Four States Bank makes opening official with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Carthage-based Four States Bank, which officials say is the first new bank charter approved in the state in nearly 16 years, made its opening official with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning.

Four States Bank, or 4SB for short, held the event at its new 1946 S. Garrison Ave. branch in Carthage, according to a news release. The company, which operates its headquarters in Carthage at 213 Lyon St., opened to customers last month.

"Opening our doors is a culmination of hard work and passion,” said Jeff Williams, president and CEO of 4SB, in the release. “We look forward to growing with Carthage and contributing to the success of the entire Four States region."

The office of Gov. Mike Parson, who was in attendance at this morning's ribbon-cutting ceremony, issued a separate news release that indicated the opening of 4SB represented an investment of more than $1.1 million and the creation of 27 jobs.

“We congratulate Four States Bank on its opening and look forward to its success in Carthage," Parson said in the release. “Our state serves as an ideal location for business growth across a wide variety of industries. Missouri’s financial standing, like our physical infrastructure, remains strong and continues to support the wellbeing of communities statewide.”

According to the governor's release, Four States Bank is the first new bank charter approved in the state of Missouri since September 2008. It operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Four States Bancshares Inc.

In announcing its planned fall opening this summer, 4SB officials said executives include veteran banker Gary E. Metzger as chair and a host of other known business names.

The company's website also lists a branch in Joplin at 1232 S. Range Line Road.