Large Crowd Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony At Bank Of EC Smiths Grove Location

Sunny skies were a beautiful background at the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, April 23, for the Bank of Edmonson County's new Smiths Grove location. Residents from Warren and Edmonson Counties were on hand along with bank employees, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and county and city officials. 

Bank employees, board members, city and county government officials, and others toss the first scoop of dirt at the new location.

"We were extremely pleased with the number of people that came out to celebrate this new opportunity, for both the people of Smiths Grove and Bank of Edmonson County," said Bank CEO Michelle Coleman. "We hope that the excitement of today will be a sign of great things to come when the bank is open for business this fall."

Coleman noted that change always occurs as businesses grow, but the bank's focus will remain on building relationships with the customers and communities that they serve. "Those relationships drive us at Bank of Edmonson County to provide the best possible customer service along with convenient locations and modern technology."

Alex Ulm, Bank President, said that the bank has been interested in having a branch in Smiths Grove for many years. "We've always considered the citizens of Smiths Grove valuable customers," he said. "PNC Bank's decision to abandon Smiths Grove made it clear that now was the time to move forward with this plan."

Chairman Jeanne A. Patton addresses crowd on Thursday at the ceremony.

Lisa Booth, an 18 year veteran of Bank of Edmonson County has been named branch manager for the new location.  She'll oversee day-to-day operations while continuing to provide full-service lending.

Harlin Tarter (L) enjoys a chat with Dale Gray.

Michelle Coleman is greeted with a hug from Sue Sanders.

Harlin's Construction, owned by Silent Grove resident Harlin Tarter, was awarded the contracting bid for the new 2,200 square foot facility. "Harlin Tarter has run a successful Edmonson County business and has been involved in our community for many years," Coleman added. "He is a loyal customer and we are excited to be working with an experienced contractor like Harlin on this building project."

Construction will begin immediately and the new branch is expected to open sometime in the fall of this year. 

Darren Doyle
Story and photos