In May of 1902 Queensborough was founded under the name “First National Bank of Louisville”. Since then, the bank has grown from one location in Louisville, GA to 27 locations from Augusta to Savannah, including the recently opened branch in Pooler, GA. Originally founded with just a few employees, the bank now employs over 350 teammates across the state.
As we celebrate our 120th anniversary this year, we’re taking an opportunity to look back at some milestones we hit along the way.
1902 – Under the name “First National Bank of Louisville”, our bank was founded in downtown Louisville, Georgia, a rural town located about an hour southwest of Augusta. Banking hours were from 10:00am to 4:00pm and our loan portfolio consisted largely of agricultural notes with security noted in the bank minutes as “six chickens” or “two cows”.
1954 – By the mid-50’s, the bank's deposits had grown to $2.5 million, which meant we were able to meet community financing needs as well as new industries like Louisville Fertilizer & Gin Company, Jefferson Shirt Company, J.P. Stevens, ThermoKing Corporation, Van Tran Electric Corporation and Delila Manufacturing Company.
Photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Historic Society
1986 – The bank launched an intentional growth strategy with the acquisition of Bank of Midville and Bank of Wadley. In the following 10 years, branches would open in Waynesboro, Wrens, Millen, Sandersville, Tennille, Statesboro and Sylvania.
Photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Historic Society
1997 – With Y2K approaching, the bank had a big year in tech advances, launching online banking, debit cards and telephone banking.
2006 – In an effort to distinguish the bank from competitors, the bank changed its name to “Queensborough National Bank & Trust”, a nod to the area’s history. The Queensborough Township was one of Georgia’s earliest settlements and today represents parts of both Jefferson and Burke counties.
2014 – IQ University Financial Literacy Platform launched this year. This program fulfills the bank’s mission to help educate our communities about financial well-being. This continues to be a large part of our outreach.
2020 – During the COVID-19 pandemic, our team adjusted to the “new norm” and focused on how we could help our customers. That help came in the form of the Paycheck Protection Program. In 2020 and 2021, our team successfully processed 2,727 loans and were able to get $199 million into the hands of small business owners who needed it. From restaurants and retail to veterinary clinics and construction companies, our team worked early mornings and late into the evenings all while working through the effects of a worldwide pandemic.
2021 – We were proud to be named Best Small Bank in Georgia by Newsweek, a ranking of the financial institutions that work to meet the needs of customers during unprecedented times.
2021 – QNBTNOW Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) rolled out across the footprint during this year. ITM customers interact with Queensborough tellers via live video streaming to make deposits of cash or checks, cash checks, make loan and credit card payments, withdraw funds and transfer funds, all from the comfort of their car.
2022 – Queensborough was recognized as a certified Great Place to Work.
“The amount of growth our team has accomplished throughout recent history is truly astounding. Our bankers and support staff continue to impress me every day,” says Bill Easterlin, Queensborough President & CEO.
A lot has changed over the last 120 years, but one thing that remains true is our focus on being here when you need us. We’ve been your community bank since 1902 and we’re looking forward to serving you for years to come.
If you have any questions or if you need anything, contact us today.
For more information, visit www.QNBTRUST.bank and find Queensborough on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.