Three years after opening its full-service branch on Gateway Boulevard, First National Bank of McMinnville cut the ribbon on an expansion basically doubling the size of its Murfreesboro facility.

In four years since beginning operations in the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County market, FNB has seen its workforce grow from two to 33 with a robust mortgage unit and title company in addition to the bank branch, Brian Wilcox, executive vice president and head of Rutherford County operations, said.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 20, the bank also celebrated its 140th anniversary. The historic community bank is the third oldest in the state and 36th largest in Tennessee.

"We are so appreciative of our customers who have made this happen," Wilcox said, adding, "We also thank our bank board of directors for their vision in recognizing the need and opportunity in Rutherford County and for believing in our vision for its potential."

The 1,970-square-foot expansion by Shane McFarland Construction increases the 1708 Gateway Boulevard branch from five office spaces to 12 to accommodate the 15 bank employees there, more than double the seven employed when the facility opened in 2011.

FNB of McMinnville also offers mortgage services through FNB Mortgage with a staff of 15 in the Waterstone Building on Williams Drive and Waterstone Title.

Plans are under way to open a loan office in Smyrna.

Wilcox lauded Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for its role in promoting economic growth in Rutherford County.

"From macro to micro our Chamber does an amazing job to make our community an incredible place to have a business and an incredible place to live," he said.

Pieter van Vuuren, president and COO of FNB of McMinnville, expressed appreciation for the customers who empowered "our further expansion into this thriving market."

He noted the value of a community bank such as FNB.

"According to FDIC Data, community banks represent 92.4 percent of all banks while controlling 14.2 percent of total bank assets. Banks with less than $500 million in deposits represent more than 80 percent of all banks. Community banks provide almost one-half of small-business loans, more than 40 percent of farm loans, and more than one-third of commercial real estate loans," van Vuuren said.

"This shows that community banking is a need ... where you as a customer can walk in and talk to someone that has been at the bank for a while, someone that knows your need, someone that knows your family and someone that knows the importance of investing in your community. Our Bank has the people that will be that community banker for you. We have a great staff here in Murfreesboro," he continued.

Levoy Knowles, chairman of the FNB Board of Directors, said First National Bank continues to be a financial partner in this community and a symbol of economic growth for Rutherford County.

He pointed to FNB's long history of stability, saying, "The reason for our existence; our founders and organizers recognized a very serious shortfall in our community. If we were to grow and prosper, companies and individuals had to have a place to get access to capital to grow their businesses and also a place to invest their money and watch it grow."

"First National Bank has witnessed many turbulent economic conditions, including the Great Depression, two World Wars and most recently the Great Recession. Throughout it all, FNB has survived and even thrived over the years."