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| More FNB Links | Our History | ||||||||||
Pacific Capital Bancorp
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First National Bank opened its doors in Salinas and Monterey on April 2, 1984. The organizers of the Bank recognized a need in our communities for a well-managed, local financial institution dedicated to providing the highest level of service to its customers. After the first year of operation, First National's two banking offices exceeded $50 million in assets. This remarkable early growth continued and, after two and one-half years, the Bank surpassed the $100 million asset milestone. In June of 1989, a second Salinas banking office, located in the Administration Center, was opened enabling Oldtown Salinas merchants to conduct transactions in a private, secure area specifically designed for their needs. An opportunity for First National Bank to strengthen its presence on the Central Coast and expand into the Watsonville market was presented in 1990. The merger with Pajaro Valley Bank combined two community banks with similar corporate philosophies focused on the financial needs of customers and dedicated to personalized service. The opening of the new Monterey banking facility in 1991 provided a more efficient environment for serving our customers. In midyear, the planned expansion into Carmel and Carmel Valley was realized with the opening of the Carmel Rancho office. This expansion was a logical investment due to the numerous banking relationships developed in the area over the years. First National Bank witnessed remarkable growth again in 1996. On November 20th, First National successfully merged with South Valley Bancorporation, firmly establishing itself as the leader in local banking. The merger presented First National Bank with its affiliate, South Valley National Bank. South Valley's first banking office opened in Morgan Hill in 1983. South Valley National Bank has since branched out to surrounding communities and has positioned itself for an increased presence, serving areas with tremendous population and housing growth. During 1997, First National Bank acquired a branch in the Southern Monterey County community of Soledad. This expansion, along with the strong economic growth witnessed that year, pushed assets above $750 million for the first time in the Company's history. The following year, First National Bank announced a wonderful addition to its philosophy of preserving community banking and fostering growth. In July of 1998, First National Bank and its affiliate South Valley National Bank, joined forces with Santa Barbara Bank & Trust... another award winning, locally owned bank committed to exceptional personal service and local banking. Most recently, First National Bank welcomed Hollister-based San Benito Bank to its community bank family. Established in 1984, San Benito Bank's commitment to "Community Banking at its Best" is a perfect fit with First National's dedication to exceptional service to our customers and communities. Bringing San Benito Bank into our network of community banks is an excellent next step for us as we continue to position ourselves as the bank of choice for the Central Coast. We are proud of our history of sound financial management and carefully planned growth. Our Directors, Founders, Officers, and staff are all well established in our communities and know how to respond to our customers' needs. This market knowledge and the flexibility of local ownership have been key ingredients to the success of our banks. We remain convinced that there will always be a need for well-managed local banks, committed to the customers and communities they serve. |
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| Santa Barbara Bank & Trust,
First National Bank of Central California,
South Valley National Bank,
San Benito Bank,
and First Bank of San Luis Obispo
are divisions of Pacific Capital Bank, N.A., member FDIC.
© - Pacific Capital Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. | |||||||||||
