• Mission
• History
• Directors

Mission

First Century Bank's mission is to fulfill the financial needs of our banking community with superior customer service and innovative financial services and products.

We are a locally owned bank serving the East Tennessee area for more than 100 years. First Century Bank is also more than just a bank, we are an integral part of the community where we work, live and raise our families. First Century Bank takes pride in being a responsible leader of our community and will not knowingly take actions that are adverse to the best interest of the community, its businesses or its residents. Additionally, we encourage employee involvement and participation in helping to enhance the quality of life in our area.

THE BANK'S CUSTOMERS ARE ITS MOST IMPORTANT ASSET. High quality customer service is a foremost priority of this bank. No other part of an employee's job comes first. Only through the accomplishment of high quality customer service can we reach our profitability goals.

OUR NEXT MOST IMPORTANT ASSET IS THE BANK'S EMPLOYEES. Without dedicated responsible employees it would be impossible for the bank to be a responsible employer. All bank employees will be provided the necessary training needed to allow them the opportunity to achieve peak performance. All bank employees will be treated with dignity and respect. All will be given equal opportunity and a fair wage without respect to race, color, sex, age, physical disability, religion, or national origin.

Our customers have known for decades that First Century Bank is a responsible business that provides high quality service.

If you are not already banking with us, give us a try and allow us to show you why we are the only bank you will ever need since 1899.

History

Claiborne National Bank

Near the end of the 19th century, in the fall of 1899, an infant bank was chartered in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee-Claiborne National Bank. Its first president, George Montgomery, guided the bank through many challenges and the bank prospered. In October, 1919, marking its 20th anniversary, the bank changed its name to Claiborne County Bank and retained this name for almost 70 years until First Claiborne Bank was established. The most recent transformation occurred in 2000 as the bank became First Century Bank.

Claiborne County Bank

In the fall of 1936, at the young age of 23, Glenn Yoakum began his career at the bank as a teller. Banks were having a difficult time recovering from the Great Depression and the East Tennessee community, along with the rest of the country, was suffering from the greatest economic disaster in history. Yet, First Century Bank survived, as did our community.

Glenn Yoakum learned the value of friends, community and trust firsthand. Upon the death of J. T. Hughes, Mr. Yoakum took over the reins of the bank and began to raise his family in the rich Appalachian hills, passing along these essential beliefs to his children. As his daughter, Eleanor Yoakum recalls, To me, the bank was more than bricks and mortar, or even a business; it was a family of people serving the community in a spirit that was unique and special to us.

At First Century Bank, the tradition of community continues to grow from the solid roots laid down those many years ago, like the stately oak tree whose symbol has been an integral part of our name since Mr. Yoakum left us this legacy. It is with deep pride and satisfaction that Ms. Yoakum speaks of the third generation of her family that now accepts the solemn responsibility to maintain and further this unique spirit. In 1998, her son, Rob Barger, joined the bank as Business Development Officer at the North Knoxville office. Rob is now the bank's President.

Our family has been a part of this bank since 1936. It has been an honor, and a tremendous responsibility. I am pleased to offer this brief historical perspective of First Century Bank.
Eleanor Yoakum, Chairman of the Board.

Directors