guymon, Oklahoma have merged together to become Panhandle First Bank.

First National Bank opened its doors in April 1985 with Bill and Ginger Pittman, Max Baggerly, and other investors. Bank of the Panhandle opened its doors in October 1976 with Max Baggerly and his son, Steve, purchasing the bank in 1979. Max passed away in 2007, and Steve replaced Max as a Director at First National Bank. Steve was also serving as CEO and Chairman of Bank of the Panhandle.

Merging the two banks was a topic of conversation for a long time as these banks have a relationship that goes back decades. When discussing the merge, both banks wanted customers to come first while ensuring the benefit of being a community bank. During the merge every employee was able to stay employed at both banks leaving the bank family in tact. Sixty percent of Panhandle First Bank's ownership is within a fifty mile radius. A fun fact about Panhandle First Bank is the meaning behind their logo. The colorful logo represents the five state areas in the Panhandle of Texas, and the employees were a part of the name change.

Bill will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors while Ginger will serve as Chief Credit Officer. Steve Baggerly will serve as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors. Sally Hawkins, Bill and Ginger's daughter, will continue to serve as CEO and President of Panhandle First Bank as she served this same role at Bank of the Panhandle. Panhandle First Bank will continue to be involved in their community and show support to their community members while assisting them with their financial opportunities. There are several locations to include Spearman, Guymon, Dumas, and Perryton.

For more information about Panhandle First Bank please visit their website at www.myPFB.bank. The Spearman Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Panhandle First Bank to the community, and we are glad they chose to continue to call Spearman home.