2023 Digital Annual Report

Investor Story: The Barretts

In 1978, I was first drawn to invest in the new bank that was starting up in Russell County due to the character and quality of the people involved in the organization. And as the owner of a small business, Barrett Farm Service, I could see the need for a true customer-focused bank in the community – a need that was not being met by other fi- nancial institutions. I have since had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for the bank for nearly 45 years, and while the performance of the bank has been outstanding, I would say that I am most proud of the impact the bank has had on our communities, being a source for eco- nomic development and supporting numerous organizations and events over the years, not just in Russell County, but throughout our operat- ing area. During that time, the bank has helped countless farms, busi- nesses and families to realize their dreams of expansion, acquisition, and home ownership. I’ve always felt that it is very important to pass along the values and ethics that we learned from our parents down to succeeding generations to insure that legacy and culture is sustained. My son, Ronnie Barrett, joined the Board of Directors of the bank in 2015 and along with other Board Members, will strive to maintain the culture that has been built by focusing on customer service, the tradition of performance and the commitment to fairness for which the Bank is known. I cannot imag- ine I could have ever made a better investment than First Bancorp, Inc., and as successful as the bank has been to this point, I firmly believe that the best days still lie ahead for First Bank and Trust Company. – Ron Barrett, Director

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