Story courtesy of WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS
Blue Sky Bank’s holding company, N.B.C Bancshares in Pawhuska, Inc., “Blue Sky Bank,” and First National Bank & Trust Company of Weatherford, “First National Bank,” jointly announced Thursday the anticipated merger of First National Bank into Blue Sky Bank.
The merger is subject to final shareholder and regulatory approval.
First National Bank will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Sky Bank. The combined banks will have more than $850 million in assets.
Locally owned since 1964, First National Bank was established in Weatherford, and has continuously operated in Custer County since its inception. The bank’s primary mission has been to serve the banking needs of Weatherford as well as the surrounding areas.
First National Bank & Trust CEO Herschel Brewster said the merger will be added strength to the banks in today’s competitive climate.
“We are excited about what this merger will mean to Weatherford and the other communities we serve. With the increased total assets and the talented team from each of our locations, we are bringing together a dynamic partnership in Oklahoma,” Brewster said.
Brewster added their employee team will all remain in place. “What is your banker today will be your banker tomorrow,” he said.
While successfully staying true to its commitment to serve its communities, the bank’s footprint has expanded throughout the years to locations in Weatherford, Stillwater, Hinton, Cordell and Morrison.
Blue Sky CEO Brian Schneider said First National Bank CEO Herschel Brewster has been an integral part of that expansion. Brewster entered the banking industry in 1978 with the intention of simply understanding how to run the bank and since then has worked extensively in each of its departments. His expertise and knowledge in multiple areas led to his successful transition to the role of President and CEO in 1999 according to Schneider.
“The partnership with First National Bank is a major win in our strategic objective of helping Oklahoma communities thrive in the years ahead,” Gentner Drummond, majority owner of Blue Sky Bank said. “This great banking institution has been committed to serving Oklahomans with personal service and community involvement for nearly 60 years, and its professionals are the perfect addition to Blue Sky Bank and our culture.”
“We are grateful to have found the ideal partner in Blue Sky Bank,” Brewster said. “This partnership allows us to offer our customers new banking services, capabilities and technology without sacrificing the reputation for exceptional personal service and commitment to the communities we’ve worked hard to cultivate.”