When you have an opportunity, stop by First Citizens Bank located at 130 East Main Street in Bedford.  After approximately five months and a complete makeover, Manager John Owen will be pleased to show off their recently updated and beautiful new interior.  John commented, "What we originally thought would be a 90-day renovation kept getting extended as the project continued, but with a dedicated staff, we worked right through the entire renovation, jack hammers, dust, and all." 

After First Citizens' week-long Open House, the Chamber was excited to join in the celebration on Friday, October 1st, for an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  John Owen welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Area Vice President, Ed Herndon, who stated that it had been his recommendation for First Citizens to bring the Bedford branch up to date.  And they certainly have done that. 

Also on hand to celebrate the event was City Manager Charlie Kolakowski who made congratulatory comments and added how important it is that established city businesses continue to upgrade their establishments for the mutual benefit of the city.  Chamber President Susan Martin added her congratulations and expressed the Chamber's appreciation for the support and long-standing relationship between the Chamber and First Citizens.

In these days of economic unrest, John Owen commented that due to First Citizens' long-standing conservative banking practices, they have experienced very little of the "angst" most in the banking industry have recently encountered.  "We have been pretty much 'business as usual' in these past five years and don't expect to experience anything else."

Congratulations, First Citizens!  You're looking good in more ways than one!