About Us
Meet
our Board of Directors
Meet our Staff
• Our Mission Statement • SHB Financials
In August of 1998,
a group of six local business people began meeting regularly to talk
about the concept of a new community bank for Cleveland, Tennessee.
From the beginning, the desire was to have a true “community”
bank. The organizers felt this meant that the bank would be owned by
a large and diverse group of local people. They also felt this meant
that the bank was not to be controlled by one family or small group.
The values they wanted the bank to exemplify were integrity, honesty,
value for the customer, fair pricing, and friendly personal service.
These values were later called “Traditional” by the bank’s
adopted tag line. These values were felt to have deep southern traditions
and hence the name Southern Heritage Bank.
The organizers also wanted the bank to be able to provide the latest
bank services available. They wanted to compete with the big banks without
acting “BIG”. So, the tag line was completed: “Traditional
values for Today’s customers”.
As the mission statement was written, our responsibilities were defined.
We must assist the consumers and small businesses of Bradley County
in reaching their financial goals. We must provide a value return on
the shareholder’s investment, and we must be loyal to our faith
by reflecting Christian values and giving our Creator the credit for
our success.
The group of six grew to thirteen organizers, hand picked to be a very
diversified group. The group, which now serves as the board of directors,
is truly a collection of thirteen different individuals who think for
themselves, but are all committed to the values which inspired Southern
Heritage Bank. Stock in the bank was offered during October, 1998 and
in 30 days over 700 people responded by purchasing stock in minimum
increments of 500 shares. $10,000,000 was raised to capitalize the bank
and no one shareholder owned more than 2.5% of the total. Approval of
a bank charter was obtained from the regulatory authorities during the
next four months and the organization of the bank’s operation was
completed to open the Bank on April 26, 1999.
If you are looking for a bank with simple, no surprises, easy to understand
accounts where you will be treated with respect and flexibility, come
join a true community bank and "Expect a Difference".
- To
be a "community-owned" provider of financial services, operating
- To
help consumers and small businesses reach their financial goals,
- To
promote the economic health of Cleveland and Bradley County,
- To
enhance shareholder value and
- To
reflect Christian values in all of our business relationships.
