Our roots trace all the way back to Warren in 1890 when the railroad was helping develop south Arkansas’ economy and growing population. The same economic dynamics shifted to Monticello by 1912 and coincided with the founding of Commercial Bank. Both banks that make up today’s Commercial Bank were established on sound banking principles, a commitment to ethical business practices, old-fashioned, common sense, and fair dealing.
Our growth has been steady through the years, and what began as a modest enterprise is now Southeast Arkansas’ largest financial institution. Together with our customers, we have survived the tragedies of wars and conflicts around the globe, the Great Depression, and countless financial crises and emerged each time as a stable economic force and community partner for good in southeast Arkansas.
In 1965, Bennie Ryburn, Sr., the local Ford dealer, acquired Commercial Bank. In 1974, he acquired First State Bank of Warren. These purchases were made due to his frustration that banks closed too early and were too rigid in extending credit to local folks who needed housing and transportation. Based on Mr. Ryburn’s lead, our bank and its leaders became involved in virtually every facet of our community – providing both leadership and community support – which earned us the reputation as ‘The Community Builder.’ This nickname was bestowed on us by the community. We’re proud of it and wear it proudly. We know that no outside group or community will have the vested interest we do in developing this part of southeast Arkansas. And, if southeast Arkansas is to flourish, we must be a beacon of light for the public, private and non-profit corporations and the regular folks who represent the work ethic and backbone of south Arkansas.
In 2024, we combined the two institutions into one, unified Commercial Bank. We did so to achieve efficiencies to better compete in today’s modern banking landscape as well as provide customers with access to eight banking offices and nine ATMs across a three-county footprint in Southeast Arkansas. We’re The Community Builder because that’s what we do – build community! Culturally, we ask every employee to embrace four core ideals in recognition that we exist to serve others. The ideals are highlighted in the acronym RISE which stands for Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
Respect - We treat others the way we want to be treated. We expect bankers to treat all customers – regardless of financial standing – with respect. We expect the same treatment for fellow employees, vendors, and the general public.
Integrity - We have personal integrity. We are truthful and trustworthy in all situations. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality.
Service - We know what it’s like to be served. In a world of diminished service and self-service, we raise the bar to serve customers, each other, and our community in a way that is uncommon.
Excellence - We perform as a team and take ownership of problems and respond with solutions. We value accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism. We strive to deliver excellence at all times and in all situations.
In addition to RISE, we are committed to providing our customers and community with the following:
- Bank accounts and services that improve their daily lives
- Comfortable facilities where they feel ‘at home’ in discussing their plans and dreams
- Convenience in the form of accessible locations as well as digital banking services
- Capable and friendly bankers who serve customers
In a world of diminished service and self-service, we welcome the opportunity to earn your business. Call, visit us online at www.commercial-bank.net, or stop by any of our locations today to let us show you a better way of banking with The Community Builder!
Sincerely,
Todd D. Smith, President & COO