On The Edges--Ozark

by Diane Rarick

Empire Bank is expanding to Ozark, according to Mike Williamson, president and chief executive officer.

It will be the area's 16th Empire Bank facility, joining seven locations in Springfield, two in Nixa, two in Marshfield, and banks in Highlandville, Pleasant Hope and Strafford.

A building of 2,573 square feet is being constructed at 1520 W. Jackson St. (State Highway 14), west of the new Ozark Post Office. A staff of six to eight employees will provide full-service banking, consumer and business loans, teller services, safe-deposit-box rental, and drive-up banking.

The architect is Mitchem Associates, which also designed Empire Bank in Nixa. Construction costs total $580,000.

Williamson anticipates a late spring/early summer 1999 opening for the bank.

"Ozark is a rapidly growing community, and we have a fairly large number of customers we are already serving there," Williamson said.

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