First Bank throws a party for its 100th anniversary

First Bank is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special event for the community from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, at the Nolan Center. The public is invited.

The Southeast Alaska bank’s board of directors and staff will host the event, one of several planned for communities where the financial institution operates.

First Bank is headquartered in Ketchikan and is the only commercial bank headquartered in Southeast Alaska. It opened its doors in 1924. The locally owned bank has branches in Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell and Craig.

The Wrangell branch opened in August 1989.

“First Bank has prospered in the past 100 years by focusing on the community aspect of community banking,” Todd MacManus, president and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement.

“We engage a lot with our communities through programs for youth, nonprofit organizations, and, of course, our banking activities. The close connection to the community and our important role in each of the areas where we operate is a big part of why we’ve endured this long.”

“First Bank’s vision is for the thriving future of Southeast Alaska to stand as its lasting heritage,” MacManus said.