First State Bank and Trust Company is proud to announce it has earned BAUERFINANCIAL’s 5-Star Superior rating for strength and security, proof positive that you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best.

BAUERFINANCIAL INC., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation’s bank rating firm, has been evaluating and rating banks since 1983. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that First State Bank and Trust Company is one of the strongest in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, profitability and more. In fact, First State Bank and Trust has earned this highest rating for the most recent 138 consecutive quarters which secures it an even more elite status as a “Best of Bauer Bank”. This highest honor is reserved for those banks that have maintained the 5-Star rating for 25 years or longer.

“Local decisions, responsive service and a dedication to making the community a better place to live. These are the hallmarks of community banks and they are alive and thriving at First State Bank and Trust Company”, champions Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Community banks have an understanding of what the community needs and provide the financial support tailored to those needs. The money deposited into a community bank is loaned back out to the community. It all stays local”, she continued.

BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution can pay for or opt out of a BauerFinancial rating. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.

BAUERFINANCIAL, INC. P.O. Box 143520, Coral Gables, FL 33114.