Sweet Water State Bank celebrates 100 years, to host receptions Friday
On November 12, 2013, Sweet Water State Bank celebrated its 100th anniversary serving the people of Marengo and surrounding counties. In 1913, some of the leading citizens in and around Sweet Water had a vision and that vision soon became a reality. Their vision was to provide financial services to the farmers and families in and around south Marengo and surrounding counties.
Sweet Water State Bank was chartered and opened its doors for business on November 12, 1913 in the building that is now occupied by the Town Hall. George J. Lewis was elected the first president and W. E. Yow was elected as cashier.
In 1978, Sweet Water State Bank moved into its new building located across the street from it former location. Today, Stratton Ford Lewis, Jr. serves as President and CEO. Mr. Lewis is no stranger to the banking industry. He grew up in and around the bank with his father, Ford Lewis, and grandfather, Norman Allen Lewis, Sr., both having served as president of the bank and on the board of directors.
Stratton Lewis, Jr. contributes the success of the bank to the prosperity and growth of the communities it serves. The bank’s success has allowed it to branch out to serve customers in different areas including three other convenient locations. The Linden branch opened in 1985, followed by the Thomasville branch in 1997. The most recent addition, Demopolis Branch, opened in 2009. As was the goal of its forefathers, Sweet Water State Bank’s goal is to continue to serve its communities and the needs of the people with hometown service.
In 2013 Sweet Water State Bank was awarded the Bauer Financial, Inc.’s “Highest 5-Star Rating”. This award signifies Sweet Water State Bank’s 23rd year as a Recommended Institution and the “One of the Strongest Banks in the Nation” award. Bauer Financial, Inc. rates the banks by information received from the FDIC.
On Friday, November 15th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., each of branch locations will be hosting a reception for all of its customers and friends. Sweet Water State Bank invites everyone to come out and share in this special time as a way of saying “thank you” for making the past 100 years such a success.