By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
See more photos below.
Before a huge crowd this morning, First Community Bank broke ground on a new facility in the town limits of Pine Level. It is hoped to be operational later this year.
State, Prattville, Pine Level, banking and local officials joined in on the celebration of the newest business coming to Pine Level that officially came into existence as a town just two years ago.
Kristi Pieper welcomed the crowd, saying history continues to be made in Autauga County. Upon Pine Level’s incorporation, it marked the first new official town for the county in over 100 years. Pieper serves as the Director of Economic Development for Autauga County.
District 31 Representative Troy Stubbs also serves as the Financial Advisor and Manager of First Community Financial Services.
“Today I have the joy and privilege of seeing our bank grow,” Stubbs said, adding this is the bank’s ninth location. The bank was first established in 2001. “Community is not just being together, it is doing life together.”
Stubbs praised Rana Futral, President and CEO of First Community Bank. Stubbs said she is a visionary and has been with the organization for 20 years. He said she is one of two female CEOs of banks in the state. With that, he introduced Futral as the next to speak.
“We are the first bank, the first business to come to the Town of Pine Level. This is the first groundbreaking ceremony for the Town of Pine Level,” Futral said.
This bank will be the third location for First Community in Autauga County.
“We are so excited to be on the corner lot, and to be the epicenter for the growth of Pine Level.”
She introduced Tom Stackhouse, who serves as the President and CEO of Central Alabama Electric. Stackhouse was behind the creation of the Interstate Business Park which now falls in the boundaries of Pine Level where First Community Bank will soon be located.
“(Stackhouse) is a visionary as well. We would not be standing here today without his vision. Many years ago, when he saw this and said, ‘We are going to develop this and grow this’ and everyone else said, ‘Are you crazy?’ He stood his ground and said ‘We are going to do this’.”
She mentioned many others who have played a role in making the day possible expressing there are innumerable moving parts and relationships that makes dreams into reality.
With that, Tom Stackhouse addressed the crowd, touching on the vision of creating the Interstate Business Park, pointing out the spot where Central Alabama Electric Cooperative was once located.
As for the buildings currently in the park, he said everything is full. “We have helped build these buildings financially.”
He said that the groundbreaking for First Community Bank is on property that once was a field of watermelons.
“This land was very fertile. But the opportunity now is to grow jobs, to grow businesses that serve the community. To me, it is just a tremendous testament to what we can do.”
He said that in the early days, some did say the vision of the business park was crazy, but time has shown that the future is very bright.
Pine Level Mayor Zachary Bigley said, “This is awesome. What an extraordinary day this is.”
He said he was honored to be part of the first groundbreaking for the town. “Today is not just the turning of soil, but the planting of seeds for our town’s economic growth and community prosperity. First Community Bank is more than just a financial institution. It embodies the values of connection, support and investment in our shared future.”
He said the bank will serve as a confirmation that Pine Level is the fastest growing community in Autauga County, and he appreciates First Community investing in the town.
“Your vision and commitment will pave the way for countless opportunities. We are excited to welcome you to our community. As we break ground today let us also break open the doors of new possibilities. Let us envision a Pine Level where financial stability and growth are within reach of all of our residents. A Pine Level where our families can thrive, our businesses can flourish, and our community can come together to support one another. This groundbreaking is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about building relationships and strengthening the fabric of our community. It is about ensuring that Pine Level remains a place where everyone has a chance to succeed and prosper.”
Patty VanderWal is the President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce which hosted today’s groundbreaking.
“This groundbreaking just shows a that a vision and partnerships working together to bring all of this to reality. It creates opportunities for growth, not only for investments it brings into Pine Level, but also the job creation that it is going to bring. It is paving the way for a bright future in this community.” VanderWal said First Community Bank has been a member of the Prattville Chamber for 20 years.
