New bank set to open in Fauquier
By Laura Ruby
In many ways, the community bank has gone the way of the mom-and-pop shops with which it has traditionally done business. In a highly competitive field dominated by mega-banks, these small, community-based institutions have fallen by the wayside.Three decades ago, Fauquier County was home to seven community banks. Today, one remains.
A group of investors with decades of banking experience is looking to change that with plans to open a new community bank later this year.
According to Michael A. Ewing, president and CEO of the new venture, organizers are raising capital to launch Oak Hill National Bank.
Being organized by past officers and members of the former board of Marshall National Bank and Trust Company, Oak Hill National Bank will be “a community bank offering personalized, relationship-based service customized to meet our clients' individual needs rather than selling them pre-packaged products,” according to Ewing.
“Many of our directors and officers worked together for many years at Marshal National Bank and Trust Company and are well placed to understand and meet the demand for a new community bank providing a local focus and attention,” Ewing said, noting that with branches slated for Warrenton and Marshall, the bank will feature state-of-the-art technology, access to 35,000 ATM machines for free use, and an excellent staff.
For more information on the bank -- as well as profiles of its board of directors -- pick up the Aug. 8 issue of Fauquier Weekend.