First Southern Bank

First Southern Bank and Herrin Security Bank, both locally owned and operated community banks, will merge on Friday, December 5, 2014. Banking locations will operate as First Southern Bank when the doors open on Saturday, December 6, 2014 for normal business hours. Herrin Security Bank, with assets of $104 million, has been providing financial services to the community since 1957 and has locations in Herrin and Royalton. "Both banks believe in the community banking model of high level customer service and community involvement", states Ray Altmix, CEO of First Southern Bank. "We take great pride that our banks have served the communities surrounding Williamson, Jackson, Saline and Franklin counties for a combined total of 146 years." "While change is a constant in today's world we are honored in the fact that we will continue to be a strong and independent community bank, a bank that will continue to be actively involved in our communities", said Joe Leenerts, Herrin Market President of First Southern Bank. "We have great officers and employees at each banking location and you will continue to see the same friendly faces you have grown to know and trust." First Southern Bank will now operate with 15 full-service banking locations and assets over $700 million.