FNBC opens Small Business Division
FNBC Bank, a $440-million asset bank headquartered in north Sharp County, has announced it has opened a new division, FNBC Small Business. As a partner for small businesses for over 100 years, this new division will provide additional small business banking and development options through various programs and initiatives.
According to FNBC President & CEO Marty Sellars, FNBC Small Business is a major step in the bank’s aggressive and focused growth initiative.
“Supporting and working with small businesses has been a core part of our business model for many years,” said Sellars. “As our bank looks to the future, we know continuing to enhance and bring value to our relationships with family-owned establishments, farmers and ranchers, manufacturers and other small businesses is vital for our mutual success. Whether you are looking to open an ice cream shop on Main Street, expand your cattle farm or are growing a major commercial business, we can help.”
The new division dedicated to serving small business needs is another strategic step for the bank. In the past four years FNBC has rebranded, focused on its internal cultural health, hired high-caliber teams to complement its existing bench strength, and ultimately grown $100 million in assets since 2015.
Mark Skelton, currently Community President for the bank’s Batesville market, will lead FNBC Small Business. Skelton will continue in his current role until a replacement can be recruited.
“Mark is a highly-skilled and analytical banker,” said Chad Hudson, FNBC Regional President and Chief Lending Officer. “His expertise in small business cash management and lending needs have served many of our existing clients for a number of years, and we are eager to expand our reach to more small businesses with Mark’s assistance.”
Skelton is uniquely qualified to lead this division with his extensive SBA-specific lending experience. As the new Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender for FNBC Small Business, he will oversee and drive the growth of small business banking directly associated with SBA loan origination. FNBC Bank is currently a U.S. Small Business Administration Express Lender, and has begun the process toward achieving Preferred Lender status.
A 32-year banking veteran, Skelton has been with FNBC Bank for 10 years and has held senior community banking roles at other financial institutions. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, the Graduate School of Banking at LSU and the Sheshunoff Professional Master of Banking program. He serves on the Board of Visitors at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and the Independence County Public Education Foundation, and is an elder at the North Heights Church of Christ.
An alum of Newport High School, he and his wife, Sonja, live in Batesville and are the parents to Emma, 19, and Elijah, 15.
FNBC Small Business will be headquartered in the Batesville office, but will serve the bank’s entire footprint and beyond. For more information about small business lending opportunities and products available, please contact Skelton at 870-698-4741.
