Firstar Bank

We'd like you to meet Mishelle Davis, Assistant Vice President and Commercial Relationship Officer in Fort Smith. After 30 years in banking, Mishelle was looking for what she calls her "forever home" — a place where she could build long-term relationships, serve local businesses and be part of an organization with a strong reputation in the community. That search led her to Firstar Bank. In her first few months, one thing has stood out above everything else: accessibility. "It has that small-town feel, but with the professionalism you'd expect. Everyone works together. Leadership is approachable, and people genuinely want to help each other serve our customers." Throughout her career, Mishelle has held nearly every role in banking, from teller to branch management, business development and commercial lending. She believes every step gave her a better understanding of what businesses need to succeed. When asked what she hopes customers remember about working with her, the answer is simple: someone who is positive, kind, collaborative and invested in the community. That commitment extends well beyond the bank. Mishelle has long been active in the Fort Smith community, serving as a Chamber Ambassador, participating in Leadership Fort Smith and Leadership Crawford County, and volunteering with numerous nonprofit organizations over the years. She enjoys meeting new people, building connections and helping others find solutions, whether they're growing a business or simply looking for the right resource. Perhaps the best way to describe Mishelle is with a mindset she's carried throughout her career: "I never want to get stagnant. I'm always asking, 'What's next? What can I learn? How can I keep growing?'" That desire to keep learning, improving and helping others do the same is something our customers experience every day.

We’re proud to support Sallisaw Public Schools through Firstar’s School Spirit Debit Card program. This year, we presented the district with a check for $2,045. Black Diamonds fans can support their schools simply by using their School Spirit Debit Card. Each time the card is used as a credit purchase, Firstar donates 10 cents to Sallisaw Public Schools, turning everyday purchases into dollars for the district. Being community focused is an important part of who we are, and our School Spirit Debit Card program is just one way we support schools in the communities we serve. Since the program began in 2008, it has generated more than $158,000 in donations to area schools. To learn more about the program, visit https://lnkd.in/ee7TVCmF.

We recently presented Stigler Public Schools with a check for $428 through our School Spirit Debit Card program. Every time a customer uses their Panthers debit card as a credit purchase, Firstar donates 10 cents to the school. Those everyday purchases add up to meaningful support for local schools. Being community focused is an important part of who we are, and our School Spirit Debit Card program is just one way we support schools in the communities we serve. Since the program began in 2008, it has generated more than $158,000 in donations to area schools. To learn more about the program, visit https://lnkd.in/ee7TVCmF.

A lot of banks say they're relationship focused. Here's what we do to make sure we stay that way … We've watched community banks grow into something their original customers wouldn't recognize. It happens gradually, starting with decisions that start getting made for the bank's convenience instead of the customer's, and before long the thing that made them different is just gone. We think about that a lot. We're in 9 markets across Oklahoma and Arkansas now, and the honest answer to "how do you stay a community bank while doing that" is pretty simple: you just don't stop being one. In Fayetteville, that means showing up for small and mid-sized businesses that the big regional players aren't really paying attention to. In smaller communities like Sallisaw, we also serve small and mid-sized businesses, plus the families and individuals who have banked with us for years. We also hire people who actually live in the communities they serve. And we keep reminding each other why we're here, honestly and regularly, at every level of the organization. Growing is good. Losing track of who you are while doing it isn't.

We get to know our clients by name, and when a decision needs to be made, we make it locally. When you need someone who understands the regional economy, we’re already here. A lot of businesses in Oklahoma and Arkansas are working toward something bigger right now. Whatever "Future You" looks like, we want to be part of that story. If you're building something and looking for a banking partner who's genuinely invested in where you're going, we'd love to connect.

Instead of thinking about a line of credit as a lifeline for when things go wrong, we want you to think about it as a tool for when things are going right and you want to keep it that way. Banks look at your financials when you apply. If things are slow when you walk in, that’s what they see, and what you get offered will reflect it. If you set up a line of credit when your business is healthy, it works completely differently. Then you can cover payroll during a slow stretch or handle an unexpected cost without it disrupting everything else. This is especially true if your business has slow months, and most businesses do. A line of credit that’s already set up just sits there until you need it. If you don't have one set up yet, come visit with us before you need one. We're happy to talk through what that looks like for your business.

Our School Spirit Debit Card program gives customers a simple way to support the schools they care about most. We recently wrapped up another round of check presentations to schools across the communities we serve. It's one of our favorite traditions because it gives us the opportunity to see the impact of this program firsthand and thank the educators, administrators and communities that make it possible. With more than 40 school mascot designs to choose from, customers can show their school pride every time they reach for their debit cards. Since the program began, we've donated more than $158,000 to local schools. Thank you to every customer who chooses a School Spirit Debit Card and helps make this program possible.

One of the biggest differences between community banking and larger institutions is who gets to say “yes.” 

Most bankers know their clients. Jerry Terrell knew their kids, their farms, and their futures — for 42 years straight. After more than four decades, our Vice President and Commercial Relationship Officer in Stigler is retiring. And "legendary" doesn't feel like enough. Jerry joined what was then First National Bank of Stigler and built a career defined by showing up, year after year, for the people and businesses that make this community run. He served as our BSA Officer and Security Officer, guided clients through some of the biggest shifts banking has ever seen, and did all of it with the steady integrity that people in Stigler have counted on for generations. He wore many hats during his career, and the same guy clients trusted all those years was that guy to his coworkers too. When a colleague passed out at work one morning, Jerry was right there, holding her hand until she came back around. Another coworker of 41 years still laughs about him being "silent as a ghost," sneaking up on people without a sound, paper clip in tow. Congratulations, Jerry. Thank you for 42 years.

70% of our employees completed an anonymous survey about their workplace experience. 90% said Firstar Bank is a Great Place to Work. We're proud to share that we've earned Great Place to Work Certification for the fifth year in a row. The survey is completely anonymous. Every response is confidential, and the results are assessed independently. This year, 70% of our team participated (up from 62% last year). Here's what our team shared: • 92% said new employees are made to feel welcome • 90% said they're proud to tell others they work here • 89% said management is honest and ethical • 89% said they can take time off when they need it • 88% said management is competent at running the business For context, that 90% compares to just 57% at a typical U.S. company. That gap reflects years of intentional work by our team. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized as the global standard for measuring employee experience. It's based on direct employee feedback. We don't take this recognition lightly. It reflects the people who show up every day, treat each other well and make Firstar what it is. Thank you to our entire team. This one belongs to you.