The new Farmers National Bank of Emlenton branch in Cranberry Township is scheduled to welcome its first customers by June. Even after 114 years, the bank is still growing.

The new Farmers National Bank of Emlenton branch at 1 Ogle View Road in Cranberry Township should welcome its first customers by June.

The new 7,400-square-foot building is a good example of what's going on with the 114-year-old institution: Growth.

William Marsh, Farmers National CEO, points out both physical and service advances in recent and coming years.

Farmers National's assets have grown from $376 million in 2008 to $526 million in 2013.

Expansion has been a three-pronged effort: It has acquired smaller banks. It has opened new offices. The population in its eight-county market has grown.

Founded in 1900 as a single bank in Emlenton, the company opened its first branch in 1973. In recent years, it has opened a new branch nearly every other year. With the Cranberry office to open this year, another one will open in 2015 in Hermitage, Mercer County.

“We grow as opportunities present themselves,” Marsh said.

Some of the new branches have been products of consolidation.

“There's an overall feeling in banking that a company must reach a certain size just to outpace regulations and technological requirements today,” Marsh explained. “Small banks look to partner to address those costs.”

Farmers National has 14 offices in eight counties, including three in Butler County: two in Butler and one in Eau Claire. The Cranberry branch will bring the tally to four.

“We have quite a presence in Butler County,” said Marsh, who is one of four of the bank's nine board members to live in this county.

Marsh, who lives in Cranberry Township, said he believes there is a certain attraction for customers to deal with banking officials who live, shop and bank in the same community.

“We are local people,” Marsh said.

In addition to personal accounts, the bank is taking a stronger hold of larger accounts, such as corporate, commercial, school districts and municipal governments.

And Farmers National continues to add upgrades and advances to its electronic banking services. Already, Farmers National offers mobile banking, online billing and e-alerts in which customers get e-mail or text messages when certain account activity occurs.

More advances, including the ability to remotely deposit a check by using a smart cellular telephone, are on their way.

<B>Holding company: </B>Emclaire Financial<B>Headquarters address:</B> 612 Main St., Emlenton<B>CEO: </B>William Marsh<B>Employees: </B>124<B>Mission statement:</B> “Our mission is to deliver quality financial products and services while remaining a strong, independent community bank offering personal attention through highly motivated, well-trained employees. We are committed to profitable growth and the expansion of our franchise to satisfy customers, maximize shareholder value and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”<B>Phone: </B>877-862-9270<B>Website: </B>www.farmersnb.com